What is the advantage of going through a travel agent when I can research vacations on my own?

Do travel agents get you a better rate? Can they get perks that you would not be able to get on your own? Can they negotiate better deals?



Thanks!What is the advantage of going through a travel agent when I can research vacations on my own?I have been in the Travel Business for 34 years. I think that a good travel Agent (and they are not all good ones!) can save you time and money. Their knowledge is invaluable and for the most part it is free if you are booking other than just an airline ticket.



A good Travel Agent knows where the "deals" can be found. They do nothing but book travel and research destinations, hotels, tour operators and cruise lines all day long. Some even know about Consolidators or they might belong to Consortium's that can get you some really great "deals". They can find the right price and the right destination for you.



They work for you. They can qualify you and find the best place and the best price for you. Most are bonded so your hard earned vacation dollar is protected should they go out of business overnight and leave you hanging.



Most importantly, they can do it all. You could spend hours researching a trip but they can do it all in minutes. They should be unbiased, looking out for you, not pushing their airline of their hotel.



Then they are there should anything go wrong to try and assist you in refunds, or handle complaints. A lot of Travel Agencies have clout and their suppliers want their continued business. You represent one trip, they represent an unknown amount. You are one client, they are again, untold numbers of clients.



Travel Agents can advise you as to climate, currency, cultures and customs. They can also advise you as to vaccinations,health requirement, documents required (i.e. Visas etc.)



Sure you can research it on your own. Doing your homework is your part of a great vacation. We call it know before you go.



So yes, Travel Agents can get you a better rate. Let's say you get onto Southwest's website wanting to book a flight. A Travel Agent has every airline's flights and prices in front of them, not just one. He or she can find not only the best price, but the best schedule to suit you, their customer.



Can they get you perks? Sure can. Many are members of Consortium's that offer special rates and special features. For instance, on a cruise and agent might be able to get you shipboard credit or upgrades to a better Stateroom at no cost to you.



Can they negotiate better deals, that is what they do. They can book one person or one thousand people. Try that on your home computer.



A great Travel Agent is someone that truly wants to make your dream a reality. Personalized attention! Satisfaction and I bet your computer will not send you a bottle of wine on your cruise either! LOLWhat is the advantage of going through a travel agent when I can research vacations on my own?I have gotten cheaper flights and hotel roomsWhat is the advantage of going through a travel agent when I can research vacations on my own?I have been booking online for years. The last time I used a travel agent was 5 years ago. I would like to know the answer too. The best I can figure is there is no advantage, and several disadvantages of going through a travel agent. By travel agent, I believe you mean the ones that aren't online.



The biggest advantage is if you are unfamiliar traveling, or going to a foreign country where they may be able to give you tips and vital travel information. But you can always research this online yourself.



The Travel agents around here have started to charge fees. So, given I can usually at worst book a trip and match their price, I am still saving the outrageous fee they charge.



The next advantage is if you don't have much time to book. But then, there is always a convenience to you time. I can search at 11 PM or 2 AM online. But to use a Travel Agent I usually have to give up my lunch hour or go in after work. AND those are the busiest times to show up at their office.