Everyone wants me to use THEIR Travel agent!

[AlexsBride]

I don't really know how to feel about this, But I am starting to feel uneasy about it. I have never used a travel agent before, I always just found good deals for travel on the internet. But I realize that I need to use an agent for our destination wedding because of the large group involved. So that's fine. I found a lady that I really liked but I haven't actually done anything with her yet because it was too soon to really start planning when I met with her. She answered a few basic questions and that was it. Then my parents said that I should go talk to their agent, so I did and she took a list of resorts I was interested in and she sent me an email not long ago with prices of all of them. A friend of mine, who lives on the other side of the country, used to be a DW travel agent and is just getting back into it and basically hinted in an online chat that "I better use her as the agent!!" She is going through some financial troubles right now, so I know she could use a nice commission. And then just last night I got a message from my FI's sisters husband telling me how great HIS agent is!

 

I dont know if people are steering me in the directions of their agents, so that maybe THEY will get a good discount on their trip for giving them such a big referral? Because I kinda feel like if anyone should get a discount (like the free ticket with a group of over 20) it should be my FI and I since we are the ones planning the wedding! We plan on using that free ticket (if we qualify for it) for our photographer. Does anyone know if these people are just trying to be nice or do you think there is "something in it for them" if they send such a big group the agents way?

 

I really don't think it's nice to waste a travel agents time because we can only book with one right? But at the same time, I am curious about who can get us the best rate!

[jplovesme]

did you set up a retainer fee yet with your TA of choice? I can't really give you great advice, but I am booking TA jennifer (from this forum) to help me out. YOu want to use an agent who SPECIALIZES in DW so that you can get the best deals, and get your questions answered. A lot of girls have used the TA's here, and I've seen great reviews about them. YOu can check out more info from the Travel forum on this site...

 

For me, so far, TA Jennifer is friendly, full of info and super helpful!

[NaM]

Hmm..I don't really see the problem here. It sounds like you've got a lot of people trying to help you out and get you the best deal. A lot of people have terrible experiences with TA's so if you've got 3 or 4 great ones at your disposal, I don't think I'd be complaining.

I would definitely shop around and see which one gives you the best rates/perks and which one works best for you.

Good luck!

[jenne]

Although I see how it might seem frustrating, I think they are probably just trying to help you out! They probably had a great experience with their travel agent and want you to have the same great experience. I doubt it is for any personal gain rather than maybe feeling happy that they were able to help. When we first started looking for our trip and TA, we talked to 4 different ones before deciding where we would book through. My travel agent specializes in destination weddings and groups but to be honest, other than booking the trip, we have not needed his help with anything else regarding the wedding.

[~Nicole~]

I think that everyone is just trying to help you out. We all like to think that we have the "best mechanic" or the "best travel agent", and we all refer people. I wouldn't consider it pressure. Take it for what its worth to you, check them out or don't! People will understand that a DW is different than a trip for Spring Break and shouldn't be offended if you don't use "their guy" KWIM?

[AlexsBride]

Thanks guys! I think I will just take your advice and talk to the agents that have been referred to me. Do I let them know that I am shopping around or not? I guess it's no different than several different builders giving you a quote for a job and then you get to decide who you are going to hire. I will see how I click with each agent and go from there! Thanks!!

[carolina24]

we started with a local agent and switched to TA Jill from this site and she's amazing!! best decision I've made bc we are actually getting things done and she know a lot about our resort (I think she was married there) and she responds super quick. So I agree that you should go with a TA that does DW bc our first TA was planning a "vacation", but a DW is completely different!

[AlexsBride]

Which BDW agent is in Canada? Anyone know? Or how to get in touch with her?