How does the travel agent process work?

Question

I'm just curious how the process with a travel agent works.

I have found some pretty decent deals online for my trip to Costa Rica. I am curious if a travel agent can get me a better deal.

Am I able to go to a travel agent and get an estimate on what prices I'm looking at for tickets, hotels, etc., or do I have to sign up with one with a promise to pay their fee before I can hear what the trip will cost? I just don't want to get stuck paying someone extra for the same price I could find online.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

A reputable agent will not charge any fees up-front.  If you approach a travel agent or agency and they want a fee just to research your options my advice would be GO ELSEWHERE.  Make sure you tell the agent exactly what you want and what you can afford to spend.  They will usually come back to you with a few options within your price range.  If the price is significantly less than what you were quoted online be sure to ask if all of the accommodations, such as the quality of the hotel, are comparable to what you saw online.

Answer 2

As with so much in life, the answer is: It depends.

Most travel agents do not charge a fee. However some have started charging a "plan to go" fee, which will be put toward the cost of the trip if you book, but that is nonrefundable is you don't.

Agents do this to protect themselves from people who will pick their brains then go online to book. Not that you'd ever do that. ;-)

The key is finding a KNOWLEDGEABLE travel agent you feel you can trust. Try searching for "travel agent costa rica expert." You'll get lots of leads.

The other key is understanding yourself and what you want from your vacation and how much you are willing to pay. Sometimes there's a good reason why a certain option is the cheapest.

BE HONEST with the travel agent about your budget and what you are looking for. A good travel agent will have the guts to say, "You can't get what you want for what you're willing to pay."

You could wind up picking the cheapest alternative online and having a terrible time. Maybe a travel agent can steer you to a choice that costs $100 or $200 more, but that will give you a great experience.

Good luck!

(And BTW, Costa Rica is beautiful! You must visit some of the nature preserves.)

Answer 3

Hello,

How are you? I am a travel agent http://www.cassandralanetravel.org

I don't charge any extra fee-just pay for the cost of your trip.