Jump to content

To travel agent or not to travel agent?


chirorach

Recommended Posts

I had decided to go with a TA because it would be less headaches for me when dealing with guests, but having a TA would allow my guests to all go to one person and book.  Prior to using the TA I ended up booking with (TA Wendy from BDW), I had tried two other local TAs and I had a very terrible experience with both. 

 

I was able to explain the whole situation to TA Wendy and she recommended what was best for our situation.  We didn't think we'd have enough people to do a block, and we didn't want to pay up front if we weren't going to have enough guests.  Also, our guests are going at different times, so that wouldn't really work for a block either. 

 

I would recommend anyone to go through a TA just because it's less work on the bride & groom who have enough to take care of anyway.  We do not have to pay Wendy anything, she gets her cut from the tour operator she uses to book us with the resort (or that is my understanding...either way I know we do not pay anything directly to her).  TA Wendy has been great and very informative on the Riviera Maya, Mexico area. 

 

TA Wendy is on the west coast and I'm up in the northeast of the US, and I don't see a problem with the distance.  Her knowledge and recommendations have help me with planning, so I couldn't ask for anything more!  I hope this help anyone trying to decide on using a TA or not!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've always been a DIY traveler never saw a need to use a TA, until my last vacation. Which also happened to be our site visit for our wedding. Orginally we had a trip planned to the Dominican Republic but then decided we wanted to get married in Costa Rica. So as a surprise I wanted to change my arrangement to go to Costa Rica. I started doing this on my own but it became a HUGE mess!!!! Thank goodness I had already been in contact with a TA to handle the wedding stuff. ( For selfish reasons I didn't want to coordinate everyones travel). She was able to fix everything I had made a mess of. A TA is great in case unforeseen issues arise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I couldn't agree more with this!  Depending on what different things you do (the details of personalizing the wedding for you), you have enough work!  The only thing I  have asked the TA to tell me is the people who have booked and their dates of travel so I can keep track of that. 

 

Originally Posted by rbowman View Post

It isn't selfish to want to use a TA I think it is just using your time wisely.  You don't have enough time to arrange everyone's travel arrangements.



Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

Well thank you for the nice words! Of course I am biased, but I think that using a travel agent is really a win/ win for brides... you do not have the pressure of keeping track of the bookings, we can usually get better rates especially with the resorts, and I think it is a great thing to have one "go-to person" for your guests who can answer all their questions consistently. We often also know and have good contacts with the resorts we book, and if you are having any trouble with communication with the on site staff we are often able to get you attention and answers when you need them.

As for me, I have cultivated contacts at many of the resorts in Cancun / PDC and I know my brides and grooms will get especially good treatment!

TA Wendy

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...


 

Originally Posted by TA Wendy View Post

Well thank you for the nice words! Of course I am biased, but I think that using a travel agent is really a win/ win for brides... you do not have the pressure of keeping track of the bookings, we can usually get better rates especially with the resorts, and I think it is a great thing to have one "go-to person" for your guests who can answer all their questions consistently. We often also know and have good contacts with the resorts we book, and if you are having any trouble with communication with the on site staff we are often able to get you attention and answers when you need them.

As for me, I have cultivated contacts at many of the resorts in Cancun / PDC and I know my brides and grooms will get especially good treatment!

TA Wendy


We REALLY want to use a travel agent to keep things simple and consistent and have one point of contact for all our guests, however, we are consistently getting quotes a few hundred dollars HIGHER through the TA. Should I try another TA? Right now we're just leaning towards booking through WestJet ourselves.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

From my experience, my TA has been amazing.  They found us a really good rate, and answer all my bazillion questions.  They made us a website, will arrange for a limo to pick us up to take us to the airport when we leave for our wedding, take us out for coffee whenever we meet.

 

Additionally they have been in contact with the resort thus far for us, and forwarded us all information from the wedding coordinator.  I've heard horror stories about never hearing from the wedding coordinators, but I've never tried to contact them, and I've probably gotten about 5 emails from them through the TA's.

 

I'm sure there are bad TA's (I had a terrible real estate agent once and it took until a friend made a great recommendation until I trusted them again!) So do that, ask people around for reviews, meet them, don't sign and contracts, and if they seem terrible, don't feel obligated to book!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Wendy! Maybe we can talk. I was previously working with a travel agent and feel as if maybe contacting a new travel agent would be our better bet we don't feel comfortable with the one we were workin with. We were going to trash the TA idea all together. Maybe you could give us a second opinion! Thanks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Best Destination Wedding Sponsors



    Facebook Pinterest Google+ Twitter
  • Posts

    • Hi everyone! I have been doing lots of research on various wedding venues all around Mexico, my fiance wants a destination wedding and I am happy to have a wedding wherever so long as the vibe is right and guests are happy!  I have been seriously looking at Cabo Azul and was trying to find potential costs for them, but only found a page about their wedding costs from 2010. Does anyone have any updated information on costs / reviews they would like to share of this venue? Or advice in general, anything helps. Thanks so much, happy wedding planning to all!
    • Hello everyone, I am dreaming of a wedding in Costa Rica and was wondering if I could get any help with venues and wedding planners. I am thinking Tamarindo because a close friend of mine lives there and I've been in town more than a couple of times, she's being helpful but is at a loss when it comes to this subject really so I was wondering if anyone here had recommendations. I am not closed to other town suggestions either, if I happen to find a good place and staff somewhere else. These are the places I have so far, has anyone had any experience with any of them?  Stay In Tamarindo Luxury Villas in Costa Rica Luxury Villas Pinilla Tropical Homes of Costa Rica The Point Luxury Villa Thank you so much for your help!
    • Have you ever considered having a wedding inside a bubble? With the current global situation, many couples are looking for unique and creative ways to celebrate their special day while keeping their guests safe. A wedding inside a bubble could provide a whimsical and intimate setting for your ceremony and reception. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by a beautiful bubble filled with twinkling lights and flowers, creating a magical atmosphere for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
    • Adult only resort or not? Let's discuss the pros and cons of choosing an adult-only resort for your honeymoon. While some couples may appreciate the peace and quiet that comes with an adults-only environment, others may prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere. What are your thoughts on this? Have you had any experiences at adult-only resorts that you'd like to share? Let's hear your opinions and recommendations!
    • When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most exciting parts is choosing the perfect wedding favours for your guests. These small tokens of appreciation are a great way to thank your loved ones for being a part of your special day and to make them feel appreciated.
  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...