Travel Agent? To Use Or Not To Use...

[kellymenning]

Hello! I recently got engaged and I am looking at having our wedding in Cozumel or Playa del Carmen. I've been looking at venues and there are so many that's it really overwhelming. I found a travel agent who will help me narrow it down, work with the hotel regarding the room block, contracts, negotiations, etc. Then she even creates a website for us with the information about the wedding and hotel and then she takes care of booking all our guests rooms and travel. I personally think this sounds fantastic, especially because we are inviting about 250 people. We're guessing about 125 will come. Anyway, have any of you used a travel agent and is it worth it? Thanks so much!!

[Sarahop81]

I am not using a travel agent because I am only having 20-30 people come to Playa del Carmen.  If you're having that many guests, it probably is a good idea.  Many of the hotels I looked into will not let the guests make their own credit card payments.  I have to wire transfer all the funds for our block of rooms. So that means I have to collect money from all my friends and family.  Also, if you book with an agent, they should let your friends pay in installments, which might help a few of them out. 

 

If you find a hotel that will work directly with your guests, and if your guests are capable of booking their own travel then it might not be a big deal.  It's hard for our guests to spend the money to come in the first place and I didn't want to pass the cost of an agent onto them.   

 

I think for how many guests you have and with all the other planning you'll be doing, if they can afford it, do it.  It's one less headache for you. 

[CierraG]

It is A LOT less stressful when using a travel agent! A lot less for you to worry about as you will have other things to concentrate on! Travel agent all the way!

[acw271011]

For that many people I think a travel agent is a must! You'll go crazy with questions, and wants. Let a travel agent handle it all. That's what they're trained to do! And besides, if something goes wrong with someone's arrangements, it's on her head, not yours!

 

Welcome to the site by the way! You'll find so much useful information, and tips and ideas. Take some time to read through and look up some of the resort reviews and follow a couple of the forums. It will be well worth your time and really get you excited about your planning!

 

Good luck, have fun and happy planning!!

[kellymiller]

Definitely a travel agent!

[dreamweddings]

Hello! I recently got engaged and I am looking at having our wedding in Cozumel or Playa del Carmen. I've been looking at venues and there are so many that's it really overwhelming. I found a travel agent who will help me narrow it down, work with the hotel regarding the room block, contracts, negotiations, etc. Then she even creates a website for us with the information about the wedding and hotel and then she takes care of booking all our guests rooms and travel. I personally think this sounds fantastic, especially because we are inviting about 250 people. We're guessing about 125 will come. Anyway, have any of you used a travel agent and is it worth it? Thanks so much!!

khmciver welcome to the forum, we are independent wedding planners in playa del carmen and we also advice you to work with a travel agent especially with a larger group.  You will find good travel agent on this site, and take it from there.  Also playa del carmen has a lot to offer vs cozumel island.  there is more to do here.  

[csho]

Definitely use one! Why wouldn't you? They don't charge for their services or if they do its very little and they will be able to take care of all your bookings, negotiations, and get you the best rates! I'd highly recommend it, especially if you are having so many guests. There is no way I'd want to be worrying about my guests travel arrangements and getting all their questions and concerns.

[kellymenning]

Thank you so much everyone! You've all been very helpful. I decided to go with one. Thanks again!!

[LauraM]

Did you all use a local travel agent? Or just communicate via e-mail/phone. I desperately want an agent who I can meet with face to face but am having trouble finding one!

[csho]

@@LauraM I used a local travel agent however, I only communicated via email/phone with her, so it really wouldn't have made a difference if I used a local one or one from out of town. Do you live in Canada? If so I can recommend an amazing agent!