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Travel Agent pens an open letter to travellers who book online

"You pay an agent to do your tax, you recruit an agent to sell your house. You use people who are specialists to fix your plumbing, service your car... why would you not use a Travel Agent to guide your investment in your holiday?"

“You pay an agent to do your tax, you recruit an agent to sell your house. You use people who are specialists to fix your plumbing, service your car… why would you not use a Travel Agent to guide your investment in your holiday?”

If there’s one thing we learned from David van de Meer’s viral video earlier this year, it’s that booking online can sometimes mean forgoing customer service and speedy booking adjustments.

But they’re not the only sacrifices travellers are making when they use online travel agencies, according to MTA Travel Expert, Sarah Fenton.

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In a Facebook status directed at travellers, Fenton said holidaymakers using online sites are doing so under the misconception that they’re receiving the best deals, when that’s not always the case.

Using pre-public access to Wendy Wu Tours’ 2018 earlybird deals as an example, the Travel Agent said those booking through an industry professional would have received “bigger savings [and] smaller deposits” before those that went searching online.

“Online is not always the best price and rarely the best value.”

Sarah Fenton, MTA Travel Expert

“Wendy Wu is an Asia Travel Specialist and as a Travel Agent they have given me (and other Agents) exclusive access to 2018 Earlybird deals BEFORE they go on sale to the general public.

“Bigger savings, smaller deposits, and all because you booked with a professional Travel Agent.”

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Fenton continued, saying that not only do consultants have access to deals, they’re also equipped to guide travellers through every small detail of a trip from inflight seat selections and menu choices to foreign currencies, visas, insurance and even tips to avoid jet lag.

“Why would you not use a professional to guide your investment in your holiday?” she asked.

“Benefit from their experience? Have your own personal back up to assist in the times when plans go unexpectedly pear shaped (airline strikes, volcanic ash eruptions, hotel double bookings leaving you stranded, serious illness)?

“We can fix most things for you and assist in these situations. We have contacts. We work for you.”

Sarah Fenton, MTA Travel Expert

Read Fenton’s full post below:

Have you had access to a cheap deal recently that beat online competitors? Tell us about them below.