Did you know that Canadians spend a whopping $35.1 billion each year on traveling? This figure is the seventh highest figure in the world!
Once upon a time, those bitten by the travel bug had to vet local travel agents to plan their adventures. Today, times have indeed changed. With the tap of a thumbprint, we can book a trip anywhere in the world.
What happened- and what lies for the future of travel planning?
Do Travel Agencies Even Exist Anymore?
Yes, they absolutely exist. In fact, many people around the world use agencies to help them plan the trip of their dreams.
Agents can accommodate all different kinds of travelers. For example, agencies like Travel Atelier provide specialized, curated, luxury travel. Other agencies focus on delivering budget-friendly trips for people looking to score the best deal.
Should You Use Local Travel Agents?
Travel agencies can be profoundly valuable. For one, an agent can offer expert advice on the area you intend to visit.
Whether you want to frolic beaches in Jamaica or walk across the Great Wall of China, your agent can provide you insider access to the best:
- flight schedules
- hotel and accommodations
- local excursions
- dining options
- shopping recommendations
In other words, you don’t have to spend hours combing through research to build a perfect itinerary.
Even though the Internet has made travel significantly more affordable, it’s a myth that travel agents are only for wealthy people. In fact, most agents work by receiving commissions by hotels and airlines. They may charge additional fees, but these are often minimal.
Are you seeking to book an elaborate, long vacation? Do you want to see many different countries or trying to accommodate several different travelers? An agent can help ease the planning process.
What About DIY Planning?
Even though there’s a continued demand for agents, many travelers prefer booking trips themselves. After all, the Internet has made it accessible for nearly anyone to plan their travels.
Furthermore, there is no shortage of free travel advice available. From renting a book at the library to scouring online forums, you can research everything you need to know about your upcoming destination. You may want to parse through this information to make the best decisions for your party.
If you want to redeem rewards flights or nights, a DIY approach is usually simplest. With so many travel rewards programs available, it’s easier than ever to score reduced rates on travel fees.
Finally, some people love the planning part of travel as much as the actual trip itself! If this sounds familiar, then you owe it to yourself to enjoy the process.
Final Thoughts
Even if it may seem like a dying career, many travelers swear by their local travel agents. If you want to take the legwork out of planning your next trip, hiring a professional may be the best move you make.
Looking to raise funds for your next trip? We’ve got you covered! Check out this guide.
