With the rise of technology and digital commerce, some may think that the role of the travel agent has become less relevant. But this is not necessarily the case. Although online bookings have allowed us more access and ability to do our own research, industry knowledge can still prove invaluable when planning a holiday.

So why hire a travel agent?

A lot of people enjoy planning their holiday, down to the small details. Others prefer not to stress about any of that and get a travel agent to plan their trip for them. Both of those options have their pros and cons. There are some travel endeavours, however, that necessitate getting some extra help.

For trips that require coordinating all the bookings for multiple people it is advisable to go with an agent. This way you ensure you don’t have any mix-ups or clashes with everyone’s itinerary and you will have someone to help you in case of any issues.

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It is always a good idea to have a consultation with a travel agent if you are travelling to a country you have never been to before, especially if it is your first time travelling. The travel agent is sure to inform you of all the important information and steps you need to take.

If you are unsure of what you want, a travel agent will be able to outline a range of options available to you to help you make you mind up about where you want to go. Do you want to be near the sea so you can just relax on the beach? Or do you want to go to a new and exciting city? An experienced travel professional will be able to steer you towards the right choice, based out of your preferences.

If your travel plans are particularly complex, an agent can really help you streamline your itinerary and, if something goes wrong, you will have someone there to support and assist you.

Some see travel agents as an unnecessary additional cost to a holiday. However, most of the time using a travel agent works out at exactly the same price as doing it yourself. Agents have access to reduced rates that are not available to the public. They also don’t get their commissions from the customer but from the hotels, rental and tour companies. Airlines haven’t paid agents commissions since the 1990’s. So 98 per cent of the time your holiday will cost the same with an agent and you get all their extra services without going out of pocket.

However, still remember to ask your travel agent about their selections to ensure they are getting you the best price. If you need to use an airport parking service during your travels, remember that Alpha Airport Parking has a price beat guarantee, so check your quotes with our prices and save on your next holiday.