Why You Lose and Do Not Gain When You Book Hotels Yourself On Line

Many of our potential clients tell us that they do not understand why travel agents are still around since they book their hotel/resort reservations and other travel themselves on line. While we understand the lure of doing things oneself, there are two main reasons why you should strongly consider using a competent travel agent to book even your short hotel stays.

Price: Since getting the best price is a prime consideration for people booking their own travel, be aware that you are not likely to get a better price than a travel agent.  The major travel sites like Expedia and Orbitz have separate travel agent sites for companies like Purple Light. The prices on these web sites are as low if not lower than the ones you often see on line. Travel agents also have access to other sites exclusive to the travel industry that may offer better prices. In short, travel agents can almost always at least match any price you see on line. Some travel agents like Purple Light, will give you a gift if you book trips through them which is nothing other than a commission share. Therefore even if the hotel price they find you is the same, then you are leaving money or other value on the table when you book on your own. It is highly unlikely that you will receive an extra gift from a hotel because you booked directly.

Added Value: In addition to either getting you a better price and/or sharing commission with you, good travel agents offer additional service and value at no cost to you. You may think you have found a great hotel deal on line but how sure are you that the hotel will satisfy all your needs and wishes and that there is not a better value out there? How sure are you that you are picking a hotel in the right area of town for you? How easy is it to sort through trip advisor or yelp reviews and really get an unbiased impression of the hotel or resort? Good travel agents can sort through the milk and the cream of hotels. Totally apart from the hotel selection, travel agencies like Purple Light can offer you valuable tips on places to go and not go in and around your destination. Can you do any of this research on line yourself? Certainly, but how much spare time do you have and how good are you at sorting through the conflicting info on line?

In short, what do you have to lose from having a competent travel agent assist you with your hotel and other travel needs? Nothing.