(CBS News)NEW YORK Travel agencies booked 75 percent of travel until the mid 1990s, but 77 million people will purchase airline tickets online in 2007. Lately, though, travel agents are experiencing a resurgence as many people are discovering that they don't like booking their own travel.
"There was a perception with the Internet you could save time and money. We've come to realize it's not necessarily the case," Travel + Leisure magazine's deputy editor, Laura Begley told The Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm. "The thing with the Internet is there's so much information, so much noise. It's hard to know where to go for knowledge. And you really might not be saving money you think you are saving. There are fees with some of the sites."
Travel agents are often associated with extra fees. But sometimes, Begley said, it can be worth it. If you are booking a simple trip to Miami, for example, you might want to use the Internet. But the moment things become more complicated, travel agents can really lend a hand.
"They provide knowledge," she said. "They can help set up complicated trips. They know about those insider deals. They've got the connections that can really help you as a traveler."
For example, if you want to rent a villa in Italy, a travel agent can help you find the best ones. They are also good with things like safaris through Africa or a more complex driving tour through the United States. Begley said that before settling on a travel agent, ask them if they have been where you want to go.
"What you really want to do is find an agent who specializes in the area you're looking at," Begley said. "There are agents that specialize (in) villa travel. You know, Travel + Leisure, we list the top agents by specialty. You can look at that on our Web site or ask around and see who your friends use."
This is a beautiful article, thanks for sharing. Travel Counsellors are truly great resources to utilise before, during and after your vacation. Building a relationship with your agent is definitely a huge plus for you as it is like your own personal travel butler looking out for your needs. We do not charge a fee, but I know some agencies do, even so it is very worth it as it is truly a valuable service we provide.
We suggest that our members always ask if there are fees, and also suggest if they do, do not book with them. There are lots of great TA's out there that are excellent that do not.
There are many good agents that do not charge any fees - I have friends that do, but I refuse to! Their thinking is that they spend a great deal of time researching information for a client only to have them take that knowledge and book the trip online. It happens. But that's part of doing business. Most people appreciate the invaluable information you gain by dealing with a professional and will utilize their services.
Keep in mind that with all professionals, there are those who generalize and those who specialize. You'll usually get the best information from those who specialize. So if you want to do a cruise, use a cruise specialist. If you want an African safari, then use someone who specializes in African safaris since they'll be the most knowledgeable.
There are many good things about dealing with a full service travel agency. I certainly do specialize in cruises, but I am also very knowledgable about rail travel.
Who would have guessed, my handle being ReggieRail. I have personally traveled almost a quarter of a million miles on Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada.
I am able to draw from many other agents that in fact do specialize in other travel venues, yes, even African safaris. Once you get to know an agent and he gets to know you, a full service travel agent can assist you, not only as far as cruising, but in every other aspect of your travel plans. I can find an agent that would be able to help you book any travel needs that you might have.
Specialization is good, but being a full service travel agent also has many advantages.
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TA's back in vogue!!!
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TA's back in vogue!!!
I have personally traveled almost a quarter of a million miles on Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada.
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