By Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse
Save With an Agent
Travel Agent on the phone. |
Travel agents can save you time, stress and, most importantly, money in a variety of ways. Here are just some of the key money-saving advantages of working with a travel agent in 2019.
They're Affordable
Vacation money savings in a glass jar with compass, passport and aircraft toy on world map |
"Most consumers already think we charge fees or they pay more to use our services and I want to assure them that not all travel agencies are created the same," Mark Hennigan, co-owner and founder of Hampstead, Maryland-based Dreamers Travel, told TravelPulse.
You're Not Overpaying
Travel planning, trip planning |
The best travel agents make their money through commissions from suppliers for the most part and can score you the best deal possible, meaning booking with an agent won't cost you any more than if you were to book yourself. In fact, you're likely going to save money.
Exclusive Perks
VIP access. |
Travel agents can get you access to more for less and that includes special perks and VIP experiences in some cases that are just flat-out more fun when they aren't costing you anything extra.
Save You Time, Confusion
Frustrated at work. |
Working with a travel agent ensures you won't be wasting hours staring at a computer screen trying to find the best hotel or flight deal. The odds are high your agent has access to the best deal anyway.
Avoiding Mistakes
Young couple shaking hands with a female agent. |
Travel agents also save you money by helping you avoid the mistakes you might otherwise make if you're booking on your own. Their knowledge is invaluable and it's a resource you'll benefit from before, during and after your trip.
Flexible Payments
Make money and travel |
Many travel agents offer flexible payment plans that eliminate the stress that comes with having to pay for your entire trip at once.
Packaging and Planning
Travel planning on the computer. |
A travel agent can package flights, hotel stays and other aspects of your trip together to save you even more money while giving you a dependable ally to go to in the event that something goes wrong. Agents also make traveling with a large group much easier as they can capitalize on your group size to unlock additional savings and make sure everyone winds up on the same flight, etc.