And how it works...
Using a travel agent like Jennifer Dugan, owner of Dugan's Family Travel, provides several key benefits to clients:
Expertise in Travel: Travel agents have specialized knowledge in travel planning, ensuring all aspects of a trip are carefully considered and executed. This includes understanding travel advisories, weather conditions, and necessary documents for destinations.
Destination Knowledge: Travel agents constantly update their knowledge about destinations based on their own experiences and feedback from other clients. This firsthand knowledge allows them to provide up-to-date and accurate information, catering to specific client needs including accessibility.
Convenience: Travel agents handle all aspects of trip planning, from suggesting destinations to arranging flights, accommodations, and excursions. This comprehensive service saves clients significant time and effort in researching and organizing their travel.
Cost Savings: Contrary to popular belief, using a travel agent can save money. Agents often have access to exclusive deals and discounts not available to the general public. They also help clients understand the full value of their travel options, including hidden costs that might not be apparent when booking independently.
Personalized Relationships: Building a relationship with a travel agent ensures personalized service tailored to the client’s preferences and needs. Agents use their connections within the travel industry to accommodate special requests and provide unique experiences.
Handling the Unexpected: Travel agents are adept at managing unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellations, natural disasters, or other travel disruptions. They advocate for their clients, offering solutions and rebooking assistance in challenging situations.
Access to Exclusive Offers and Trends: Travel agents have knowledge of the latest travel trends and access to exclusive offers. They can provide advice on eco-friendly travel options, cultural respect, and sustainable tourism practices.
HOW DO TRAVEL AGENTS GET PAID?
Commission from Suppliers: Travel agents primarily earn through commissions paid by travel suppliers such as cruise lines, hotels, airlines, and tour companies. The commission is usually a percentage of the total cost paid by the client for the travel service. These commissions are typically included in the price that the client pays, meaning the client doesn't pay extra to use a travel agent's services.
Direct Client Fees: In cases where travel arrangements are non-commissionable (i.e., the supplier does not offer a commission), travel agents may charge a service fee directly to the client. This fee can vary depending on the complexity of the travel plans and the agent's policy. These fees compensate the agent for their time and expertise.
Varied Commission Rates: The percentage of commission varies depending on the agreement between the travel agent and the supplier. It can also differ based on the type of travel product sold. For example, cruise lines might offer a different commission rate than hotels or tour operators.
Impact of Direct Bookings on Agents: When a client obtains a quote from a travel agent but then books directly with the supplier, the travel agent does not earn a commission. This is a crucial aspect to remember, as travel agents invest time and effort in researching and providing travel options.
Professional Services: Travel agents are professionals in the travel industry. Their income is tied directly to the travel arrangements they handle. If a client faces issues during their trip, the ability of a travel agent to assist is typically contingent on whether they booked the travel.
Additional Benefits to Clients: Beyond financial aspects, using a travel agent can offer clients added value through their expertise, access to exclusive deals, and assistance in case of travel disruptions.
A travel professional is there to help you. Without one, you are on your own to contact suppliers and get help when you need it.