Lisa Gerstner
Not long ago, travel advisors appeared to be sailing into the sunset as options for booking vacations online flourished. But business has been booming. The American Society of Travel Agents reports that about 30% of its members say that over half of their clients are working with a travel advisor for the first time. “Business is booming, and travel advisors continue to be a vital part of the travel industry" said Zane Kirby, President and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors.
With years of experience and knowledge about destinations, transportation options and vendors, an advisor can eliminate hours of online research time. Their knowledge and experience also gives them the foresight to prevent potential problems. Between weather delays, natural disasters, flight cancellations, lost luggage and much more, a lot can happen on vacation.
Travel advisors act as the traveler’s advocate in the event something goes wrong, helping navigate the challenge of making any necessary itinerary changes.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The more complex or luxurious the trip, the more useful an agent can be. Agents have an inside track on deals and upgrades, and they can quickly solve problems or change plans while you're on a trip, says industry consultant Mark Murphy, at TravAlliancemedia.
In some cases, travel agents don't charge their clients — for example, an agent who books a cruise may earn a 10% commission from the cruise line. Others impose booking fees — say, $30 for an airline ticket—or require a deposit that they'll keep if you cancel.
On the flip side, DIY travel places the power in your hands. You can book travel based on your preferences, and if you have a travel rewards credit card, you can use it to save on flights, hotel bookings and other expenses.
Or, you can use third-party websites to secure cheap deals. Ones like Expedia or Travelocity make it easy to book your trip within minutes.
However, when you book travel on your own, you lose an advocate. It means if something happens the responsibility falls on you to contact the airline or hotel. That could take added time, which could make a frustrating situation even more aggravating.
Bottom line
Keeping up with the details of planning a trip is challenging enough. Travelers have faced pandemic-related restrictions and hassles with refunds and penalties for cancellations. Starting soon, the EU will be requiring Americans traveling to Europe to pay a fee and you'll have to apply for approval under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).Travel advisors have the skills to navigate the changing protocols and resources to take the stress out of travel planning.
Related Content
-
Amazon Now Delivers Fresh Groceries in 1,000 Cities: What You Need to KnowAmazon's expanded grocery delivery service costs less than Amazon Fresh. Is it a better deal?
-
Stocks Struggle Ahead of Busy Fed Week: Stock Market TodayThe minutes from the July Fed meeting will be released Wednesday, while Chair Powell will deliver a key speech at Jackson Hole on Friday.
-
Amazon Expands Free Fresh Grocery Delivery to 1,000 Cities
Amazon's expanded grocery delivery service costs less than Amazon Fresh. Is it a better deal?
-
Is Crypto Investing Coming to a Credit Union Near You?Credit unions are getting in on crypto investing through partnerships with third-party platforms, but the risks to investors still apply.
-
My First $1 Million: Retired Army and Health Care Worker, 52, HoustonEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
7 Things You Should Do Now if You Think Your Identity Was StolenIf you suspect your identity was stolen, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself, but make sure you take action fast.
-
How AI and Human Expertise Are Changing Wealth Management ServicesWealth management software helps you keep track of your investments and manage your money. We look at Range's all-in-one platform to see how it works.
-
YouTube AI Age Verification: Safety and Privacy Risks UnpackedThe promise of safer screens meets the reality of sensitive data.
-
Lawsuit Claims Zelle Security Lapses Cost Over $1 Billion in Fraud: What You Need to KnowNew York's attorney general is suing Zelle for allegedly allowing "fraudsters to run rampant."
-
$177 Million AT&T Settlement Announced — Are You Eligible for a Payout?Millions of current and former AT&T customers may be eligible for payments after two 2024 data breaches exposed personal information.
