Do you get a better deal going through a travel agent?


Do you get a better deal going through a travel agent? With a few keystrokes, you can find cheap travel deals on the web. But travel agents can do that and more. Often, travel agents receive deals directly from hotels and tour operators that you may not have access to. They also have contacts with resorts and hotels, so they can bargain for better deals.


How do I find a trustworthy travel agency?

Here are a few tips:
  1. Look for the right certification. If the agent is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) (www.asta.org), that's a promising sign. ...
  2. If at all possible, stay local. There's no substitute for the personal touch. ...
  3. Interview the agent. ...
  4. Find out how they react under pressure.


Is it more expensive to use a travel agent?

How much does a travel agent cost? The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and often, they won't charge you at all. Much of their money comes from commissions the hotels and wholesalers pay them. Before you decide to book with a travel agent, inquire whether or not they charge fees.


Is it normal to have to pay to be a travel agent?

Does it cost money to become a travel agent? There are some fees associated with starting your own business. While you will pay for training and general business startup costs, the cost is generally low. Plus, you're investing in your own business and your future as your own boss!


What is the value of using a travel agent?

Travel agents not only save you time, but they can also save you money. Agencies who belong to larger networks, such as Virtuoso, can land you deals like special pricing on hotels and airfare that you can't access on your own.


Why is it better to use a travel agent?

Because travel agents are often working with airlines, hotels, cruises, tour companies, and more on multiple clients over multiple years, they're able to negotiate better deals and access better discounts than you'd be able to on your own. Think of it as bulk buying.


What is a good commission split for travel agents?

The most common commission split is the 70/30 model. This means that your get 70% of the total commission earned and your host agency keeps 30%. Some host agencies will take more and some maybe less. Some host agencies offer higher payouts to their travel agents based on the volume of sales.


How can I trust a travel agent?

Take advice from friends and business associates who use an agent they trust and always check business profiles on BBB.org. Visit or call several agencies to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider everything from the appearance of the office to the agent's willingness to listen and answer questions.


Is it better to use a travel agent or do it yourself?

Travel Agents Can Save You Time Booking a trip, with all its working parts, can take hours, especially if you're researching and comparing the best deals, said Avery Harris of Viking Travel. A travel agent will take much less time to help you find what you're looking for, Harris said.


Should you book with airline or travel agent?

Finding a trustworthy company is not always easy – While there are a lot of travel agents out there, many cannot provide significantly better deals than booking directly with hotels and airlines. Also, it is not uncommon for travel agents to make mistakes, such as booking the incorrect date or choosing the wrong hotel.


When would someone decide not to use a travel agent?

Travel Circumstances When You Cannot Use a Travel Agent You might have online bonuses or credits, like Expedia+ Rewards or Orbitz Orbucks. A hotel may offer extra loyalty points when you book directly through their website. It might be easier for you to arrange rentals cars from an independent agency.


How do travel agents get paid?

Generally, leisure travel agencies' main revenue is from commissions vendors pay on vacation packages, cruises, air, and other add-ons. However, consultation fees and service fees are becoming more common as agencies try to diversify income sources to become less dependent on supplier commissions.


Do people still use travel agents?

National Geographic looks into whether or not people still use travel advisors, and the answer is a resounding yes!


Should I use a travel agent to book an all inclusive?

Booking directly with the resort itself is one of the best ways to ensure you travel and relax on the days you desire. Travel Agents are often paid on commission, and may not have your best interest in mind. They may push a certain resort or package deal on you which benefits them, but not you.


Is it a good idea for someone to book a trip through a travel agent rather than just booking it online by themselves why or why not?

Why use a travel agent instead of booking online? Simply put, you'll have a better trip, without the stress of planning your trip alone. A travel agent can accommodate your interests, budget and time frame with their wealth of knowledge and expertise to make sure that you get the most out of your trip.


How do I get good deals on travel?

Tips to get the best last-minute travel deals
  1. Search lots of booking sites.
  2. Check different hotel dates before booking a flight (and vice versa)
  3. Check bundle deals.
  4. Don't forget about vacation rentals.
  5. Know your airline's 24-hour cancellation policy.
  6. Don't assume award redemption rates mirror cash rates.


Do you pay more to book through a travel agent?

It's a myth that working with a travel agent will automatically cost you more; most get paid via commissions from the hotel or outfitter. Sure, some travel agents do charge a fee for putting together an itinerary, but most will credit you that fee if you end up booking the trip through them.


How to negotiate with a travel agency?

Phone the first travel agent on your list. Tell them that you have been quoted a price on a package holiday. Let them know the details and ask if they can beat the price. Quote the price as a per person price not total cost as any discounts they offer will seem to them to be less.