Do I have family book my trip??

L&C In Love · December 31, 2009

I have a bit of a dilema, my aunt is a travel agent and she has booked trips for me in the past, which were all fine, but she didn't go the extra mile with anything.

Im not trying to complain about that because I totally understand considering she wasn't making commisssion off our bookings but I was very low maitenance, finding everything out myself and just getting her to actually book the trip.

So I don't really want to book through her for the wedding, I want to go with another recommended travel agent that has been really really helpful when booking other destination weddings.

My Aunt also lives in another city which might make it a little harder for those who like to do the face to face booking.

Do you think I will offend her if I just book with someone else?

I kind of think it would be nice for her so she wouldn't have to worry about all the travel arrangements and just enjoy a vacation, but she might also think that I am don't care or that I am making her miss out on a possible large booking, thus more commission or sales for her agency.

Any advice would be so helpful, I have been thinking about this for a while and just can't make a definite decision.

Lacey

KRama · December 31, 2009

I agree with Maureen. My stepmom is a TA and we've booked through her in the past without her accepting a commission. We've now booked our wedding through her and she's still saved us and my sister the commission! Our 40 guests have booked through her so this means money in her pocket, 40 potential return customers and numerous referrals. I'll admit, I was a little uneasy mixing business and family, and we did run into a few issues when we were trying to pick a resort but it's certainly been worth it.

carolina24 · January 1, 2010

i've always said--don't mix business and family! Just let her know that you want her to relax and enjoy the experience...as a guest. remember, you have to do what's best for you and DWs are more complicated than regular trips...you need someone who has experience in this and will give you unbiased advice and opinions.

debbmach · January 1, 2010

My sister in law is a TA and I always book trips with her too. She's in a city where most of our guests don't live either. I think it'd be really offensive to her if we didn't use her. It'll be a lot of work but that's her business and I want to support her job, especially since she always books my trips and finds me the cheapest deal. People can book through email, and this day in age, most people are use to doing that. I don't think it's worth risking the relationship with your aunt. Maybe you can just explain to her in advance what you expect and maybe even ask her if she wants to do. Going to her first gives her the option of backing out, but also shows that you respect and trust her.

Good luck!

L&C In Love · January 3, 2010

Thanks for all the great advice ladies!!

I hope it didn't sound that I was ungrateful to my aunt for helping us before, but I always found the best deals after I had asked her to, I guess thats kind of what I meant when I said low maintenance. I really also don't know for sure that she never charged us commission, I guess I just assumed it.

BUT she is my family and I don't want to exclude her, I don't want to question her talent as a travel agent.

So I think I will just talk to her and ask her if she would feel comfortable booking for me and that she is not obligated to, and if she doesn't want to I have someone here in mind. Also if she can help me with all the things I need to get done.

I would love for her to just be able to enjoy this trip and I don't want her planning it to ruin it for her, because she does deserve a nice time.