Travel Agent Vs Self Booking: Which One You Should Use?

Travel agent vs self-booking is a common conflict among most travelers. Actually, they are confused about why they should use a travel agent over self-booking. Today, in this blog we will clear all the confusion about it. So, let’s get started.

There is a common misconception that hiring a travel agent will cost much more than booking your trips yourself. It is true that a travel agent will cost more than going onto any travel site to book but that extra cost of a travel agent is well worth it in more ways than you can imagine.

There are a lot of reasons why you should use a travel agent instead of self-booking. But we will talk about the top 4 reasons. Here we go.

4 Reasons Why You Use a Travel Agent

Top-notch Customer Service

With travel agencies like Good Caribbean, you will be assigned a physical person that will be available to answer all your questions and concerns. The travel agents will be considerate and caring about your travel needs and ensure that you have all the valid documents required for travel.

Travel Agencies Know the Best Destinations

If you have a themed vacation in mind, your travel agent will have an idea of the best itinerary for you. They will know this through personal experience on familiarization trips to various locations, resorts, and tours. They know where they recommend and are familiar with the service, management, and amenities.

Travel Agents Can Land Perks

Travel agents can get you certain perks because of their connections with tour operators, cruise companies, hotels, and airlines. Travel agencies may be able to get you complimentary upgrades, spa, and resort credits. The likelihood of coming across such opportunities for self-booking is very small.

Assistance with VISA and Passport Requirements

More often than you think, travelers find themselves in serious hot water with the immigration of their destination because they did not know that they require a visa to enter. Imagine paying for your flights, hotel, and tours and being sent back home before you can leave the gate.

When you use a self-book website you are solely responsible for ensuring that you have all the required travel and entry documents. Travel agents will ensure that you fulfill all the entry requirements before you step onto your flight.

Agencies are experts at figuring out the Logistics.

A travel agent has years of experience putting together the ideal trip for you to the Caribbean or anywhere in the world, including transportation, flights, hotel check-in, and check-out timings, excursions, dining, and entertainment.

Travel agents are experts in managing travel adjustments, flight delays, cancellations, and getting flexible airfare that fits within your budget.

In the event of an emergency, a good travel agent can have your back.

Emergencies can happen at any time and traveling is no exception. Being so far from home and unfamiliar with the system of other countries, your travel agent will be there to help you get through a difficult time. The travel agent can:

Locate medical personnel and services in case of an emergency. They can arrange for medical airlifts to your home country or somewhere with the best care for your situation. Your travel agent can also contact your travel insurance for assistance with funding any care if you are unable to pay upfront.
Locate the nearest embassy or consulate – who they can consult with to assist you with a situation such as entry requirements, emergency flights, protection in the event of a conflict, and rectifying any issues with your passport or VISA.
Emergency contact with loved ones. Travel agents can help you reach your family and friends if the need arises.

Final Words

We can all agree that a travel agent gives you a level of assurance and security in your trip that self-booking will not. They work perfectly for specialized trips and flexible logistics. Now, no one can argue their worth, book your next trip through a travel agent and take advantage of their benefits today.