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It seems that one of the most common misconceptions about travel agents is that it costs "extra" to use one. People seem to think they will save money by booking their vacation directly or by booking online. That simply is not the case, and, in fact, the opposite is often true.
The truth is that commissions are built into the price of virtually every travel product (with the exception of airline tickets, but that's another story). It's the way the travel industry prices. You pay this built-in commission even when you book directly (and they love it when you do so!). Booking directly is not a better deal for you; it's more profitable for them.In addition, many travelers do not realize that when they book online with a big travel company, they have chosen a travel agent - and it's a faceless behemoth that really couldn't care less. By using one of the online travel agencies (OTA's), the traveler is paying for a level of service they are simply not receiving.
According to the New York Times article "Are Travel Agents Back?" people are once again beginning to recognize the personalization and savings they could receive by using a travel agent.
"The complimentary wine and fruit platter was sent up to Jessica Griffin and her family moments after they strolled into their roomy suite. They were accompanied by a bellhop who placed their bags near a tidy crib made up with luxurious, high thread-count sheets for Ms. Griffin’s 1-year-old daughter.The V.I.P. treatment at the Cheeca Lodge and Spa in the Florida Keys last month hadn’t come with an extra cost. In fact, Ms. Griffin said, she paid about $100 a night less than the standard rate for her room. And the deal wasn’t the result of hours of tedious online research either. She had finagled her savings the old-fashioned way: through a travel agent."
What a Travel Agent can provide for you:
- Expert Guidance
- Value
- Personalization service
- Customer Advocate
- Time Savings
- Unbiased information
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