Travel agents still needed in an Internet world
Does anyone use a travel agent anymore?
For a simple trip - maybe an airline ticket and a hotel, you can do it yourself. But Lisa Gerstner with Kiplingers.com says a travel agent can be a big help if you have a complicated itinerary.
"They have personal connections with places you might be going - at hotels, airlines, cruises, access to special services that you may not be able to get to," she says. "So they can actually add a lot of value to what you're doing and find out what a deal really is."
If you decide to use a travel agent – ask about the fees. They may work on a commission for big things like a cruise, but charge a fee for airline tickets.
"Even if they do have fees, you may find that the money they can save you on a trip is worthwhile. You just need to talk to them and find out how comfortable you are with it," Gerstner says.
If you're planning to take a cruise and have never done it before, you should seriously consider using a travel agent who specializes in cruise vacations. They really smooth the waters for you.
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For more info: Travel Agents vs. Do-It-Yourself Online Travel Booking
For a simple trip - maybe an airline ticket and a hotel, you can do it yourself. But Lisa Gerstner with Kiplingers.com says a travel agent can be a big help if you have a complicated itinerary.
"They have personal connections with places you might be going - at hotels, airlines, cruises, access to special services that you may not be able to get to," she says. "So they can actually add a lot of value to what you're doing and find out what a deal really is."
If you decide to use a travel agent – ask about the fees. They may work on a commission for big things like a cruise, but charge a fee for airline tickets.
"Even if they do have fees, you may find that the money they can save you on a trip is worthwhile. You just need to talk to them and find out how comfortable you are with it," Gerstner says.
If you're planning to take a cruise and have never done it before, you should seriously consider using a travel agent who specializes in cruise vacations. They really smooth the waters for you.
----
For more info: Travel Agents vs. Do-It-Yourself Online Travel Booking
