Travel Agency Myths - 10 Myths About Travel Agents
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. A&E Travel
focuses most of our attention on custom honeymoon
planning. This is why you should feel comfortable
allowing us to design your first of many vacations
together as husband and wife.
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&E Travel
will be looking to get you the best value for the money
you spend which should include the most direct and time
friendly itinerary we can find. – Unless you have told
us you would prefer to have the cheaper options
presented as well, you can expect value to be a factor
included in the trip we plan.
4. Myth: It is Expensive to Use a Travel Agent.
Fact: The fee a travel agent charges really depends
upon the agent. At A&E Travel, our fees, if any, will be
quite marginal. For the quality of service we provide,
you will not find a better value. Also, it is important
to remember that a lot of online booking sites 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 A&E Travel has access to all of the
same outlets you would use when looking to book travel,
we also have access to exclusive pricing and package
deals that are most times not available to the public.
A&E Travel 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,” A&E Travel can help turn that
to a “Yes.”
6. Myth: Travel Agents Don’t Have
Updated Internet Information.
Fact: Travel agents obtain some of their information
from the same sources as online booking sites. At A&E
Travel, we even receive daily emails and faxes with new
specials from resorts and hotels that may not be
published on the internet. We 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&E Travel can actually save you from hours of
painful research and price comparison shopping. We have
up to date prices, hotel conditions, and interesting new
activities. Our prior knowledge and experience gives us
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 our 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 may be more likely to make an exception
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, A&E Travel has and will continue to ensure
our clients’ satisfaction!
10. Myth: Travel Agents Can Only Book My Flight
and Hotel. Fact: A&E Travel is dedicated to ensuring your
entire vacation is a pleasant experience. We can arrange
car service, personalized tours and activities, in
addition to all the basic travel services we provide. We
will also be an excellent source for you for information
such as dining options, what to pack, sites to see, etc.
*Source: American Society of Travel Agents |
