There are plenty of ways people can research and plan trips online these days, but many people still prefer to turn to travel agents for help on the East Coast

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Planning a vacation can be an exciting process but there are many decisions to be made and details to be worked out which are necessary to organize and in place before one’s bags are packed.
And while many holidaymakers enjoy tending to these details themselves as it may add to the fun of the overall experience, many feel turning to a professional travel adviser will make the process much easier providing that extra bit of reassurance.
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So, are more people turning to an expert or choosing to go it alone?
“I find there is a mix,” says Charlene Richmond, a travel adviser in St. John’s who operates her own travel business, Magical Trips.
“Many people sometimes like to pop online and do it themselves however in doing that, they lose the support of a travel agent in case they have trouble with their vacation and of course, they are not supporting a local business.”
Planning a trip, while often exciting and filled with anticipation can be a very time-consuming process. There is the time needed to book flights and hotels, arranging tours and activities, and making restaurant reservations. Travel advisers can make the entire process easier on the traveller, she says.

Why use a travel agent?
So, while researching and booking your vacation may seem like the ideal option for many, there are advantages to turning to a professional, even if you have investigated booking your vacation details yourself.
“I’ve used (the web service) Trip Central to find vacation packages and find out options for flight times, then I usually go through a travel agent at a trusted travel company locally,” says Karen Jones Stanley of Charlottetown, PEI.
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In addition to using Trip Central, she has also booked flights using Red Tag, Sell Off Vacations or through Air Canada, West Jet, and Sunwing, but she still prefers to go through a travel agent for support and ease of mind.
“Travel agents are a great link for advice, guidance, or as a go-to person if you experience any problems. Also, if there’s an emergency during your trip they can help you,” she added.
So, what kind of incentives can be a benefit of using an agent?
Agents often have access to deals and lower prices than the non-professional traveller would find due to the high-volume number of tickets and reservations they make, she said. So, while an agent’s service may involve a fee, it’s often offset by the lower prices offered to a customer.
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Making the right call
Tracie Arsenault of Miscouche, PEI ususally explores initial travel options on her own, but once she’s satisfied, she’ll turn to a professional to sort out the remaining details.
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“I use Trip Central for my research, but will book directly with the travel company,” says Arsenault. “Trip Central allows you to search multiple travel companies, choose direct or connecting flights, and toggle between other departure cities for price comparisons.”
Arsenault suggests that first-time travellers who are looking at cruising, all-inclusive, or even Disney vacations turn to a travel adviser as their level of expertise and knowledge can make a daunting research endeavour so much easier and, well, less stressful.
“I would always suggest a travel agent. They can answer all your questions and give you lots of travel tips,” Arsenault added.

What about experienced travellers?
Even if one might be an experienced traveller, familiar with the ins-and-outs of researching, comparing, booking, planning, and timing, things do, and of course will, come up unexpectedly. There are often flight cancellations, missed connections, hotel and the dreaded accommodation mix-ups.
If you booked independently, you could be in for a lengthy and costly solution to any of those issues. Utilizing the services of a travel agent can mean any unexpected delay or mistake should be taken care of with a phone call, as agents are in constant contact with the airlines and hotel chains. In other words, they know the right call to make to get a traveller’s problem resolved as soon as possible.
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Nicky Fontaine of Wellington, PEI, considers himself an experienced traveller and uses a site such as Skyscanner to help him narrow down deals, flight times and what airline to use. But even with those items booked and sorted, he still likes to avail of the guidance of a travel adviser, especially for those more complicated trips.
“I personally suggest a travel agent when you’re choosing all-inclusive,” says Fontaine. “As they can answer all your questions and can compare different resorts to what you are looking for.”
Personal touch
So, is seeing the help and services of a travel adviser an overall positive factor when it comes to travel planning? There is no rule that states you may need one, but having one to rely on and guide you through the entire process is always the safest bet according to customers and agents.
In the end, it’s all about much more than an extra cost, and even that can mean savings in other areas.
Richmond added that travel agents can generally get the same prices as anyone will find online but can also provide an incentive no website can – a personal touch.
“Us travel advisers have knowledge of resorts and the destinations. We can find vacations that we feel fit our client based on a conversation with them and finding out their personalities, their likes and dislikes,” she says.
“We have established relationships with our suppliers and have people we can contact should a client require assistance. We have access to group rates. We have the experience and knowledge.”
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