For most Canadians booking an all-inclusive package, using a travel agent is worth it. Package prices through an agency are usually the same as booking direct, because the tour operator pays the agent. You get resort advice before you book and a real person to call if plans change.
Vacations Today is a Toronto travel agency that plans all-inclusive vacations for Canadian travellers, with a focus on Cancun, Punta Cana and Aruba.
Does a travel agent cost more than booking an all-inclusive yourself?
Booking an all-inclusive package through a travel agent usually costs no more than booking it yourself. For vacation packages sold in Canada, the tour operator pays the travel agency a commission, so the price you pay is normally the same as booking directly with the operator. Some agencies charge a planning fee for complex trips, so ask about fees before you start.
When is a travel agent worth it for an all-inclusive vacation?
A travel agent is most useful when the choice is hard to make alone. That includes choosing between dozens of similar resorts, travelling at Christmas or March Break when the best rooms sell out first, planning a destination wedding, or travelling with young children who need a family suite and a short airport transfer.
If you have 14 browser tabs open and every site says something different, a travel agent can save you time. You describe your dates, budget and must-haves, and the agent comes back with a short list of resorts that fit.
When does it make sense to book an all-inclusive yourself?
Booking an all-inclusive vacation yourself works well if you already know the exact resort you want and you enjoy doing the research. It can also make sense for destinations with fewer all-inclusive resorts, such as Aruba, where many travellers book a flight and hotel separately.
What happens if something goes wrong on your trip?
If a flight is cancelled or a hurricane threatens your destination, a travel agent can check your options with the tour operator and help you rebook. A travel agent does not replace travel insurance, which is what covers medical emergencies and trip interruption.
What should you ask a travel agent before you book?
- Do you charge a planning or booking fee?
- Which tour operator will my package be booked with?
- Are you registered with the provincial regulator? In Ontario, travel agencies must be registered with TICO, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario.
- What happens if my flight changes or my trip is cancelled?
So, is a travel agent worth it for an all-inclusive?
For a typical all-inclusive trip from Canada, a travel agent costs little or nothing extra and makes the decision easier, especially at peak times and for families or groups. If you love planning and know exactly what you want, booking it yourself is a fair choice. If you'd rather spend that time looking forward to the beach, a travel agent is worth it.
To start planning your all-inclusive vacation, contact Vacations Today.