3 Sometimes Forgotten Reasons Why Working with Travel Agencies Are Better Than the DIY Strategy
Booking a trip for 0one individual is troubling enough. The problem is exaggerated multiple times over when booking for a large group. The DIY route for a large group is impractical, illogical, and time intensive, and this is not even a sales pitch. The money can also become grossly all-consuming when looking at all the various costs involved, and the trial-and-error approach groups often have to make when lining up all the pieces. What do group travel services do that go unnoticed? Particularly, what do they do to save money that is not always right up front in the mind of everyone planning the trip?
Exclusive Promotions: Travel agents are inherently competitive, and that has instilled a deep pool of travel promotions that individuals going independent do not have access to. For example, Delta Airlines has a relationship with many travel partners. These exclusive arrangements are only for clients that work with the agency. This keeps a positive relationship with major relevant savings that are turned over to the travel group.
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Penalties, Cancellations and Fees: The F word, in this case, FEES, are obnoxious and unproductive. A travel agency will relay all proper fees that could potentially be stamped against the group. Even better, they can get fees overridden if the agency finds them unreasonable. Many travel companies have no problem slamming down fees any time they can. Travelers under the protective umbrella of an agency can avoid most, if not all, of these superfluous fees.
Buying Power: The idea of buying power was alluded to above. Travel agencies have personal relationships with these companies, but they also have financial relationships. Either of these considerations gives the agency additional buying power. It is a business after all, and the airlines, hotels, and other accommodations have it in their best interest to listen and collaborate.
The group is focused on the fun, the excitement, and the adventure of the travel. The group travel services see a more practical reality. They have the ducks lined up and the resources to keep them that way. The above gives travel agencies a clear edge over going the full DIY route in a travel plan filled with potential potholes.
