Hi guys. I started using this board long before I became a travel agent, because I am one of those obsessive planners who prefers to do it myself (trust me, I understand why most of you would never use a travel agent). Now that I am a travel agent (helping mostly people who would never show up here because they would rather pay someone else to do the research for them) I still enjoy using the board to plan my own trips (going to Germany/Austria in May!), and occasionally to try and find an answer to a difficult question posed by a client. Now, at one point I have been questioned on why a travel agent would need to use this board, and am curious - are there other travel agents out there who are Fodorites? Am I alone in finding this useful for myself AND clients?

I would consider your participation on this board two-fold.

First, consider it part of the "research" you do for those clients that don't want to do it themselves. There is no way you can know everything about every place. So, you can take advantage of the opinions/experiences of the people here to help plan your clients' travels. Of course, nothing is better than firsthand knowledge, but there are a lot of "experts" here who can fill in gaps.

Second, you still have opinions, advice, suggestions, experiences, etc to share based on your own travels and the travels of your clients. I would hope that you ask for some sort of feedback when your clients return - that way you can also keep us Fodorites in the loop!

Thanks, Grcxx3, I forgot to mention that - I do try to post at the very minimum my own feedback and answers to questions. And trip reports are a must!! I appreciate the give and take on this board. I have just felt a bit hesitant in recent months since becoming a travel agent to mention the fact that I am one, since I don't want to come across as a know-it-all, as I certainly don't know it all!! And I have noticed a general trend to demeaning the place of travel agents on this board on occasion - which bothers me sometimes. I know pretty much everyone on this board doesn't need one, but there are people out there who don't have time to do what we do.

I know that there are some travel agents who frequent Fodors, but following the Fodors rules - they don't advertise in any way. I think as long as you are giving and getting advice and not soliciting clients - all is well.

I may not have all the "details" on the dos and don'ts for travel agents, but I'm sure someone here will correct me or add to my comments.

I'm not a travel "agent," but I do a fair amount of travel consulting apart from my primary business, and sure I use this board for information! It's invaluable.

I figure any travel agent who follows the posts on Fodors has an edge up on those who don't.

I'm a travel agent and I think this board is a great source of information. I love how people are so eager to help each other and to share their experiences.

I am occasionally turned off, however, by what I perceive to be a palpable hostility towards travel agents. I don't understand it.

And then there are those who feel like this is their board and who don't bother to conceal their contempt for visitors who are clueless about travel. I don't understand that either!

Amen, Virgo!

Hi All,

On another board, a travel agent recently posted a message asking for an itinerary and ideas for a client. Now, assuming the TA receives a fee for his/her advice, what are the ethics involved? I referred the TA to the Swiss Tourist office and wouldn't give any more info.

Any thoughts?

s

I wouldn't feel right doing that - when it comes to clients I merely search through previous posts, or only ask very specific questions that I can't find answers to anywhere else. (i.e. what tourist attraction are open on Christmas day in such and such a city)

I don't think there's anything wrong in using the board to do research and plan. Travel agents are supposed to do that, you can't be born with the knowledge of a place.

However, I don't see why you would feel it necessary to mention you are a travel agent in your posts or when talking about things (ie, you said you were hesitant to mention the fact that you are a travel agent on Fodors). Why would you need to mention it at all? No one would know if you don't try to solicit clients or don't try to impress people with it (by implying you know better, etc., as some do on some boards).

virgo, if you are a travel agent and really can't comprehend at all the hostility towards travel agents, you have not interacted with them very much.

A lot of travel agents are completely incompetent, that's why there is hostility. I've had dealings with them myself. A lot don't know anything, waste your time, and do things just to make money for themself, not things that are in the clients' interest. They are often extremely biased, also, towards only the things they know about or get commissions on. It isn't a profession that requires any licensing or particular knowledge, that's the problem.

I think a really good travel agent would be great, and run-of-the-mill ones are worthwhile for certain kinds of clients or certain kinds of products (ie, cruises). But if you are completely clueless about what the majority of travel agents are like, that doesn't say much for your experience in the field.

I sleep with one!

Well, occasionally when I ask questions it is hard to phrase it without either saying 'I am going to..' or 'my client is going to..' in order to explain the background behind the question a bit (dates, etc.).

Christina I did two years of schooling to become a travel agent. But I agree with you, there are some really bad ones out there. Personally I got into the industry because I love research and I love helping people find what it is they are really passionate about when it comes to travel.

Count me in.
I've been in the industry for over 30 years and can only do my job right if I research well.
None of us know everything and this board, among others, is a great resource. It's increased my ability to help my clients many times over.

Any travel agent that thinks they "know it all" - doesn't. If browsing and replying on Fodor's or other forums makes you smarter and you learn something, you're a better agent.

As the rules on Fodor's stipulate "no self-promotion" which posts are usually so obvious, keep on browsing for future business knowledge and planning your personal holidays.

Whether an agent or not, there's always some bit of information that anyone might find useful.

Hi abbynicole,
I'm not a travel agent, but I remember you from your trip report about your backpacking trip. DH and I took our families with us to Germany and Austria last summer and we stayed at Haus am Moos. Never would have found it were it not for your report... thanks!!! We're headed back to Austria in May for 16 days - can't wait

Hi TexasAggie!

Glad you enjoyed it! My husband and I are actually in Germany/Austria in May as well - when will you be there? We are staying at Haus Am Moos from May 5-9.

Hi abbynicole
We arrive in Vienna on May 8th and are meandering around Austria after 5 nights there, ending in Salzburg at Haus am Moos for 2 nights on May 22 and 23. I just confirmed with Walter last week. I posted our itinerary on Fodors a few days ago... feel free to take a look and see if we will cross paths at any point on our trips!
We also went to Hallstatt on our recommendation on our family trip. We were only there for a day but we fell in love with the beauty of the place. DH and I are planning to spend a couple nights there on this May trip. I haven't nailed down accomodations yet but I am learning toward Pension Sarstein

TexasAggie,

We will be in Germany after May 9, so won't end up crossing paths. Oh well - it looks like a lovely itinerary, I know you will enjoy it!!

We are maybe going to do Hallstatt as a day trip (we have 4 days in Salzburg) - depends on how much down time we end up wanting. We are doing Berchtesgaden for sure this time - my friend and I ending up not doing it on my last trip. I'm waffling between the Wolfgangsee (much closer) or Hallstatt for the other day trip.