You're about to plan your next vacation, but the question is: should you go on your own or use an online travel agency to plan your trip?
At this point, two schools of thought are at odds. There's one that advocates total freedom, backpacks, survival gear, and... adventure. The second is aimed at those who don't necessarily have the soul of an explorer and who want to arrive at their destination with a light heart, without having to worry about organizing in advance.
This article presents the advantages and disadvantages of booking your vacation through an online travel agency .
We hope to be able to provide you with the necessary keys and reassure you about the decision you will have to make.
The role of an online travel agent
A travel agency is a company that offers trips in France or abroad. It facilitates the organization of these trips and allows you to benefit from numerous advantages such as reserving a car at the airport, an on-site guide, etc. It is also the company that can prepare group trips and coordinate everything.
It also plays an informative role on administrative formalities for entering the country, on the list of mandatory vaccinations (if necessary), on the most beautiful places to visit, etc.
A professional in the tourism sector, the agency acts as a link between the client and service providers.
The benefits of using an online travel agency
Booking a vacation online has never been easier. With just a few clicks, you can plan your trip from the comfort of your own home. But is using an online travel agent still a viable option for booking your vacation?
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No more worrying about organization
Finding the right ticket at the best price, purchasing insurance, booking a room, etc. The travel to-do list is long and tedious, but oh so important if you want to fully enjoy your vacation days. Those on a budget will prefer inexpensive tour operators , while others will opt for premium solutions. Regardless, in both cases, the agency you hire will handle all the preliminary tasks you don't want to worry about.
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Have a contact during your stay
The most anxious among you know that landing in an unfamiliar place where you don't speak the language can be an additional source of stress. The online travel agency acts as a trusted third party to assist you during your vacation. These include legal and medical assistance, flight cancellations, lost luggage at the airport, and more. Problems can quickly mount up and dampen your initial enthusiasm.
A travel agent can provide you with valuable advice on how to behave in the country and where to visit, and can also direct you to partners for your activities there.
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Change or cancel more easily
All it takes is one unfortunate external event for your entire trip abroad to fall through. The travel site guarantees you, subject to certain conditions, a cooling-off period that's difficult to enforce when booking directly from the other side of the world.
Through insurance, an online travel site guarantees you a minimum reimbursement so that you don't lose the entire vacation budget already spent.
Considering the additional cost of calling abroad, the language barrier, or the inability to speak to a competent person, it is often better to hire a professional travel agent.
The disadvantages of the travel agency
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Often a higher price
While you can easily benefit from preferential rates once you arrive, the agency's fees must still be factored into the final cost. With a commission of around 10 to 20%, what you gain on one side may well be lost on the other.
To plan your dream trip, travel agencies conduct preliminary research on the best places to eat or stay. Being able to take advantage of this address book is a service that comes at a price, and it could well add up to a hefty price tag.
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The risk of a standardized journey
For those looking for authenticity or the unexpected, buying a trip online through an agency isn't always the best solution.
It's true that some offer tailor-made vacations, but the price is often high. Contacting a cheap online travel site or travel agency can be a good option for a somewhat personalized service.
If you're a fan of organized tours or group travel, working with an agency is one of the most effective ways to plan your vacation. Whether you're planning a weekend or several weeks, all-inclusive packages or tailor-made trips offer great options if you don't have the time or inclination to take the hassle out of planning.
As we mentioned, while the initial cost may put you off, it will quickly be offset by the many benefits and partnerships you can enjoy during your stay. You'll also have the option of receiving on-site help and support in case of any problems.
It's therefore an ideal solution for those with little or no experience traveling abroad and who prefer to play it safe. Road trip enthusiasts, on the other hand, will tend to let themselves be guided by their desires and give free rein to their spontaneity.
