01/28/2020
Why not just book online?
Many people book their trips online directly on a suppliers website. Some agents charge a booking fee (no, I do not charge one), otherwise you will get the same or better rates, by booking with an agent. Most importantly, travel agents have the ability to utilize price matching, which means they can have one supplier price match a competitor. This is especially important for All Inclusive Vacations. You may have booked your own trips for years without problems, but booking with an agent may allow you to travel on better flight times, or with the airline that includes checked bags, for the same price. I often have clients come to me with packages they found online, and I am able to get them the same price with a supplier that includes more, or has a better room allotment at a resort chain. The extra service you receive also includes sending room requests to the front desk of a resort, providing you with discounted rates for airport parking, airport hotels etc. Also, if you experience any problems with your vacation, you have an agent to help assist. Travel agents get paid by the resorts/cruise lines/airlines, and these suppliers promote using a travel agent, because they know when travellers use a travel agent, they spend less on errors, call centre employees etc.
I already booked direct with a supplier, can I now transfer the booking to you?
Travel agents have a very good relationship with suppliers (they host training events for us often, so we stay up-to-date on their product). Most will allow you to transfer bookings that are under deposit to an agent for management. Many cruise lines and resort chains offer a discount if you book your next trip while on vacation. These bookings can be easily transferred to a travel agent when you get home, just contact your agent right away, since a time limit usually applies.
Overall, I recommend booking with an agent. Call or email a travel agent directly, to avoid your booking being managed by a call centre.
Happy travels!
