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Click Here for Affordable Disney!
Travel Agents
Contrary to some people's perception, Travel Agents' services are, to
a large degree, free. Generally speaking, Travel Agents' commissions are paid by the airline, hotel, cruise or
package that they book for you. While there have been several changes in their commission structure lately, Travel
Agents still handle the bulk of your travel arrangements with no extra out-of-pocket costs to you.
Travel Agents are a great resource for those who want an experienced professional to handle all their vacation
requirements. On the other hand, with all of the information available today (including web sites just like this
one!) many folks can research, find and purchase complete vacations on their own. The choice is entirely a personal
one.
Some of the advantages and disadvantages of working with a Travel Agent are:
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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| Saves time. |
May have to pay a fee. |
| Have access to the latest fare and restriction information. |
May not delve as deeply as possible into the lowest prices. |
| An agent can book your entire itinerary, from air to hotel to rental
car. |
May "push" a certain operator, cruise or hotel. |
| You may have some recourse if things go awry. |
There is always the possibility that the agency could go out of business. |
Choosing an agent.
Travel Agents come in all varieties of specialization, background and level of education in the industry. Some
general service agents have a good familiarity with booking all the aspects of an entire trip, while others will
specialize in a specific form of travel--for example, cruises or African safaris. Try to match your needs with
the experience and abilities of the agent. Ask for input from friends, co-workers and family (you will want to
know of bad experiences as well as good ones!) If you have doubts or questions, consult the BBB in the city where
the travel agent is located.
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