Have you started thinking about your next trip? Often, this may come with deciding between the convenience offered by a travel agent, and simply planning the trip yourself.
Placing your trip in the hands of a travel agent can lift a heavy weight off your shoulders. Equally, planning your own trip can afford you some flexibility and the chance to delight in the joys of curating your dream holiday according to your preferences.
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Before deciding what would work best for you, it is helpful to consider the pros and cons of using a travel agent. Here are some of them:
PROS:
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Convenience
Using a travel agent comes with an element of convenience. Having somebody else plan your trip can save you plenty of time and effort. After expressing your dream holiday to your travel agent, you can sit back and relax as the planning gets done for you.
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Access to perks and a smoother travel experience
Travel agents often have access to a global network of connections. This can result in an enhanced trip. For example, you may have access to exclusive and off-the-beaten-path experiences which you otherwise would not know about if you were planning the trip yourself.
When travelling to a place that is unfamiliar and new to you, having an agent can also make things a lot easier. They are able to provide well-informed recommendations, and this may result in a relatively better experience when compared to relying solely on online research.
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Support
Travel agents are there to ensure that you are comfortable and have a smooth trip. Should something go wrong, you will have someone on your side. More than anything, your travel needs will be catered to. You can be certain that you have someone to ensure that all goes well and that you are happy.
CONS:
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Missing out on the fun of planning
Although letting someone else plan your trip may be viewed as advantageous, some may beg to differ. If you are someone who delights in planning the intricate details of your trip, this is an experience you will miss out on if you decide to go with a travel agent.
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An added party and costs
Making use of a travel agent also means adding a third party to the equation. You will have to work around their schedule and operating hours. As such, some of your planning and bookings may have to wait in some instances. However, if you are booking things yourself, you are free to finalise certain itinerary items and bookings at any time.
Additionally, while some agents offer really good bargains, having someone else plan your trip may not always result in cheaper deals. Sometimes, it makes more sense to plan your own trip.
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The risk of disappointment
Unfortunately, knowledge and expertise may differ from one agent to the next. Thus, some agents may end up disappointing you by not meeting your expectations. This may end in regret and a feeling that you could’ve done a better job at planning your own trip.
Ultimately, a number of factors should be considered before making your final decision. These include your destination, preferences and costs. It is also extremely important to do your research on travel agents, and to look out for scams. Choosing to make use of a travel agent should be an informed decision. This will ensure that you get value for money, as well as a travel experience to remember.
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