July 16, 2020

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How Travel Agents Can Save You Money

Inteletravel-Blog-How-Travel-Agents-Can-Save-You-Money-in-2019

Originally published February 20, 2019. Updated July 16, 2020. 

For too many people, the words ‘travel agent’ harken back to a time before the internet, a time when you needed to rely on someone else to find the best deals and to book your vacations for you. 

'Who needs that now, with flight and hotel savings right there on the web?' you may be thinking. 'I can do everything an agent can, and I don’t have to pay a dime.'

The truth of the matter is that travel agents are just as important now as they’ve ever been. We’re obviously huge proponents of using travel agents, and not just because we educate the best and most knowledgeable travel agents in the world.

If you’re skeptical of the importance of travel agents, hear us out. They save you money, time, and energy. Curious about how?

Here are a number of ways travel agents will save you money in 2020:

They don't charge you fees.

Well, some do, but we don't. 

It's a little-known fact that travel agents actually earn their money from commissions paid by the vendor or supplier you book with. That means booking through a travel agent comes at no extra cost to you, but you will be helping someone make money for being a great resource for you.

You won't overpay.

If anything, you'll pay less than if you were booking on your own. Travel agents have the inside scoop and spend a lot of time and energy cultivating industry relationships, so they're always finding the best deals possible. They also work to understand your budget, providing a necessary human touch that booking engines can’t. 

Where would you like to travel?

Select your destination, and we'll pair you with an InteleTravel Advisor based on your travel needs.

They can get you extra perks.

Since they do this all the time, travel agents know a thing or two about scoring VIP experiences or extra perks, at no additional charge. If you thought an upgrade was out of your price-range, ask your agent and be pleasantly surprised. 

They'll save you time (and eliminate frustration).

This kind of savings might not be monetary, but minimizing the amount of time it takes to book a vacation is one of the top reasons why enlisting the expertise of a travel agent rules so much. 

There's no need to waste hours trying to figure out accommodations and itineraries. Your travel agent has got it all covered, and probably with a deal, too.

They'll avoid common mistakes.

Since you're likely not planning trips every day, it can be easy to make mistakes, and mistakes can cost you money. 

What if you book the wrong group excursion or you accidentally reserve your hotel for the wrong dates? A travel agent won't have this issue, and their knowledge will likely save you money.

They can find packages and group rates.

Travel agents will be able to save you even more money by bundling flights, hotels, and other aspects of your trip. Traveling with a large group? They'll get you even more savings, while also ensuring you're all on the same flights—and sitting together, too!

They'll help you navigate the tricky waters of booking travel during the coronavirus pandemic.

Without a doubt, booking travel during the coronavirus pandemic is tricky. What locations can you visit? What happens if you or someone you know gets sick and you have to cancel? 

Currently, air carriers and other travel-adjacent industries are struggling, and they’re trying to make it difficult for people to request refunds. Travel agents can guide you through the process and advocate for you in the event that you need to cancel your trip. They know the ins and outs of insurance and will provide guidance that delivers peace of mind. 

Whew.

With all those savings that come along with using a travel agent, imagine all the extraordinary places you'll go!

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