Using a Travel Agent to Save Time, Money and Hassle

The Internet has revolutionized the way some people book flights and holidays, leaving them preferring to scurry around the World Wide Web in search of destination and air fare bargains. There are a myriad of reasons why using a travel agent to make the arrangements makes sense and may be more beneficial than a do-it-yourself effort.

Holiday Planning on the Web

It seems that fewer travelers and holiday-makers visit a travel agent to arrange trips and holidays preferring to do the research and find the best bargains themselves. Using the Internet may be an easy option; it can be done from the comfort of your own home.

However, using the Internet to book flights and choose hotels is not hassle-free. The potential to make a mistake like booking the wrong departure and return dates may be great and can throw out other plans. You have to endure the stress of reviewing flight options, comparing air fares, searching for and choosing hotels (which may have very spurious 'guest' reviews), which is time-consuming and confusing.

Advantages of Using a Travel Agent

Many think that using a travel agent is expensive but this is far from the truth. An experienced travel agent may save money as they have knowledge and information that is difficult or time-consuming for many web-users to discover.

Travel Agents Have Inside Information

Travel agents have access to inside information from tour companies, hotels, and airlines before it is available, or even available at all, to the general public. Even if they do not have direct access to the 'best deal' information it is often just a matter of a few clicks on the mouse before the information is found. The agents form relationships with hotels, airlines, and railway companies, and are able to negotiate preferential deals that individuals can not. Travel agents have information on the best destinations to suit your needs and wants. Often the agent is able to suggest quieter and more relaxing venues and hotels and that are kid- or dog-friendly too.

Best Holiday Deals from Travel Agents

The travel agents' relationships with the airline and hotel industries make it easy for them to negotiate rates and deals that would be beyond an ordinary individual traveler.

Travel Agents Save Time and Embarrassment

Planning a holiday is time-consuming so using the expertise of a travel agent to do the more onerous and time-consuming tasks of the trip will save your time. Planning inter-connecting flights or rail travel for instance may take hours to do; a better idea is to outsource these chores to a third party and use their experience to aid you. With a travel agent you simply sit down in the office, discuss your requirements and sit back while they do the work.

They can also give you tips on etiquette and customs at your destinations, so reducing the risk of embarrassment or causing offence when tipping. They can tell you about travelling by taxi, or advise on the appropriate from of dress when visiting temples, mosques, or other venues. As well, they can inform you about such matters as visa requirements, health problems and vaccinations you will need and any travel restrictions.

Travel Agents Provide Greater Options

A travel agent will show you more options in five minutes than you will be able to access in five hours. Having made a decision on where you want to go, the whole process can be completed within an hour or less of entering the agency. The support mechanisms that travel agents offer in times of unforeseen problems are invaluable. By working with the airlines, travel agents can intervene if bad weather means a delayed departure or return, or if you miss a flight connection, and in passing information to hotels and others should your arrival at the destination be delayed.

Given the benefits of using a travel agent, why bother to waste time and money combing online sources to get the "best deals" when an agent will do the donkey work for you at less hassle while saving you money at the same time? And if disaster strikes, their local agents are only a phone call away. There is another benefit to their service also, and that is taking the work and worry out of arranging your holiday give you more time to enjoy it.