Did you use a travel agent?

evtalbot · April 27, 2008

It has only been 1 month since my FH and I have been engaged. We already knew we wanted a destination wedding and told both sides of the family. I immediately fell in love with Rio Ochos Rios - Jamaica and than FIML and FFIL said they will not come to Jamaica. Back to the drawing board!

Now I have both sides of the family doing "research" on resorts and picking things I am not interested in. They also see some of the resorts are listed at $500/night and call me to tell me that we need to just have our wedding at home. I am hoping that travel agents will be able to offer better packages than that!

Did most of you ladies use travel agents to book your trip and accomodations for your guests? How much do you have to pay a travel agent to arrange travel for your entire wedding party?

Bride010101 · April 27, 2008

Yep we are using one. We were going to do it ourselves... but decided a TA would make things less stressful and easier for our guests. Our TA was recommended from a classmate and she specializes in destination weddings. She did not require a retainer, however I know some do.

There are some other threads about this. Try using the search function... but here are some to get you started:

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t13308

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t16525

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t2458

nikkianddean · April 27, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by evtalbot

Now I have both sides of the family doing "research" on resorts and picking things I am not interested in. They also see some of the resorts are listed at $500/night and call me to tell me that we need to just have our wedding at home. I am hoping that travel agents will be able to offer better packages than that!

We decided to use a travel agent to avoid becoming the information center for travel information." The nice thing about using travel agents is that they do all the research for you and most have long standing relationships with resorts/airlines, etc so they will have access to better info. We got great rates from our travel agent and they were familiar with the chain that we selected (I have never stayed at all inclusive resorts before).

We did not pay anything for our TA. They recieve a commission formt he hotel for booking tips to that resort. I think some may charge a deposit that you will either get back or is applied to your trip. There are a few threads here on TA FAQ's.

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t13308

Good luck!!!

nikkianddean · April 27, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeckyN

Yep we are using one. We were going to do it ourselves... but decided a TA would make things less stressful and easier for our guests. Our TA was recommended from a classmate and she specializes in destination weddings. She did not require a retainer, however I know some do.

There are some other threads about this. Try using the search function... but here are some to get you started:

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t13308

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t16525

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t2458

Becky, we're so on the same page this morning...no pun intended

Bride010101 · April 27, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by evtalbot

Did most of you ladies use travel agents to book your trip and accomodations for your guests? How much do you have to pay a travel agent to arrange travel for your entire wedding party?

I notice in your profile thing that you are from MN too. We are using CarlsonWagonlitTravel. We have not officially began booking yet -so I can't really give my full recommendation. My classmate used the same lady I am and said really good things. I personally am frustrated with her at the moment - but it is more do to some miscommunication on both of our parts. Let me know if you want any more of her information though.

Also, there are several really good travel agents on the site! They might be able to help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikkianddean

Becky, we're so on the same page this morning...no pun intended

Hehe : )

rodent · April 27, 2008

$500 a night is really high. I like websites like funjet.com for getting estimates on prices. But, then definitly book with a TA. There are several TAs on the forum.

Jenn3878 · April 27, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by evtalbot

It has only been 1 month since my FH and I have been engaged. We already knew we wanted a destination wedding and told both sides of the family. I immediately fell in love with Rio Ochos Rios - Jamaica and than FIML and FFIL said they will not come to Jamaica. Back to the drawing board!

Now I have both sides of the family doing "research" on resorts and picking things I am not interested in. They also see some of the resorts are listed at $500/night and call me to tell me that we need to just have our wedding at home. I am hoping that travel agents will be able to offer better packages than that!

Did most of you ladies use travel agents to book your trip and accomodations for your guests? How much do you have to pay a travel agent to arrange travel for your entire wedding party?

WOW $500 a night sounds pretty expensive! I would just contact one of the TA's on the forum and they will be able to help you. June shouldn't be that expensive - I dont think??