TRAVEL AGENTS VS ONLINE
In this day in age where the internet is so readily available alongside apps that track and alert us of deals, do you think that travel agents are becoming obsolete? We discuss the pros and cons of booking your travel with a travel agent vs online.
Pros Of A Travel Agent
Price
This one can be a pro or con depending on the agents willingness to budge on price. Generally travel agents can get wholesale prices for airline tickets or special deals but I have been in a few discussions with agents where they won't price match online due to restrictions. It can be a bit of a luck of the draw.
Support
We have booked flights on some questionable websites where support is given by english-is-a-second-if-not-third-language team member. The support numbers are usually hard to find and requires a little bit of digging around. If you are worried about having to speak to support after a flight cancelation in a third world country at least you can rely on travel agents to have international numbers to help you out quickly.
Cons of a Travel Agent
Commission
This is more of a back-of-mind thought that ties into price. The majority of sales jobs include commission incentives to encourage workers to sell more. I worked 8 years in retail with 90% of my time being in a sales position. On top of working for commission margins, there are also bonuses that certain companies will give sales staff for selling their product. For example - sell 'x' amount of 'x products' and they will give you a cash bonus on top of your wage.
How do you know if you are getting the best deal if there is a possibility that someone is profiting from the choice they give you?
Pros Of Booking Online
Price
Yes I know I used this one as a pro for travel agents but by booking online you are able to see the exact price that your accommodation and flights will cost - not a number that is presented to you and assumed to be correct. There are also online exclusive deals that may not be price matched in a travel agency.
Self Reliance
A lot of travellers do not have the confidence to book online and prefer the face to face interaction. However, if you give it a go you will see that it isn't as hard as it seems with so many sites now dedicated to finding you the best deal. There is also a great feeling after you go on a holiday knowing you picked everything out, booked it yourself and relied on yourself to have a great experience.
Cons Of Booking Online
Time
Depending on whether you have a few spare hours or not - the value of time and money will change for each person. To track flights, compare accommodation and then book it can probably be done more effectively by a travel agent.
Conclusion
The conclusion here is everyone has their own preferences and there is no wrong way to book your holiday. We are sure travel agents will be around for a long time...I mean look at newspapers, they're still around when news is available instantly and for free through other means.
Travel Tip if booking through a Travel Agent:Do some research on flight deals and accommodation with a few options to choose form (you can't always get your number one choice). Head into the agency and see what price they give you without show the price you have. If it's not lower than your findings see if they will beat it, if it is - bonus. Most places will need a written quote, the airline operates in your country and is not an advertised price. They may also offer a different/lower cost airline, so you may go in there wanting Qantas and walk out with Jet Star.
What do we do?
We respect travel agents, a few of our friends work as travel agents, however we always plan, book and pay directly online and exclude the middle man.
What is your opinion? Do you prefer travel agents or booking directly yourself? Leave a comment below, on Facebook or Tweet us.