Why are people so against using travel agents to plan their travel? I saw a posting recently where someone wrote: "I smell a travel agent!" Are travel agents so awful that they stink? What is the problem?

Sandy, <BR>We rely on our travel agent and his terrific advice. Personally, I think many folks do not use one agent and perhaps go from agent to agent...never really establishing a good rapport.

I am a TA, and try really hard to make great travel arrangements for all my clients, at the best price I can find, I think some people do not realize we do the work and save them $$$ and they do not pay us..book direct, have no one to come to bat for you should a problem come up, and the airline, cruise line or tour company just makes more money, they keep the commission...I guess it is what ever the person feels comfortable with, I agree agent hop and they do not know you, but after a few travel planning sessions with the same agent, they know what you like, sometimes we find a great deal to a place a certain client loves, and call them, they always appreciate that personal service. I don't want to get into any heated discussions over this, I say go with what you want, do what makes you happy. There are plenty of clients out there for the "good" agents..actually the internet has cut our work, clients come in having researched and are more inclined to know what they might want and what they definitely do not want..that is a good thing..they might even have a price we need to beat, makes it even easier, we know they know what the vacation will cost and are still interested. it is hard when someone who never travels thinks a 15 day Hawaiian vacation is $1,000 including air!! Don't laugh, some people have no clue...but it can go the other way and people can be stunned at how reasonable some trips can be, so they go twice...good luck whatever you do and whereever you go..I found such a fantastic deal for my personal vacation with hubby, told a friend, and now 12 are going..we like to share the good deals, what the heck!

I very much appreciated the perspective you presented in your post. My husband and I sometimes use an agent, sometimes we figure it out on our own. I had thought the internet must have been detrimental to business for travel agents, but with the ideas you have mentioned, I think it may be beneficial for you. All of the travel info on the web just might be reaching people who weren't even planning on a vacation away from home. If there were more travel agents like you, maybe some of the negativity would go away. We have been fortunate to not have any experience that makes us feel negative toward travel agents. Keep up the great service.

<BR>Dear Sandi, <BR> <BR>You wrote a wonderful letter. I hope most people will someday realize that most travel agents are extremly helpful and do discount quite a bit, even cutting their commissions. <BR> <BR>I logged onto this Fodor's site a few months ago only to give some helpful advice since I have sailed on 56 cruise ships. I did not log on to sell cruises. <BR> <BR>I recived nothing but criticism for defending the cruise industry, some even calling me names and making insulting remarks. Now I limit my advice and am not, in the future, defending any cruise lines. <BR> <BR>I am a very successful travel agent as I am sure you are. We both worry about our customers, fight for their rights and bend over backwards to give a wealth of information. <BR> <BR>And thanks to the original Sandy. <BR> <BR>Paul

We've used travel agents for several years and been very pleased. A way to check is plan a trip on your own, using all the web sites, and then present the same trip to a travel agent. Also, if you're not satisfied with an agent, try another. It took us a while to find an agent that we felt comfortable with. For those who think travel agents stink, the answer is simple - don't use them. <BR>

We had nevefr done a "BIG ship" cruise, so we went to a TA and she took us by the hand and walked us through a list of her questions and got to know our prefs and disprefs. Booked a great cruise (Monarch of the Seas) and sent Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries to boot. <BR>We will never not use her again

We just started this cruisin' game about 5 years ago. Not knowing where to start, we booked with a local TA affiliated with one of the large travel companies (I will not mention any names.) I am a relatively frugal person and thought the price was quite high but didn't know any better at the time. Since the price was far below the posted brochure rate, we thought we must have gotten a deal. <BR> <BR>We have cruised 5 times since then and have a 6th booked for next September and, in retrospect, we really got "taken to the cleaners on the first cruise". <BR> <BR>We now deal with a TA who we were introduced to on the web when we participated in a group cruise. She has, as other of you TAs have posted, bent over backwards for us. She monitors rates and generally keeps us informed as to any changes in our bookings. She even emails us with "deals" on other ships sailing a similiar itinerary to one we already have booked. <BR> <BR>Last year, we had a flight cancelled due to inclement weather and had to jump through hoops to make connections to get to our cruise. We did make it, but our TA, while not being able to help with the cancelled flights, lined up alternate cruises for the following day in the event we could not make the one we had planned. <BR> <BR>Can we save money by booking direct? Probably. <BR> <BR>Will we have the same peace of mind without a TA? <BR>For my money, No! <BR> <BR>This assumes that, again as previously posted, we have developed a rapport with a single, or at most two, TAs. <BR> <BR>Just my "for what it's worth".

I disagree that you can save money booking direct with the cruise lines. [However, booking a cruise or travel through an auction on the internet is different] I am a Travel Agent who specializes in cruises. I have many clients who called a cruise line before speaking to me and got a price that I could beat. Sometimes by hundreds of dollars. <BR> <BR>This is because our company, along with many other travel agencies, block group space on select cruise departures each year. These prices are at a cheaper price than what you can receive booking direct. In some cases if a particular agency does lots of business they also receive additional discounts or sales from specific lines.

TO SANDY: THE PROBLEM IS NOT ALWAYS WITH THE TRAVEL AGENT.I HAVE BEEN A TA FOR 38 YEARS AND YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED <BR>AT WHAT WE HAVE TO PUT UP WITH AT TIMES.NEVERTHELESS, IF I DIDN'T ENJOY THIS BUSINESS, I WOULDN'T BE IN IT.MORE TO THE POINT,A TA CAN BE OF EXCEPTIONAL BENEFIT TO HAVING AN ENJOYABLE VACATION.FOR EXAMPLE, MY PRIMARY GOAL IN COUNSELLING A CLIENT IS TO FIND THE BEST PRICE, THE BEST ACCOMMODATIONS,THE BEST FLIGHTS ETC FOR YOUR MONEY.AFTER ALL,YOU ARE PAYING FOR IT.I WOULD REMISS IN THINKING THAT YOU WILL PASS THROUGH MY DOOR ONLY ONCE.I WANT YOU BACK AS A SATISFIED CUSTOMER. OF COURSE, THE MORE RAPPORT WE HAVE WITH EACH OTHER, THE EASIER IT IS TO FIND EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT IN FUTURE - I KEEP PERSONAL FILES ON MY CLIENTS LISTING ALL LIKES/DISLIKES ETC. AS FOR USING THE WEB SITES AVAILABLE - YES THEY CAN BE BENEFICIAL TO YOU AS A TRAVELLER.HOWEVER, WILL THESE SITES BE ABLE TO TELL YOU WHEN A PARTICULAR HOTEL HAS CLOSED ITS POOL FOR RENOVATIONS WHILE YOU ARE GOING TO BE THERE OR TELL YOU THEY HAVE CHANGED CHEFS AND THE MEALS ARE NOT AS GOOD AS THEY USED TO BE OR IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A VERY QUIET HIDEAWAY ONLY TO HAVE A MOB OF CHILDREN OR TEENS ABOUT? DON'T GET ME WRONG - THERE IS NOTHING DETRIMENTAL TO HAVING CHILDREN OR TEENS AROUND - THE POINT IS, THAT IS NOT THE TYPE OF VACATION YOU WERE LOOKING FOR. I THINK YOU GET MY POINT. BESIDES LOOKING OUT FOR YOUR BEST INTERESTS, A GOOD TA CAN BE A WEALTH OF INFORMATION (BOTH PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL)THAT CAN BE OF TREMENDOUS HELP. <BR>A WORD TO ROD HOOTSLEASE DO NOT SUGGEST THAT CLIENTS PLAN A VACATION ON THEIR OWN VIA WEB SITES AND THEN TAKE IT TO A TA TO COME UP WITH THE SAME THING.MY TIME IS VERY PRECIOUS TO ME AND I TAKE PRIDE IN MY JOB.I DO NOT APPRECIATE "WASTING" IT TO SATISFY SOMEONE'S IDEA OF WHAT A TA SHOULD BE.IF A CLIENTS WANTS TO TELL ME SPECIFICALLY WHAT HE/SHE WANTS (AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THEIR OWN),FINE.I WOULD BE QUITE HAPPY TO MATCH THEIR REQUESTS. IF I CAN DO BETTER THAN WHAT THEY HAVE FOUND OUT -ALL THE BETTER BECAUSE I HAVE DONE MY JOB NOT ONLY TO MY SATISFACTION BUT ALSO TO ME CLIENTS' SATISFACTION. <BR>AT ANY RATE, GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE LOOKING FOR A GOOD TA. WE ARE OUT THERE. A FINAL WORD - IF YOU DO FIND ONE, PLEASE, PLEASE,PLEASE, MAKE YOUR SATISFACTION KNOWN TO THEM AND DON'T ONLY CALL THEM BACK TO COMPLAIN.

There is nothing wrong with travel agents. I would have to agree with the previous writers. In most agencies you have people who have visited the place you are going and have seen it first hand. Travel Agents have a different perspective when they are travelling. <BR> <BR>The only thing I will add is that it is hard to find a "GOOD" agent. Too many people in the industry are order takers and are not helpful, though I think this problem spills over into most service industries (insurance). By the way I am a former travel agent. As far as pricing, I've never known any travel agent to "UP" the price for a client. They want to get the best price for you so you return to them. <BR> <BR>Good travel agents work very hard and will be able to really help you in choosing the right tour/cruise/hotel etc... <BR> <BR>If you see a better deal advertised someplace else, ask your travel agent. most of the, can get the same deal. Travel goes on sale just like any other item at a store. You may book a trip 2 months in advance and a few weeks before you go see advertisements for 30% off. THIS IS NOT BECAUSE YOUR AGENT DIDN'T GET YOU A GOOD DEAL. This is just like the book that just went on sale a week after you bought it. <BR> <BR>Sorry I went on for a while, I really do enjoy the industry and travelling in general. Find a good agent, they are valuable! <BR> <BR>

Hi there, <BR>I have to say that is nothing wrong with travel agents per se'. I do not resent a good one from getting a commission when they do a good job of making my travel arrangements. A good TA can be worth a lot in terms of convenience and service. However, do be advised that good ones are few and far between and that the override commission structure does put them in a position of having an incentive to book travel with as few different vendors as possible. Just be aware of this. Its just like a Chevy dealer will sell you a Chevy and not a Ford because that where they make their money. <BR> <BR>Read carefully the posts by travel agents and you will see that, as is their right, they will not sell anything that is anti commission. See their comments regarding Renaissance Cruises, Apple Vacations (apparently only qualified agents are part of this circle) and even those vendors who try to do some selling direct (Pleasant Holidays). Be aware that there are products out there you will not be even exposed to because of the bias of an agent. Be an informed consumer. <BR> <BR>By the way, to Peter, the TA of 38 years experience.....a little friendly advice, don't use all caps, it is like shouting at all of us...use a little nettiquette. <BR> <BR>Tom M.

Just scanned back and saw I did not cause an uproar when I defended us TA's...I sell Renassance Cruises, make very little commission on them, but sold one today for the millenium, at LOWER than the internet price by a LOT!!! They send us faxes with offers that are not on the internet...sure I make a small commission, but the client gets a great deal, refers his friends and returns!!! Lots of times when you book direct, the price is not lower, the company selling just makes more money not paying commission! We do a lot of group space on cruises, so our prices are wonderful, but what is really good for business is when I get the rate lowered, call the client and tell him the cruise went DOWN and now they are paying less, you cannot buy goodwill like that...I love it! But, then there is the time when a previously booked client calls and says he can get this great deal, below cost even if you dropped all the commission...but it works out, cause that "great" deal did not include something. like port fees, etc...but if it is true, I tell them I cannot do anything, and to go for it..and I am nice about it...never burn your bridges...but we have never lost a client that way!!! All we can do is be honest, and try as hard as we can...but like any proffession there are always "bad apples" if your TA is not helping you (and believe me I have met some, who make me wonder how they have any clients), move on, find one you trust, and then stick with them!!! We have clients we call when we get a really great deal, it is win/win for both of us...a good TA is one of the best ways to get the best deals, they will think of you when that "fax" crosses their desk....

I don't think people are bashing TAs in general, just ones that seem to be surfing for business without identifying themselves. It gives the same impression as ambulance chasing lawyers. Not a comment directed at all Travel Agents only those who seem to operate a little underhandedly.

Fair statement, I never write without my e-mail address...guess I would take the heat were it to come to that, but this seems to be one of the BEST boards out there, calm, genuinely helpful people...I just think it is like anything else, every proffession has bad apples, I had a lady e-mail me with a horror story recently, she said I calmed her down, could not really do a darn thing to help her, but hated to see her in such a state before her trip..most of us try really hard...It is late and I just had a client call me at home for some directions, which I had offered, but said he would not need, and at 10:30..I really tried to be pleasant, even when I had a rotten day with one particular cruise line (which I will not bash, but will NEVER book group space with them again!) but it is nice my client felt he could call me at home, actually I forgot he had not gone and my first thought was oh no, he has a problem in Las Vegas!!! But, he had not gone yet...Have a nice night

Hi there, <BR>just when you thought that travel agents always worked in your interest vs. theirs, you hear a news story about how TA's are steering customers away from United Airlines because of a cut in their commissons..i know not all TA's are participating but you kind of get the idea of the conflict of interest between their pocketbook and what product is appropriate for you. <BR> <BR>tom m.

I appreciate many of the responses posted here. <BR> <BR>I am currently struggling with the possibility of a cruise vacation next year. I did an outstanding job planning our last trip (a 3 week European rail <BR>vacation) and loved every minute of it, but I'm convinced that a TA could be a valuable asset in this case. <BR> <BR>What I need is a "highly recommended" TA: perhaps one of you or someone you've dealt with. If you have any thoughts, please send them via email so that this thread doesn't degenerate into an advertising effort. Thanks.

So here's the big question: <BR>How do you find a really good travel agent? <BR> <BR>The last one I tried was good, but only specializes in "adventure" travel. The one before that gave me the wrong departure times for a train and I missed the departure. The one before that issued my tickets on another airlines "stock" and when my flight got changed, everything got fouled up. Before that I used a relative, who tried to be helpful but wasn't very knowledgeable. I pick real winners.

There is a difference. Some folks call themselves T/A but are in reality only ticket sellers. Some are excellent. Until you have found a T/A, do you own research, read the boards, check prices with several agencies, check on you reservations. Verify those dates and rimes. When you find someone who gets it right on a regular, use them again. If they continue to get it right, then you have found a real travel agent, until then assume you have a ticket seller and be wary. <BR> Entry level travel agent jobs do not pay that well, and so many 'agents' are bored wives of men who do not really need the income. All new agents go through a learning period. Some give up, some become very good and attract lots of customers, some just keep working. As the consumers, it is OUR resonsibily to know who is working for us. <BR> Ask questions, ones that you know the answers to. It is said that the assesment of another's intelligence is how often his opinion agrees with our own.