Travel Agencies
 

I am planning a trip to the islands and I am not sure which Travel Agency is the best with a good price and is helpful. Any information would be great. Please help!!!!

Which islands might those ne? Hawaiian? Caribbean? other? <BR>Conde Nast traveler magazine did a huge feature on specialized travel agents a couple of months ago.

Here are a few tips on finding a good agent: <BR>-ask if they've been there before <BR>-what did they like/dislike <BR>-did they try any activities that you might be interested in <BR>-do they seem to really care, or are they only steering you toward a certain property <BR>-do some homework your self. take home some brochures and read about where you would like to stay. <BR>-give them a budget to work with

Bless your heart "agent", I think the advice you give is priceless!! <BR>It makes the job of the agent, and the experience of the client so much more productive when BOTH sides are prepared. <BR>And the budget idea is great, I always ask my client if they have a budget they are working with. Some people have trouble answering that question, I think they feel ashamed if their budget is too small, but please don't. It helps narrow down the possibilites and avoids wasting time. <BR> <BR>It's like when you go to a real estate agent, they always ask what price range you are looking for in a house, same thing with a vacation. A good agent will ask!!

IMO, if you are willing to "do your homework" just to visit an agent, you can easily take that homework and book your own trip via the internet. People who use travel agents are generally the sort who don't WANT to do any homework...that's why they want an agent, someone who will do it all for them. <BR> <BR>If you truly want to avoid being "steered" to the places and things which are offering the sweetest deals to the travel agent, research and book your own trip.

If you research a little and give the agnet an idea of where you want to stay they could usually come up with better bargins than the internet. There are many wholesale companies agents work with in order to get a better deal than you would get on your own. You just need to pick the right agent.

If you research a little and give the agnet an idea of where you want to stay they could usually come up with better bargins than the internet. There are many wholesale companies agents work with in order to get a better deal than you would get on your own. You just need to pick the right agent.

Your theory, "agent" was tested by Conde Nast Traveler a couple years ago. They pitted experienced agents versus a computer savvy independent traveller. They were given basic vacations to schedule (specific locations, air, hotel, car etc) and the total expenses were tallied. <BR>The bottom line was that the savvy independent traveller sometimes outdid the agent, sometimes the other way around. There was no clear "winner". <BR>I will concede that of all travellers, probably less than one third are truly computer savvy, though.

Didn't think it would take long for some incognito travel agent to claim that they could offer better deals than the internet. <BR> <BR>Why is the travel agent industry struggling then? Why are travel agents parked here, plugging themeselves and their industry, on an independent travel site like Fodor's? <BR> <BR>Because most travel businesses, including the airlines, have cut out the middleman (and commissions) and allow customers to book directly via the net, often at discounts unavailable anywhere else. Hotels, airlines, you name it, most will offer better deals on the internet. They eliminate not only agency commissions, but labor dollars as well, by allowing customers to book itineraries themselves on the net. And that's a powerful incentive to cut prices. <BR> <BR>There have many discussions about this here on Fodor's, including some interesting links to news articles about the tactics the travel agencies are using in the wake of declining customer bases. Shall I top them for you, incognito travel agents? It would be my pleasure. :)

Im a travel agent and when people call me and tell me what price they can get online ususally I can do better. The only way I cant is if it is a last minute deal. And after what happen on Sept 11 I could not believe the calls we got from people who booked online and could not get a hold of the airlines to change their tickets. But we could not help them because we did not do their tickets. Something to think about.

Geez, talk about bitter? <BR>Sure "smells" was overly aggressive, but no need for such vitriol, Rachel. <BR>But one comment, since you seem to equate 'affluent clients' with those who could care less about finding competitive rates, I'll jump in. We spend over $25K per year on travel (and aren't retired) and we have always booked everything on our own, regardless of continent. I have, at times, offered my business to TA's if they could get me a better deal (didn't tell them I was comparing based on my own research). I've never booked thru an agent. <BR>We often fly international first class, but always get 50% off the fares. We have developed numerous connections and tricks for getting upgrades, perks, etc. <BR>I would bet that fewer than 10% of TA's could consistently save me money over my own efforts. <BR>To conclude that anyone who spends big $$ on travel doesn't care or is financially myopic is very foolish on your part, Rachel. You only see the clients who fit this description. There are plenty of wise travellers out there you have no knowledge of. <BR>Just my .02

I don't see how any of this helps Shannon--can't anyone help with her original question? But Shannon, you also need to pipe in and clarify yourself. Are you talking about Hawaii? This forum would be a waste of everyone's time if the OP doesn't look at the responses once in a while and add to <BR>it.

Kay, I am quite frankly getting sick and tired of these idiots spouting about an industry they no nothing about. <BR>Going to a TA is not always about saving money, and yes we are competitive. I usually check the prices the vendors quote me to Expedia, Travelocity, etc., and I find that my agency often gets better deals on tours and cruises. My clients come to me for personal service, not just to see how many nickels they can save. And my agency often gets free upgrades, perks for our customers. You probably don't know about any of this because you choose to do your own. Most people don't have the time, or desire to try and use "tricks" to get a good value. <BR> <BR>I don't know why so many people are so aggressive against TAs, it's almost like it's personal!! Please people, if you choose to book yourself, go for it!! <BR>Just don't call me when you get screwed over by an online company. I agree with "nobody", we had numerous calls from people stuck all over the world after the terrorists' attacks. MY clients were well tended to, and those who booked online were having a hell of a time. We had to say "sorry, but you choose a blinking screen, so go plug in your laptop and just try and find a flight home!" <BR> <BR>And Kay, if you spend that much on a vacation (yeah right) then you should consult a professional. I am sure there are many wise travellers out there, I am one of them, but it doesn't have to be one or the other. I like to cook now and then, but I also like to go out to a great restaurant and let a true chef make me an incredible meal. <BR>Life's too short, I don't need tricks to get what I want, I'm willing to pay for quality.

Rachel, you may be a decent travel agent, I really don't know, but your people skills sure aren't too sharp. <BR>I quite clearly stated that we spend over $25K per YEAR on travel, not on a single vacation. And your snippy little comeback of "yeah right" clues me in right away that your clients can't be TOO affluent if that total shocks you. It's easy to spend $5-7K on vacation for two. I have 9 weeks of vacation per year and we travel at least 6 of them. $$ in Paris and London disappear quickly. <BR>You do the math. <BR>Better yet, don't. <BR>Guess I should've let "smells" original comments stand alone. <BR>

Kay, I am not shocked by 25K darlin', but your 9 weeks of vacation a year is an eye-opener. No wonder you have so much time to barter for your trips!!! <BR> <BR>You work part-time, most people don't have that luxury. And they will come to me, and I will help them through this maze of a business. Think of me as a guiding light!!

Rachel-Your 5 minutes are up! BTW, a lot of us do the research and do not stay in 1 star properties!!!

Rachel... May I remind you that you are in a "service" profession. I would like to know what travel agency you work for and if you use that same mouth to speak to your customers. Your big mouth must be that guiding light.

Rachel, I'm not attacking here, OK? <BR>But think about the big picture here for just a second. <BR> <BR>You've come to a website where travellers come learn, on their own, about travel...good places to go, how to save money, etc etc. <BR> <BR>By definition, anyone here has more interest in learning about travel than the average person, and is more likely to take active part in his/her own travel planning. <BR> <BR>To come here and insult people who try to do their own travel planning is like going to a baseball game and criticizing people there for liking such a 'boring' game. You're not going to be very popular or make a lot of friends. <BR>Make sense?

Calm Down People. I take offense to the comments about Travel Agents as I am one as well. Not every travel agent out there is out to screw you over. <BR> <BR>I Sell Airline tickets all day long(and i make an hourly wage and have yet to get a commission check).First of all, the majority of people that call me have been checking around for about the the last three weeks(if they have the time).They are pretty aware of what is out there.Secondly, I generally can help people get the info they are looking for much faster than they can. We are talking minutes compared to hours.Third not every agency is going under and(they do not rely completly on the airlines commissions). <BR> <BR>I would have to say, there are very few people that can afford even a fraction of 25k a year in travel expenses.I wish that were true because it would make me job so much more enjoyable.Instead I get people calling all day looking for miracles when it comes to fares. <BR> <BR>There is a lot that goes on in this industry and many consumers dont know the half of it.Everything is constantly changing and its hard enough for us to keep up with it all.Dont Kill the messanger People.

Lenleigh: <BR>From one TA to another, thank you for telling them how it is!! I don't know of many other professions that incite this much confusion. I think alot of it stems from jealousy that we get great deals!! I just back from an Alaskan cruise-10nites, everything included, and it only cost me 150.00!! <BR> <BR>The public doesn't understand WHY we are invited to join these dream trips, it's because we sell their products. Travel agents are not in the service industry, we are salespeople. I came into this business 4 years ago and I have already been to France, England, Germany, Alaska, Hawaii, and 6 major U.S. cities. <BR> <BR>In a few months I will be off again, doing a wine cruise of the Napa Valley. Please people, don't be envious, we only go because it's part of our job. I'm sure you get perks with your jobs as well!! But in order to sell these destinations, we must experience as much as we can. <BR> <BR>I don't know why some people take pleasure in seeing other people jobless, I certainly don't cheer when other industries are in trouble. I personally am doing great, and I thank the internet for helping us weed out the clients hunting for just cheap tickets. It helps them and it helps us concentrate on more profitable vacations. Everyone wins!!! <BR>

I agree with Rachel, I use a TA for my trips to Europe and she does a fabulous job. I can go to the web for a plane ticket, but when I need expert advice, there is no substitute. What do you people think, that the online webstores aren't interested in making a buck as well?? Guess what, there are actual people who work for those companies and your best interests are not on their list of importance. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Rachel is a big mouthed foul person. No wonder people disdain TAs. TAs like her give you all a bad name...

To XXX: <BR>JEALOUS, JEALOUS, JEALOUS!!!! <BR>

Rachel, you're either a teen ager with too much time on your hands, a troller trying to get attention because you were unloved as a child, or you are a pretty immature 'professional'.

And boy did you ever stumble on a precious bit of insight: we're all jealous of you because we wish we could live your life.
Hello?
Reality's knocking at the door, Rachel. You really should try answering it for a change.

Glenn baby, where there's smoke there's fire. The losers posting insulting messages about TAs are just jealous. They have boring jobs and have to save up years for the places I can go to on a whim. I wish you just say how lucky we are and be done with it.

Glenn, you're so green with envy it's made you completely humourless. Dude, I have answered the door, and it's another free flight out of here!! I can send you to hell real cheap. I'm sure you would love it, it's "somewhere warm"!!!

Rachel, as one who knows, I can tell you that most travel/hospitality execs and front-line workers consider those traveling on TA discounts to be the lowest form of life. Does that bother you at all when you go on all your fabulous "vacations?"

Not at all!! I could care less what they think. But the fact is when I tell them I am a TA, they roll out the red carpet. I get great rooms, complimentary champagne, food and beverage credits, etc. <BR>When I go on my "fam" trips (for you non-industry people that means familiarization) I am wine and dined. <BR>On my Alaskan cruise, the cruise rep had dinner with 20 of us TAs and sent wine to our table every nite!!! Woe is me, huh?? Still sense jealousy, but don't be bitter. It's a thankless job, but someone has to do it until that big, bad internet scares us all away!! <BR>

Rachel, just wondering how you fit all your customer in between the volumes of vituperative bullshit you post to this site?

Why darlin', I am multitasking!!! <BR>Apparently you aren't familiar with that concept. A TA's job by definition is multi-task oriented. Oh look, here comes another fax inviting me for a european cruise for 10.00 a day. What ever will I do?? <BR> <BR>You'll have to wait until your an old man do enjoy the fruits of my labor, baby. Save your pennys, I am going to see the world NOW!! I'll bet your girlfriend is a download from one of those "lonely guys" websites, huh?! <BR>Thought so!!!

I love this Rachel she is funny as hell. <BR>I have to give it to her, she sure gets under people's skin. But when she's right she's right and I am jealous. Sounds like a great job, my boss sends me to the local Days Inn for a conference and that's it. Maybe I should go to travel school, I don't want to wait until I'm an old man to see the sites.

I am a TA as well and whenever I fly I am treated with just as much respect as the next passenger. What about all those airline execs, they travel for free too. Every time I travel, I get upgraded. Even on an overbooked flight, myself and my travel agent friend were upgraded to business class. Hotels love us too, always get comp rooms or an upgraded room. They want us to sell them so they treat us with respect. How else could we afford to travel? We are paid pennies for the stressful job we have, if it weren't for the travel perks I would not be in this business!! When we travel for work it is not a vacation. We are going to see the places our customers want feedback on. We travel to give you expert unbiased advice. <BR> <BR>My opinion. I don't think anyone should call us the lowest form of life. We are here for our clients when they need us. What about the internet? Have fun when you try to make a change or if you have a problem or complaint to report. Without a Travel Agent you are on your OWN!!

Way to go XXX!!! <BR> <BR>The person who posted that is lying, I am a TA too, and the gate agent will bump us up to 1st class when availiable. <BR>They can relate to our stressful jobs, they deal with uninformed travelers all the time. I love this thread, let's me vent what I really feel about some of my customers. <BR> <BR>Some are great, others the internet can have them. Wait until the online travel agencies catch up to the brick and mortar agencies. They will see that not all is as rosy as they thought. <BR>They thought it would be easy money, having the public do their own work, but from the stories I've read, they are having to hire more and more people to deal with their customer. <BR>HA HA HA!!

I hope to get the attention of Travel Agents for my question. <BR> <BR>What internet web sited do you use and/or check. Name them all. Give your perception of the best/ middle / worst ones. <BR> <BR>Any tricks you can share when you surf the net looking for travel deals? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance <BR> <BR>e-mail me at [email protected] if you want. <BR>

So if all of these discriminating travel agents only want "upscale" clients who can pad their commissions, what are doing HERE on Fodor's....trolling for more "upscale" customers?

You know, dear rachel, there's an old saying that money can't buy class. <BR>You're living proof that despite what many people think, travelling doesn't always breed class or sophistication either. <BR>You can take the girl out of the trailer park, but you can't take the trailer park out of the girl.

I dont understand how these get so out of hand.Rachel, I hate to say it to you but you dont make any of us TAs look good. Granted, we have been insulted but it doesnt make it better to insult everyone back and to flaunt your special privledges to everyone out there. Yes, we can get good deals and I certainly am in this business for those perks.However, the salary could be more desirable and most "Fam" trips you take require you to tour the establishments and take time out of acutally relaxing. <BR> <BR>I think people are acting very silly and immature about this whole thing.We dont diss your professions what ever they may be and you cant say that you will never use us in the future. Cause everyone out there is looking to save a buck, including myself. <BR> <BR>By the way,for the person wanting info about Websites.Just a little info I have seen: Orbitz is pretty competitive, as well as travelocity,cheap tickets etc... Expedia, in a test we did, was usually one of the most epensive search engines in almost all scenarios. Priceline, I would personally not use,simply because I like to know in advance what im getting and how much it will be.

ttt

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