Do Travel Agents charge a fee to book with them?
Most Travel Agents don’t charge a fee for their work, as they are paid from the supplier they book with. Some Travel Agents may charge a fee to cover time spent researching and building an itinerary; typically, if the customer books with the Travel Agent then the fee is applied to the booking.
What does a travel agent do?
Booking a complex vacation takes considerable time and effort, and if you skimp on the planning, your trip could end in disaster. A travel agent takes the reins and plots out your trip, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free vacation.
Travel agents take the time to research every aspect of your trip. They plan interesting activities that all members of the family can enjoy, which should reduce disagreements and reduce time spent wandering around looking for things to do.
You may not know all the rules of the road, but a travel agent has seen it all before. Some cruise ships don’t allow babies or children, so you don’t want to show up with the kids in tow. A travel agent can help eliminate these travel tragedies.
Essentially, travel agents are travel planners.
Online travel sites vs. travel agents
There’s no shortage of websites that offer deals on everything from hotels to flights, but there are advantages to using a travel agent instead of booking the trip yourself through a website. For example, travel agents have a wealth of experience planning trips and scheduling activities. They have been there and done that, which can help you avoid costly mistakes. Using a travel agent can still make sense in today’s online world. Travel agents can be a good information sources, save you time, provide skills not found online and even solve your travel problems, should any arise.
The benefits of booking with a Travel Agent
Travel agents can reduce the amount of time spent planning a vacation. They handle every aspect of planning, allowing you to relax before your vacation even starts.
Travel agents schedule everything, including plane, boat and train tickets. They can even purchase tickets in advance for you. Got air miles, you can use them for your flights! If you are registered with an airline, cruise line, hotel chain or even a car rental company, you will still earn your points and retain other benefits!
If you find yourself in a sticky situation, a Travel Agent works with you to fix the problem, whether it’s clearing up hotel reservations or booking a different flight. In the event of an emergency, travel agents provide assistance. Even the best-planned trips have the potential for trouble.
Travel Agents know people in important positions in the hospitality industry. They build relationships with service industry leaders around the world. You may reap some of the benefits of those relationships.
Trying to find the best deal online can be overwhelming, which might negate some of the savings you may see on travel-booking websites. Travel agents generally receive information and access to promotions from resorts, cruise lines and other travel suppliers that aren’t available to the general public.
TOP TEN REASONS TO USE A TRAVEL AGENT
Experience
Relaxing Vacations travel agents know the market and listen to what you want. Our agents will be able to match you with a better product than you can find on the internet.
Advocate
If something goes wrong on your trip, a Relaxing Vacations travel agent will go to bat for you — no matter who is at fault — and try to get your vacation back on track.
Resources
Relaxing Vacation travel agents have access to a variety of tools that the average consumer is not able to use or may not know about. They can sometimes get you a better seat on an airplane, added amenities at hotels, room upgrades, event tickets, and plan activities for you.
Convenience
Your time is valuable and you shouldn’t have to spend it searching for the right vacation. A Relaxing Vacations travel agent can do that for you. They can match you with the vacation that you actually want, not the one that you saw on the internet. There is a difference between travel inspiration and actual travel desires. Destinations may look good on the internet or TV but not actually be ideal for you personally. Relaxing Vacations travel agents can help you define what it is you want to get out of your vacation.
Relationship
As you develop a relationship with your Relaxing Vacations travel agent, they are able to target the right trips for you without even having a conversation. Ideally, a simple phone call or email could result in your next vacation — already planned.
Save Money
Relaxing Vacations travel agents can save you money based on their EXCLUSIVE supplier relationships — or at least match the price you find — while saving you time and effort. There are also hidden savings built into trips in addition to coupons, sales, and packages that are only available through a Relaxing Vacations travel agent. A travel agent will likely book transfers for you, included in the price. Sometimes a package that you book yourself won’t include those, making the experience appear cheaper.
Added Value
There are a lot of add-ons that consumers don’t even know about that can be added by a Relaxing Vacations travel agent. Ever wonder why the couple in the cabin next to yours got champagne and you didn’t? They probably used a travel agent.
Better Destinations
Relaxing Vacations travel agents have inside information on the best times to go to crowded destinations and they sometimes even know what the new “it” destinations are going to be before the masses. Want to get there first? Use a Relaxing Vacations travel agent.
Exclusive Access
Some tours and experiences are only available through a travel agent. Many companies offer a lot of components and simply want to make sure a customer is right for their experience — exotic tours, treks, private jet products are often only available through an agent.
Because We Are Awesome
Relaxing Vacations travel agents are some of the most well-rounded, funny, personable and knowledgeable people you’ll meet. We come from more backgrounds than you can even count. They all have one thing in common: They are passionate about sharing the world with you. Take advantage of our services and contact a Relaxing Vacations travel agent today.
