12 Facts: Vacations Made through An Agent vs Online Booking

(Last Updated On: April 29, 2022)

Are travel agents more expensive than online? Vacations made through an agent vs online booking always evoke confusion. If you believe the US Department of Labor and Statistics Bureau, the travel agent industry is shrinking, with jobs declining by about 5 percent between 2016 and 2026. And in an online world where booking a full vacation is easier than ever, it is rarely a surprise. In this article, we will discuss vacations made through an agent vs online booking.

But the industry is far from dead: A study sponsored by the American Society of Travel Agents found that third-party survey firm Lodestar Consulting Partners found that 92 percent of travelers who used a travel agent were expected to consult again. So, should you book everything? Vacations through agent vs online booking?

DIY travel facilities

First, the obvious benefits of booking your own travels: Today’s online portals give you instant access to everything from airline flights and rental cars to hotels, with some amazing end-to-end bargaining.

So if you are traveling at a last-minute whiff, there is no need to wait for a travel agent to open up a business or take on a travel program; You just go that way, if the price is your bottom line, and you can save time, you’ll probably save yourself money by it – when Business Insider asked a handful of travel agents to quote their prices for the same itinerary, all but one of the authors. He quoted prices that were higher than the prices he himself received.

Advantages of using a travel agent

With that said, there are many overriding reasons why people are still leaning towards travel agents.

First, they save you the time and hassle of exploring the many options out there, creating a personalized itinerary that fits your travel priorities and their job on top of special promotions and fine print about things like cancellation fees.

They become a one-stop shop not only for paying your rent but also for communication – an invaluable park if you plan for a larger group.

And finally, if something goes wrong during your travels, your travel agent can help you solve the problem.

1. Travel agents offer insider access

If you are already trying to get tickets for an alluring event or attraction that is already booked, the travel agent may be the best way for you.

They often have internal access, especially if you are consulting with a location or event specialist, ‘traveling again.

This can translate into agent-only discounts and, better yet, blocks of seats reserved for members of the travel industry only – which you will never find if you try to book your own.

2. Ask about fees upfront

You pay a fee to use the travel agent’s services – but that fee depends on your travel agent’s company policies.

According to the American Society of Travel Agents, their agents pay an average of $ 36 for average general service bookings for airline ticket bookings.

Other agents may charge an up-front fee for trip research or planning, while others earn their wages from the commission earned on their booking. Don’t be shy – ask your travel agent about fees upfront.

Also, if they charge a deposit or trip planning fee, ask whether it can be refunded once you make a reservation and after payment, or if it can be applied to travel expenses.

3. Agents can help you get the most bang for your buck

According to Stephanie Turner of Brentwood Travel, travel agents also have expertise looking for the greatest value for your travel budget. “Just keep in mind that the cheapest price isn’t always the greatest value. It’s only the cheapest price, and you can wind up spending a lot more than that to acquire what you want.”

4. Travel agents can help you save time and money

According to Avery Harris of Viking Travel, booking a vacation, with all of its moving components, may take hours, especially if you’re researching and comparing the best offers. According to Harris, a travel agent will take far less time to assist you find what you’re searching for. “We also know about seasonal trends, pricing swings, popularity cycles, and… how the algorithm models of booking websites perform.”

Allowing someone else to arrange your trip allows you to concentrate on packing and planning your vacation.

5. Travel agents are knowledgeable

To find out what could be best for you, we spoke with experts on the benefits and drawbacks of arranging a vacation on your own vs working with a travel agency. It will help to take your decision vacations through agent vs online booking.

6. Perks/Amenities Can Be Obtained Through Travel Agents

According to Diana Hechler, president of D Tours Travel, travel agencies frequently have contacts with partners who offer them with pre-negotiated rates that are better than what you’d receive on your own.

“These include perks like complimentary breakfast, upgrades when they’re available, and early/late check-in/out.”

Advanteges of the booking online

With that said, there are many overriding reasons why some people fond online booking. Tour and activity operators may now use online booking platforms to bring their businesses into the twenty-first century. It will help to assess vacations through agent vs online booking.

When you combine technology with old-fashioned customer service, your company has a competitive advantage in terms of selling services and filling activities. However, before deciding on a provider, think about the benefits and drawbacks of utilizing an online booking system to make sure the software is perfect for you.

1. Making your own reservations gives it a unique flavor

While there are certain advantages to utilizing a travel agency, organizing your own vacation gives you a more personalized experience.

“Being flexible on your travel days, traveling during the shoulder season, and using a flight aggregator to locate the greatest rates on flights are all simple strategies to save money when organizing your own vacation.” These hints can assist you in getting the greatest rates while booking.”

She also suggests using local coupon sites like Groupon to save money on things like museum tickets and other activities. Many locations also offer discounts if you come on specified days or hours, which may be found on the company’s website.

2. Online booking saves you money

Travel agents, according to Deanna Ford, proprietor of the website The Detailed Traveler, “are about convenience, not cost savings.” They obtain kickbacks, incentives, and benefits from the businesses with whom they work, so you won’t truly be getting budget advice.”

Ruby Escalona, who runs the travel blogs A Journey We Love and Voyage Florida, advises that planning your own holiday is both easier and more economical thanks to the convenience of internet booking and searches.

You may save money on hotels, flights, and other attractions by using “travel hacks” like credit card points and miles. Staying at Airbnbs can save you money on hotels, and you may be able to reserve your stay using reduced gift cards or referral credits.

3. Self-reservation saves money on service fees

If you have the time, Anh Le, a travel writer at Luxury under Budget, believes that planning vacations yourself would save you money. “Travel agencies have access to the same rates as consumers and do not get commissions on flights, therefore they frequently charge an additional booking fee.”

Setting up Google flight notifications is a good way to catch cheap tickets when they come down in price, according to Le. “With this strategy, I’ve always been able to find travel bargains, even on major holidays.”

“You absolutely remove the hundreds of dollars in service costs,” agrees Emily Cuneo of the travel blog Emily Embarks, by cutting out the travel agency.

She suggests searching for lodgings on sites like Expedia and then booking directly with the hotel after you’ve decided. “Second, utilizing Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare rates depending on airlines, dates, and layovers is a terrific method to save money.”

Finally, she claims that by avoiding pricey tour groups, tourists may save thousands of dollars by planning their own walking tour of a city or a cross-country road trip.

4. You will have your preferences

The biggest benefit of booking your vacation directly through the hotel’s website is that they can create a custom stay for you. You may specify your room option, the type of view you desire, and whether you will be celebrating a birthday during your stay and want to surprise your companion.

5. It’s simple to keep track of your schedule

You may check your bookings and availability from anywhere using any mobile device using online booking systems. Your business is always up to date, and your calendar can be conveniently controlled from a central place. It will help to justify vacations through agent vs online booking.

6. You can negotiate the best rate

An online booking system ensures that the hotel or travel staff is aware of when the customer is expected to arrive, allowing them to prepare the room for occupancy. Furthermore, some hotels only provide the best room prices on their websites, not through OTAs. As a result, if a consumer secures a room through the hotel’s reservation system, he or she is likely to obtain the best cost possible.

Take away

While there is no right or wrong way to plan a vacation, understanding how much effort you want to put in and what your objectives are will assist you in making your decision. Now, you should have understood are travel agents more expensive than online or not.