When was the last time you walked into a travel agent's shop?

[PaulSB]

Myself? I can't remember, probably 25 - 30 years ago. My wife used Trailfinders about eight years ago. Are they a travel agent? I would say no, a travel company with a high street presence but not a travel agent.

 

[Emanresu]

Myself? I can't remember, probably 25 - 30 years ago. My wife used Trailfinders about eight years ago. Are they a travel agent? I would say no, a travel company with a high street presence but not a travel agent.

I'd say they were a travel agent. Used them a couple of years ago but we specified the airline to use, the flight, and the package company to use at the destination. They did all the booking for it.

The reason for being so specific but farming it out to the travel agent is that you are covered by the quirkily titled "The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018". If we had booked the parts separately and something went wrong, then it would be our cost. Booking through the agent means that their insurance is used. It's about the only reason to use them but it's a good reason to use them.

https://www.abta.com/help-and-compl...s/what-package-holiday-and-what-linked-travel

 

[Rusty Nails]

Is that a question or a statement?🤔

There's a clue at the end of the sentence.

 

[nogoodnamesleft]

Don't think I've even seen a Travel Agent shop for years.

I wonder what they offer, what benefits given all the information online. I can see a small number of people preferring face to face but I'd expect that number to be small meaning significant price mark-ups to pay for the overhead, salary, etc. for the shop.

It's a bit like the rip-off of privater Travel Vaccination consultations at £25. All they do is ask you where you're going and enter it into a web site already available to everybody online and read from that what vaccinations you need. So now I use the website myself and source vaccination myself (which varies depending on the particular vaccination, not suggesting buying prescription medications from questionable sources).

 

[Alex321]

Don't think I've even seen a Travel Agent shop for years.

There are two on Cowbridge high street- Cowbridge Travel and Sam Smith Travel, and a Tui shop on Pontyclun high street.

Have lived between the two for 5 years, never stepped foot in any of them.

I wonder what they offer, what benefits given all the information online. I can see a small number of people preferring face to face but I'd expect that number to be small meaning significant price mark-ups to pay for the overhead, salary, etc. for the shop.

Actually, they can sometimes get discounts on the holidays, and they get commision as well which is what pays them to stay open.

But it does surprise me a little that they get enough business.

 

[numbnuts]

2003, Not been on hoilday since

 

[Ming the Merciless]

 

[Rusty Nails]

There are two on Cowbridge high street- Cowbridge Travel and Sam Smith Travel, and a Tui shop on Pontyclun high street.

Have lived between the two for 5 years, never stepped foot in any of them.



Actually, they can sometimes get discounts on the holidays, and they get commision as well which is what pays them to stay open.

But it does surprise me a little that they get enough business.

It doesn't surprise me at all. Some people are not comfortable on the internet, other than browsing or Amazon, or lack confidence, while others like resort holidays, just want a simple break, and think it's going to be a hassle arranging hotels/flights/transfers or want the ABTA cover.

I haven't used a travel shop for thirty years but, depending on the holiday will either book via an online agents or pick and mix flights, accommodation and transport. As an example I like to visit one of the Italian Lakes every few years and depending on cost and convenience it will either be DIY or via agent. Usually I can save a hundred or more by DIY but sometimes the agent package involves better flight times/airports and includes airport transfers and the premium is worth it to me.

When we get to the hotel, usually B&B, we never bother with the meet and greets of the package holidays or book any (overpriced) excursions.

It's a bit like my attitude to bike buying. Some people prefer to buy a complete bike from the dealer (online or shop) while I love choosing and building up my bikes from frames/components. I have never bought a complete bike but completely understand why the majority do.

 

[nogoodnamesleft]

Maybe less to do with Travel Agents, maybe more to do with Package Holidays or Organised Tours. I've not used any for over 40 years but did prior to that take two, both because it was the cheapest way to get a flight and hotel where I wanted to stay and that was all I wanted as I was heading scuba diving hiring gear through local shop. But both times those on/using the "package" seemed to spend all their time getting high blood pressure and moaning to each other about how bad the rep. was, how they were not happy with the coach/destination/everything. So I learnt best for sightseeing to organise it yourself so if it's a disaster you've only got yourself to blame and yourself to sort it out. Much easier, much more relaxing compared to watching others on such trips.

 

[cyberknight]

at least 30 years, i dont have a passport either,

 

[Beebo]

I used to know a guy who owns a stand alone travel agency on a high street.

The customers are old people who don’t like the internet.

And more surprisingly, self employed builders and members of the travelling community who pay with cash.

If you are paying cash you don’t have many other options. So it makes sense.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I don't think I ever have.

 

[PhotoNic69]

Last Saturday..
To finalise details of our upcoming voyage to the Norwegian Fjords for two weeks, leaving this Sunday

We went in last year to book. The ladies there are extremely knowledgeable and we found out things that we would never had known had we booked online. Yes, we might have saved a hundred quid or so, but the information they gave us was invaluable. I'd certainly go in and use them again. And again.