Has anyone here used a travel agent? What was your experience like and what are the benefits of using a travel agent?

[FilmGuy93]

I've gotta be honest; the concept of hiring someone to book my travel arrangements for me always struck me as a little too rich for my blood. That said, I'm sure there are benefits. So I was wondering if anyone who has used a professional booker before could tell me what the experience is like.

[MTC29]

The last time I used a travel agent was in 2002, which was also the last time I used travelers' checks. With the internet you can look up airline and hotel info and book your own trip with just a touch of your screen.

Travel agents are handy for people who simply don't have the time to plan their own trip: "Here are my travel dates. I want to fly at the cheapest fares and visit A, B, C, and D and stay in nice hotels near the city center."

The agent does the rest... for a fee.

The other use for travel agents is if you are planning a specialized trip; let's say visiting game parks in Africa. Having a travel agent who specializes in these exact sorts of trips can save you endless time and hassle.

[exitseven]

When I was in my long term relationship there was no internet and everyone had to get airline tickets through a travel agent. There was one at the local shopping mall. I used to just go and the travel agent would look up the times of flights and sell me the ticket.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO😎

[Pinay_ako]

They can reschedule your flight for you… make arrangements for you without you lifting a finger.

[FilmGuy93]

Is it worth the cost though?

[Guy13]

Pretty sure there is 10% mark-up on all transition as Agent fee. I have a travel agent in an office space. With today's websites, I never use one.

[msc545]

I've done that a few times. It made complicated travel and reservations a LOT easier and it was worth the fee.

[FilmGuy93]

Is it true that they'll set you up with discounts and stuff too, or is that just a sales pitch?

[msc545]

They will do that

[KostasKouvalis]

Only like once. Those people will rip you off