The Truth About Working with a Travel Agent

A year ago, a client came to me with his Costco trip info that he wanted to book and asked if I could come close, match or beat it because he wanted to book through me.

He was a former colleague and was planning a February trip for him and his wife and even thanked me for sending him The Week in Travel newsletter each week, because it kept my agency name in front of him on a weekly basis.

I beat his price quote and then some.

My package rate was almost $200 cheaper, with better flight times, and all taxes and fees included. I got them a room upgrade in one of the best buildings at the resort, the same amenities that they were receiving in the Costco package.

In addition to all of that, I arranged special Super Bowl reservations at a local sports bar in Playa del Carmen. They received VIP seating and the owner of the bar spoke with them personally and gave them each shirts from the bar.

I made all of their dinner reservations on and off the resort and obtained coveted chef’s table reservations. I checked them in for their flights, made his wife’s spa appointments and arranged for a bottle of champagne to be delivered during their couples massage appointments.

It’s stories like this that represent the value of travel agents, not misinformed clickbait like a recent piece from CheatSheet.com.

Unlike the falsehoods pedaled in that story, a seasoned agent will know a way to package a trip differently to save a traveler money or include other benefits with a trip that others won’t know about. A seasoned agent will have worked with suppliers and know where they can receive a better rate through for a certain resort or destination.

The article was written entirely from the angle that all travel agents are operating without morals or ethics, are out for themselves and could care less about their clients.

That is, simply, not true.

While there are people that operate in this fashion, it is the minority and not the majority. This isn’t just confined to the travel industry, either. It is found in every professional service industry. Yes, there is the chance of being taken advantage of, but does that keep you from hiring an attorney or buying a car? No, you do your research and choose wisely.

You should do the same when choosing your travel advisor.

Travel agents can provide a huge value to you and your travel bookings from a single flight to a trip around the world—and everything in between.

In the end, if you ever feel like your agent is not being up front or honest, go to someone else.

You have the final say on what your itinerary contains and what you want to purchase. Requesting a quote isn’t an obligation to purchase—just like an agent providing a quote isn’t an agreement to book your trip.

While there will always be those who are not morally & ethically responsible, you will receive the exact opposite from my agency and many within the industry.

Our days revolve around everything travel. We have access to endless training, travel opportunities and industry professionals. We are, definitely, the best option to finding the perfect destination and creating a memorable itinerary for that special occasion—or, any occasion.

When you want legal advice, you go to a lawyer, when you want financial advice you consult a financial planner. When you want to remodel your kitchen, you reach out to a contractor. Why wouldn’t you reach out to a travel professional for travel advice and to book your trip?

Each agency is managed through the beliefs of their owners.

At my agency, I will work as hard for you on your 20th trip as I did for you on your first. I pride myself on obtaining the best offer possible for my clients whether they are a new client or a repeat client because I want them both to return. Offering the best experience possible is the best way to ensure that happens.

Working with a respectable agent is going to render the best price and experience possible—all without you having to negotiate.