You are already paying for a Travel Agent.

I bet you did not know that you are already paying for a travel agent when you book online yourself. Even worse you are getting none of the benefits that would have come with using a travel agent.

Most people don't know this because they don't understand how a travel agent works. The hotel, cruise line, resort, etc. pays a travel agent for helping them because the cruise line, resorts, and destinations does not have to hire extra staff, train them, pay for extra call center space, etc. They use travel agents to help guests with the vacations and pay them a small commission.

Your vacation price does not increase one cent when working with a travel agent. In fact you can often save money and time when using an agent.

1. A travel agent will cut through the information overload and get you offers that fit your vacation style and budget.

2. Travel agents tour and stay at resorts, take excursions, cruise, and see the world. A good travel agent will be able to tell you about the different cruise lines and the advantages and disadvantages for example. They will share personal reviews and experiences with you. 

When you book yourself by calling a call center that persons job is to get you to book their product and then get you off the phone so they can book the next caller. This is not how a travel agent operates.  

3. Save time and money with a travel agent - Travel Agents will have access to the latest vacation packages and special offers. These vacation offers will not be available online to you. Also a great travel agent will watch for new vacation packages and if a new one comes out that can save you money, they will move you to the new offer if it can save you money. 

4. Get to know you and your vacation preferences. When you have a travel agent you talk to the same person every time you discuss your vacation. You are not working with a call center person that you have to explain everything over and over again to. Your travel agent will get to know what types of vacations you like, what resort properties to watch for deals on, and more. 

5. Your travel agent has your best interest at mind. Your travel agent represents you. They are not working for a single resort that wants you to stay there and no where else. A travel agent can go over the pros and cons of every resort.  

If something were to happen that you need assistance resolving you have a travel agent to help you and to be on your side. This is much more helpful than booking on your own because a travel agency that works with the resorts and cruise lines you are staying at, has pull because they send lots of clients to these resorts and cruise lines. A good travel agency will 

also have access to representatives at the different travel vendors that they can contact if an issue arises.  

A Travel Agent can save you Time and Money on your vacation Travel agents have access directly to travel vendors booking engines so they can see what's available and also in some cases can see specials and extras that you can not get by booking directly online yourself. This could be an extra departure amenity like a shipboard room credit, Free Wi-Fi, or a discount.

If you are just looking for someone to bounce ideas off of that's fine too. Next time you are thinking of taking a vacation, find a travel agent and get the extra value and help you are already paying for.