5 Myths People Believe About Working with a Travel Agent: Debunked

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Are you on the fence about working with a travel agent? There are many benefits of having a travel agent to plan your next vacation! Below, we dispel misconceptions about working with a travel agent and shed some light on what it’s like to partner with a travel advisor for your next trip. Learn more below!

 Myth 1: It’s More Expensive To Book Your Trip Through A Travel Agent

This is one of the most commonly said—and completely untrue—myths about working with a travel agent. In most cases, you will pay the same amount to book your trip with a travel agent as you would by booking it yourself. Most of the services we provide at Wishing On A Star Travel® are free to you. We are paid directly by our suppliers, like Disney, Universal, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Sandals. Our fee is already included with the price of your vacation—regardless of how you book it. In fact, working with a travel agent may save you money! We regularly monitor discounts and deals and apply them to your trip, even after you’ve booked. Through our relationships with dedicated suppliers, we can offer exclusive rates and experiences you won’t be able to find on your own. Plus, you get first-rate customer service and a dedicated person who will handle all your travel details for you! 

Myth 2: Travel Agents Don’t Care About You Once You Make Your Reservation 

Booking your trip is just the beginning! We’re with you through every step of the planning process, from getting your free vacation quote to ensuring everything is ready before your check-in date. Our desire is to help you plan the trip of your dreams. To do that, we get to know you, your family, and your travel preferences. We also learn about your hobbies, interests, and tastes so we can recommend the best hotels, activities, and dining locations that are perfect for you. We’ll regularly check in and send reminders about important dates and deadlines during the booking process. We also provide a variety of vacation planning tips and resources through our newsletter and blog so you can get the most out of your trip.

Myth 3: It’s Easier to Book My Trip Myself 

Organizing and managing everything that goes into planning a theme park vacation, cruise, or all-inclusive trip nowadays can be overwhelming. From booking dining reservations at the appropriate window to planning excursions at different ports of call, there are many details to handle. Let a trusted travel agent help reduce that stress and take on the load of planning the logistics of your trip. We stay up to date about the latest offerings and policies at the destinations we offer. This helps us make recommendations and arrangements based on your family’s desires and preferences. When you need help, we’re just a phone call away—no need to spend time on hold with cruise lines, hotels, and reservation centers to get your questions answered. This personalized and expert service saves you hours planning your vacation.

Another note: using a travel agent is already built into the price of your vacation. If you choose to book on your own using a travel website, you’re still paying the same price as if you would’ve used a human travel agent. Why not use the benefit you’re already paying for and help a small business at the same time?

Myth 4: It Doesn’t Matter What Travel Agency I Pick

Picking a travel agency is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when booking your vacation! You need to choose a travel agency specializing in the type of travel you wish to book. For example, you’ll want to pick an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner (like Wishing On a Star Travel) when planning your Disney vacation. Authorized Disney Vacation Planners have been recognized by Disney for our consistent sales for Disney destinations around the world. Other travel destinations also have specialized designations for travel agencies, like Universal’s U-Preferred status. Visit the agency’s website and look for their affiliations to see if they specialize in the type of trip you’re planning. However, the only real way to plan an amazing trip is to experience it firsthand. That’s why our agents regularly travel to the destinations they book. Our agents have visited Disney over 2,000 times combined! To see if our travel agency is right for you, call us at 1-888-678-TRIP to discuss your travel needs. 

Myth 5: Travel Agents are Outdated 

There’s no doubt that traveling has gotten more complicated post-covid.

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) found that nearly 50% of travelers said they are more likely to use a travel agent post-pandemic. Your travel agent is your guide to navigating all the policy changes, new offerings, and deals that may apply to your trip. There’s never been more reason to use a travel agent to book your vacation! As times have changed, travel agents have become experts in the destinations they plan, offering you accurate, up-to-date information and offerings. Travel agents aren’t going anywhere, and we’re more important to the vacation planning process than ever before!

Plan Your Vacation With Wishing On A Star Travel 

Our travel agency has over 50 agents from across the US who are here to help you plan the vacation of a lifetime. Whether you want a travel agent specializing in cruises or planning vacations for children with special needs, let us help match you with the perfect agent who will help you plan a fantastic trip. Ready to get started? Get a free quote here. Already booked a trip and need help? Transfer your reservation to Wishing On A Star Travel within 30 days of booking to get all the benefits of using a travel agent. Let’s help make your wishes come true!