Travel agents are suffering from a very poor public perception these days. People perceive them to be high cost, low value, and just a ‘middleman.’ Who’s to blame the public for thinking that – with airlines and other major travel brands with big marketing budgets blanketing the internet and traditional advertising outlets, it’s a wonder that agents still exist. But they still have a role and a place to play in the current tourism marketplace. And yes, despite what people think, they do offer good value, and to be honest, sometimes there are ‘middlemen’ for a good reason.
While much has changed in tourism, some things haven’t, and those cumbersome and quirky systems that the airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies used are still the same. There is a myriad of rules and features and only a travel agent can help you take advantage of the best options for you. Sure, airline websites have some great fares but that’s only one picture of the pie. After all, wouldn’t you rather pay an extra $15 for your airfare rather than spend the night in an airport and arrive the next day instead? Your choice. Travel agents are also on lists to have first access to special offers and deals that are difficult find elsewhere.
Finding an agent for you can be difficult. You might want to look for agents that specialize in specific services, such as a wedding planner. Or you could try to find an agent that is near you geographically if you wanted someone you could actually meet face-to-face. There are a multitude of websites now offering travel planning services in different shapes and sizes. The thing is to find someone that is a match, both in terms of understand your personal preferences as well as needing any special expertise. Looking at the agent’s certifications is a good way to check this.
When you should use a travel agent? Oh the classic question. If you could consider your travel a “once in a lifetime” event, then that’s probably a good case for a travel agent. Also if it involves a large party, any more than 4 people, that’s also a good candidate. Remember, an agent isn’t there just to deal with some travel reservations and booking a car rental for you. They can ensure you have the right visa paperwork, advise if travel insurance is truly necessary, and be there for you in the event of problems or issues in transit. Isn’t it night to know you’ve got someone you can call, god forbid if there’s an emergency?
So where are you going? Hopefully you’ve marked your calendar or journal or diary with the next travel adventure you’d like to have. Once you are ready to mark off some dates and make that dream a reality, be sure to consider whether a travel agent is right for you.
Aidan Jones is a writer for Sharing Travel Experiences, a travel more online magazine. They offer a unique and popular travel concierge service.