Here are a few tips:

1. Look for the right certification. If the agent is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) (www.asta.org), that’s a promising sign.
2. If at all possible, stay local. There’s no substitute for the personal touch.
3. Interview the agent.
4. Find out how they react under pressure.

How do I find a trustworthy travel agent?

When it comes to finding the perfect travel advisor, you can’t go wrong by visiting TravelSense.org, an easy-to-use site that allows you to find travel advisors verified by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) based on your destination and/or journey type.

How do I choose a travel agency?

How to pick the perfect travel agent

1. Transparency. Honesty and transparency are the keys to building the right relationship between you and your travel agent.
2. Time saving.
3. Prompt response.
4. Genuine interest.
5. Destination knowledge.
6. Student discounts.

Is it cheaper to go through a travel agent?

Not at all! The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and oftentimes they won’t charge you at all. Much of their money comes from the hotels and wholesalers they do business with. Before you consult an agent, be sure you first inquire about fees.

Is it worth it to use a travel agent?

Travel agents are useful if you’re doing a very costly or complex trip, planning a honeymoon or something fancy, or traveling with a large group. They are also perfect for people who just don’t want to handle a big, complicated trip themselves. Travel agents offer them peace of mind.

How does a travel agent get paid?

Travel agents get paid on commission by hotels, airlines and resorts, but many more are charging fees on top of that because of their time. Some agencies charge fees up front and then drop the fees when the client actually books.

Does AAA have a travel agency?

Plan your vacation with a AAA travel advisor Did you know AAA Travel is one of the nation’s largest travel agencies? Whether you’re dreaming of a solo adventure, romantic getaway, or family trip, a AAA travel advisor can customize a vacation for you.

How much do travel agents make per booking?

Some offer a meager $2 per reservation (regardless of value), while others based on incentives and productivity will pay commissions as high as 20%. Across the board the average commissions are 3% for Internet bookings, 3-5% on promotional rental rates and 10% on leisure rates booked through GDS distribution channels.

What makes a good travel agency?

They Have Excellent Customer Service Without a doubt, the thing that sets great travel agents apart from other agents (and from online booking sites) is their ability to take care of their clients. They develop lasting relationships with clients, rather than treating them as another commission check.

Why use a travel agent instead of booking online?

Why use a travel agent instead of booking online? Simply put, you’ll have a better trip, without the stress of planning your trip alone. A travel agent can accommodate your interests, budget and time frame with their wealth of knowledge and expertise to make sure that you get the most out of your trip.

How do travel agents get paid 2021?

Corporate travel agencies make money mainly from service fees, net/private fares, and from airline commissions. Travel agencies, depending on the airline contracts they have access to, are able to earn commissions on both domestic (typically 0-5%) and international tickets (10-22%).

What are the disadvantages of using a travel agent?

Cons: Travel agents don’t always present the cheapest option. If you are price sensitive, the best option is to book online directly with the service provider. While agents can add perks and value add-ons, they don’t come cheap (think service fee and commission margins).

Do travel agents let you make payments?

When you use a travel agent, you can book by putting down a deposit. Yup, you can reserve your spot for as little as $100 per person ¹. When you book your vacation online, you pay in full. When you use a travel agent, you can book by putting down a deposit.

Do travel agents save you money on cruises?

In short, it generally doesn’t cost you money to use a travel agent, and in fact, the agent can very often help you save money on your trip (more on that in that below). As such, a travel agent may get a commission from the cruise line you’re sailing with.

Are travel agents free?

And while most travel agents do impose a service fee, varying from $25 to $100 depending on factors such as your desired itinerary and budget, ultimately, they can help maximize savings with exclusive promotions, perks and inventory that isn’t available to the public, Richter says.