To use a travel agent or not??

[valh416]

I am in the very early stages of planning an Alaskan Cruise wedding in Summer of 2014. I have taken many trips before, and have always booked on my own. I am thinking that with so much that is going to be happening on this trip, and such a large group (there will be 19) maybe I should look into one.

 

So I ask, what are the ups and downs to using a travel agent? What does it cost to use a travel agent? Any advice would be helpful!!

 

Thanks

[TA Patty]

Originally Posted by valh416 

 

I am in the very early stages of planning an Alaskan Cruise wedding in Summer of 2014. I have taken many trips before, and have always booked on my own. I am thinking that with so much that is going to be happening on this trip, and such a large group (there will be 19) maybe I should look into one.

 

So I ask, what are the ups and downs to using a travel agent? What does it cost to use a travel agent? Any advice would be helpful!!

 

Thanks

Hello - I just recently saw your post. Not sure if you received any answers but I'll share my opinion and hopefully answer your questions. Your destination wedding is your special day and everyone wants to get the best rates possible for yourself as well as your guests. Absolutely rates are important, but making sure that you have an advocate working for you is also important. All of the TA's from the BDW Forum are certified destination wedding & honeymoon specialists. This means we have participated in hours of training, product updates, seminars and site visits where we visit the destinations and properties and tour all aspects of the resort. There are numerous continuing education opportunities each year as well as the opportunity to meet with our local resort and wholesaler representatives. This along with years of experience in working with groups allows us to provide our clients with the best service possible. Part of this service is working to get our clients the best rates possible. My job is to make your job of planning a wedding less stressful and handle the travel arrangements for you and your guests. We do not charge any service fees and we are paid by the supplier once travel is complete. 

 

In addition to working with destination wedding groups planning their wedding at a resort I also work with cruise weddings. The same criteria applies to cruises as well. I have been on several cruises in a variety of locations and on a variety of cruise ships. I am a Certified Master Cruise Counselor with CLIA, Cruise Lines International Association. In  the past several years cruise lines have become very strict with pricing and do not allow "discounting". With this rates should be the same no matter where you book unless an agency has group space. If our agency already has group space on a cruise then we can book into the group and take advantage of any pricing discounts and or perks. If not then I can create a group and block space for your group.  I was in Alaska last fall and it is beautiful. Pricing is available for 2014 on many of the cruise lines and Alaska is a very popular destination. Ships tend to sell out early. Please let me know if I can answer any questions or if you would like any further information. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Thanks! TA Patty

[safety75]

I'm using a travel agent for our destination wedding. So far there are no cons to using her. There is no out of pocket cost to us to use her, she earns commission off those who book through her.  My main reason for using her is because she works directly with the wedding coordinator at the resort and saves me a lot of time trying to contact them, get answers about things etc.  The other reason is because some family that will be going is older and not good with internet, etc so they can call her and she can handle all their booking needs. With that said, my guests still have the option to book on their own through another search engine if they choose. 

[lastminbride]

Once I create a room block, do my guests have to reserve/book through the TA for the rooms/guest night benefits to count for me? Or can they book elsewhere and reference the group rate? In your experience have your guests found cheaper rates than the group rates? If so, was your TA able to match/beat the lower rate? Did it count towards your freebie wedding benefits? Thanks!

[traylynn]

I totally think you should use a TA, less stress for you.

[lastminbride]

Thanks. Any idea on the if I still get wedding perks (count towards my group room nights) if my guests choose to book through someone other than a (my) chosen TA? Only because of cheaper prices of course.

[traylynn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastminbride 

Thanks. Any idea on the if I still get wedding perks (count towards my group room nights) if my guests choose to book through someone other than a (my) chosen TA? Only because of cheaper prices of course.

 

I booked my own blocked rooms and since we are Hilton Honors we will receive a few perks.  

[lastminbride]

Traylynn - that's a good tip. Which resort did you choose? Thx

[traylynn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastminbride 

Traylynn - that's a good tip. Which resort did you choose? Thx

 

It is not a resort, we need a few a day or two when we arrive I selected the Doubletree

[lastminbride]

It is not a resort, we need a few a day or two when we arrive I selected the Doubletree

Ok.