Do you EVER use a travel agent?

[andrea t]

I wouldn't expect many readers of this board to use a travel agent. When travel is a passion, as it is for most of us here, the planning is as much fun as the vacation itself.

I am a travel agent, booking cruises only, and business is booming. There are still many people out there that want someone to hold their hand when they plan their vacation. A vacation is a big expenditure and they want to make sure there's someone to oversee all the details.

There are so many busy people out there that just don't have the time to do the planning. It's easier to let someone else make all the arrangements.

If everyone was like my husband, travel agencies would never go out of business. He is always clueless when it comes to the planning (lucky for me), and when we're on this wonderful vacation he can't believe how brilliant I've been!

 

[jehb2]

I'll never forget, in 1986 I used a travel agent to travel from Texas to Orlando and I changed planes 3 times!

But on a more positive note--whenever I use to go to Japan I used this discount broker/agency that specialized in travel to Japan. You couldn't beat their prices and I also brought rail passes. The really good ones that must be purchased outside of Japan. Another agent did a great job when i traveled to Thailand on short notice. He knew what I wanted to do and see even though I didn't

But actually, I haven't used one in years especially once they started charging fees for tickets. All my family members have me book their tickets, hotels, etc. when they travel. I love it.

 

[Noni]

Yes, we do, but mainly for cruises or if we are uncomfortable with making our own arrangments. Sometimes we make most our own arrangements and then turn it over to a travel agent. It doesn't cost us, but we have that added security and they get a commission.