Are there any downsides to using a travel agency for your next trip?

Now that summer is approaching, you may be planning your big vacation of the year. In that regard, you have a choice. You can make the plan yourself, or ask a travel agent for help.

TravelAge West recently cited research from IBS Software showing the use of travel agencies is on the rise. And 38% of Millennials and Gen Z chose to use a travel agent instead of booking their vacation digitally.

You may want to use a travel agent for your next vacation. But should we?

Advantages of using a travel agency

Travel agencies have the potential to help you save money. For example, a travel agent may offer more favorable room rates at hotels they have a relationship with. You can also earn credits that you can use to purchase beverages on your next cruise.

Moreover, when you use the services of a travel agency, they are the ones who worry about every detail. In some cases, we can also help you plan your itinerary to help you get the most out of your destination. And they may know things you don’t about your destination, which can help you get off the beaten track and enjoy a meaningful trip.

What’s the best part about using a travel agency? Typically, the service is free. Because of this, you might think that using a travel agency is really a no-brainer. But there may be hidden downsides.

Pitfalls of using a travel agency

In many situations, using a travel agent makes sense. However, there are some drawbacks to be aware of.

First of all, if you book a trip through a travel agency, it may cost you more if they take you to a more expensive hotel. They may be more inclined to do so if they receive a larger commission.

For example, let’s say you’re traveling to Aruba and looking for a resort that typically costs $450 per night. Your travel agent will be able to get you there for $400 per night, which seems like a very good deal. But there may be another similar resort in the future that only charges $375 per night. However, travel agents may not recommend a resort if the commission is lower.

You may also have accumulated credit card rewards points for an upcoming trip. However, your travel agency may not be able to help you redeem those points. In this case, rather than receiving a portion of the travel cost for free, you will have to pay the entire cost out of pocket.

Finally, some travel agencies respond more quickly than others. If you find yourself stuck with someone you can’t keep in touch with, you’ll find using a travel agent an incredibly frustrating experience.

what are you supposed to do?

If you’re taking a very simple trip and visiting a destination you’ve been to before, you may decide to book the plan alone, especially if you have credit card rewards you’d like to cash in. When dining out or booking activities, a travel rewards credit card can help you save money while traveling.

On the other hand, if you don’t want to stress over the details when traveling to a new place, it may be wise to use a travel agent. You may also want to get referrals so you don’t end up stuck with someone who is difficult to contact.

Also, if you decide to use a travel agency, be clear about your budget from the beginning. If you can’t spend more than $4,000 for a vacation, say so. That way, your travel agent will hopefully not force you to book a plan beyond what you can afford.

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