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1. Myth: All Travel Agents and Agencies are the Same
Fact:
Every travel agent is different and has a different area that they
specialize in. So, depending on what type of trip you are looking to
take one travel agent will suit you better than another. That’s why it
is important when planning a trip to find a travel agent that
specializes in where you want to go.
2. Myth: No One Uses Travel Agents Anymore
Fact:
Travel agents still sell 51 percent of all airline tickets, 87 percent
of all cruises, 81 percent of all tours and packages, 45 percent of all
car rentals and about 47 percent of all hotels.*
3. Myth: Travel Agents are Trying to Cheat Me if They Don’t Quote Me the Cheapest Price
Fact:
Travel agents know the ins and outs of different itineraries. While you
might find one that is a little bit cheaper, that cheaper itinerary
might involve a whole slew of headaches. For example, longer waits at
the airport and odd travel times. A travel agent will be looking to
get you the best value for you money spent which should include the
most direct and time friendly itinerary they can find. – Unless you
have told them you would prefer to have the cheaper options presented
as well expect value to be a factor included in the trip they plan.
4. Myth: It is Expensive to Use a Travel Agent
Fact:
The fee a travel agent charges really depends upon the agent. While
some of the more luxury agencies have higher fees, the average fee is
quite marginal. Some travel agents will even drop the fee or offer a
discount once you have finalized your trip with them. Plus, you can
always ask an agent upfront what their fees are and decide for yourself
if it’s worth it. Also, it is important to remember that a lot of
online booking sites, such as Orbitz and Expedia, charge a booking fee
as well.
5. Myth: I Can Easily Book the Same Trip on My Own Without Using A Travel Agent.
Fact:
Although travel agents have access to all of the same outlets you would
use when looking to book travel, they also have access to exclusive
pricing and package deals that are most times not available to the
public. Your travel agent also has more leverage in helping out in
situations such as hotels claiming to be booked, when in fact they may
still have rooms available that are on hold for travel agents
reservations. So when everyone else is telling you “No” your travel
agent can help turn that to a “Yes.”
6. Myth: Travel Agents Don’t Have Information as Updated as the Internet
Fact:
Travel agents obtain some of their information from the same sources as
online booking sites such as Orbitz and Travelocity. They also receive
daily emails and faxes with new specials from resorts and hotels that
may not be published on the internet. Travel agents can also call a
place directly to see if they can work out other kinds of special deals
for you, something an online site can’t do.
7. Myth: Travel Agents Are a Waste of Time
Fact:
Although you can find much of the same information that the travel
agent provides for you on your own, you are going to spend a lot of
valuable time doing so. A travel agent can actually save you from
hours of painful research and price comparison shopping. They have up
to date prices, hotel conditions, and interesting new activities. Their
prior knowledge and experience gives them the upper hand in trip
planning.
8. Myth: Travel Agents Have Lost Their Clout
Fact:
Travel agents book hotels, cruises, and activities every day. The
companies that provide these services know that and want their business
and will work to keep that business coming back. So while a place might
be telling you “Sorry we are booked,” for your one time trip, they are
more likely to make an acceptation for the travel agent to insure that
the agent sends them more business in the future.
9. Myth: Good Travel Agents are Hard to Find
Fact:
While there are some below par travel agents out there, sources such as
Tripology are great outlets to go to find reliable specialized travel
agents that will match your needs.
10. Myth: Travel Agents Can Only Book My Flight and Hotel
Fact:
Travel agents can arrange car service, personalized tours and
activities, in addition to all the basic travel services they provide.
They are also excellent sources of information concerning good
restaurants, good sites to see, and tips on what to pack.
*Source: American Society of Travel Agents
