Two out of ten consumers use a Travel agency
By Darren Cronian on Sunday, July 6th, 2008

Last night I went out for a meal and drinks with friends, and I held a travel survey about holidays and travel agencies in particular. It was quite interesting because out of ten people, only two of us have actually used a travel agency in the last five years.

Two out of ten consumers use a Travel agency

Don’t you just love travel surveys [holds manic laughter]

The main reasons for not using a travel agency were:

» Cheaper to book independently
» More choice
» Flexibility
» Lack of time to visit agents
» Enjoying researching online

I was one of the two people who have used a travel agency, and we prefer an agency because:

» Dealing with a human
» Ease of giving search criteria and letting the agency do the work
» Knowledge and experience of a tour representative
» Confidence

When I mentioned the dangers of booking a holiday independently, all of them realised the dangers but didn’t feel fazed by them, and have built up confidence over a period of time and feel that they are prepared to deal with any issues that affect them on their travels.

For short breaks it’s simpler and cheaper to book myself, but a week or fortnight holiday I feel more comfortable booking with a travel agency. Everyone is different, and whilst they will be people like me who like dealing with humans, high-street travel agencies will exist.


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5 responses to “Two out of ten consumers use a Travel agency”

Karen Bryan | 6 July, 2008 at 10:13 pm

I have used travel agents to book our Winter Sun holidays several times in the last few years. Sometimes it’s cheaper and easier than putting it together yourself and you have more financial protection.

Darren Cronian | 8 July, 2008 at 12:24 pm

@ Karen

Yes I agree - it depends on the type of holiday, a weekend break would probably be cheaper to do it yourself but a package is cheaper for a weeks holiday.

Frank Neal | 9 July, 2008 at 5:31 pm

Interesting comments here, I guess that it is all down to the individual.
At age 48 I honestly cannot remember the last time I used a High St. travel agent.
Prior to the internet, which I use for all flights, foreign trips etc. I would book flights and house/apartment rental by phone from classified ads and Teletext.
I use a hotel for long w/end trips to cities like Rome or Madrid, booking them direct by email or using a site like Expedia, but I would not dream of staying in one for a period of one, two, or three weeks, anywhere, preferring the independence of a house/apartment.
Once again, horses for courses, but I would rather stay at home than spend a holiday somewhere in Britain.

Darren Cronian | 11 July, 2008 at 8:07 am

@ Frank

Thanks for leaving a comment. Interesting you say that you do not do 1 or 2 week holidays anymore. I wouldn’t dream of taking a 2 week holiday to the same destination, 1 week yes, but I would have to get out and about, not stay in the same place.

Frank Neal | 11 July, 2008 at 2:57 pm

Darren,
Thanks for your comments, but perhaps I didn’t make myself clear.
When I said I wouldn’t dream of a one, two, or three week trip, I meant I would not spend those periods of time in a hotel.
My wife and I recently stayed in Savannah Ga. for two weeks, in a beautiful rented house with all mod cons, within walking distance of some great restaurants and bars for the evening and steeped in historical squares and buildings for daytime wandering.
In a house/apartment you can go in and out when you like and rise when you like without wondering if the maid is waiting to gain access.

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