The Booking Game

So here we are the age old question "to or not to" book with a Travel Agent or Agency. Obviously I am a Travel Agent and do lean toward using one. However, the bottom line is to do what you are comfortable with but definitely do your research and find a path that works best for you. Sometimes the path of least resistance is the better path to take.

There were many were impacted by Covid-19 travel bans and cancellations. They spent hours on the phone waiting to either modify or cancel and request refunds. For my clients that were impacted, I was on the phone with them giving them their options, executing their requests, and sitting on hold for hours to get it all done. The travelers that booked themselves, didn't really know what their options were and still spent hours on hold to try and get information and make decisions. As a Travel Agent it is our job to help clients navigate the current fluid travel situation with all of the new restrictions, guidelines, and requirements. Trust me when I tell you, Travel Agents are well educated on the most up to date travel information in this Covid-19 era.

Some are DIYers and will never be swayed, but that is OK. Then you have the DIYers that book themselves because they think they are avoiding either fee or commission payments, not so much. You are paying a commission to a phone or online booking agent that you have little chance of ever speaking to again. Speaking of fees, there are Travel Agents and Agencies that do charge a planning or booking fee and while I do not, I can understand why. If you are willing to pay the fee you will book with that Agent or Agency to not lose your money. There are Agents and Agencies that do not charge fees and this come with it's own issues, poachers. These are travelers that request a quote, let agents do the legwork and put in the time, then take the provided quote and book themselves, again to avoid the dreaded "commission".

Know that which ever road you choose, there is no wrong one. If you are someone that doesn't want the stress, have the time, or whose path is supporting small business, then use an Agent because that what we are Small Business Owners. If you are one who is a DIYer and your path is to spend the time and go it alone that is good as well. Just know there are so many great things going on in 2021, get out and explore them.