In these times we’re in where businesses have gone digital, travelers now have more options than they used to. People can travel without a travel agent. They can easily book flights, hotels, and other required travel services with a few clicks on Booking.com and Expedia which can be very convenient but is this always the best option? How is this different from what we used to have some decades ago? What is the difference between a traditional travel agency and online travel agency?
In this blog, I will provide the answers to these questions. Having been in the travel industry for years, I have had a feel of both the personalized approach of the Traditional Travel Agencies and the convenience of the Online Travel Agencies. Whether you’re on the fence regarding the best booking method for your next trip or curious about how the travel industry is evolving with the advancement of technology, you have come to the right place.
Are you set? Let’s jump right in.
What is the Difference Between Traditional Travel Agency and Online Travel Agency?
We will compare the traditional travel agency and the online travel agency (OTA) based on 5 criteria which include:
- Booking process
- Price comparison
- Accessibility and customer support
- Expertise and Experience
- Deals and Discounts
Booking Process
OTAs are convenient and bookings can be done directly on a mobile device. This allows travelers to make bookings anytime, anywhere, as long as they have an internet-connected device may seem like the obvious choice however, don’t be too quick to make that booking online.
Have you heard of the Global Distribution System (GDS)? The GDS platform gives travel agencies access to travel data, allowing them to compare differences between reservation options and book travel. Traditional offline travel agencies use technology like GDS to book your travel while assisting in the booking process which fosters a more personalized experience. While OTAs are convenient and may provide a faster result, traditional travel agencies leverage human interaction and the expertise of a travel agent to provide a personalized travel experience for their clients.
Price Comparison
OTAs offer competitive pricing by aggregating deals from different sources. They also provide occasional discount offers which makes OTAs a good option for people operating on a budget. You can make the decision yourself based on the numbers you see. On the other hand, traditional travel agencies are known for negotiating deals directly with travel suppliers and leveraging the GDS to compare prices and make a decisions for their clients.
Sometimes, the best deals are not available online and this is where the expertise of a traditional travel agency comes in as they’re able to make the best choice based on your budget. While OTAs help you quickly compare prices and make a decision, a traditional travel agency will provide a personalized service considering your budget, especially if you have a complex itinerary that may be covered online.
Accessibility and Customer Support
With regards to accessibility and customer service, OTAs offer 24/7 customer support and are always accessible so travelers can manage their trips at any point in time. Customer support is usually in the form of email or chat. The waiting time to get a response would typically vary depending on the platform however, in many cases, responses are not prompt. This can be a problem especially if there is an emergency. On the flip side, traditional travel agencies provide personalized assistance, usually through phone calls. Many traditional agencies offer an emergency line in case of emergencies, which helps travelers get immediate access to the agency.
Experience and Expertise
Where I’m from, it’s a common saying that experience cannot be bought anywhere. Traditional travel agencies are set apart when it comes to experience and expertise. They have broad knowledge on the best recommendations for travel trends and destinations. Due to their extensive knowledge, they can offer personalized recommendations and advice based on the client’s requirements. Conversely, OTAs may provide a variety of options for the traveler to make the best travel decisions on accommodation, activities, flight booking, etc, however, they may lack the expertise of traditional travel agencies.
While OTAs will provide you with convenience, ease of access, and variety of options, a traditional travel agency will always be a go-to especially when a traveler has a complex itinerary that will need the experience and expertise of a travel agency.
Deals and Discounts
Traditional travel agencies usually have access to deals and discounts due to relationships they have built over the years with travel services. In many cases, they have access to deals that may not be readily available online via OTAs. On the flip side, OTAs offer competitive prices from different travel services making it possible for travelers to compare prices and make the best decision based on their budget.
There you have it. Online travel agencies are swift and technology-driven allowing for efficiency and ease while traditional travel agencies are personalized as you’re able to leverage a professional’s expertise and experience to plan your travel. To help you make a decision on which to go for, I’ll provide the advantages and disadvantages of both.
WHAT IS BRICK-AND-MORTAR TRAVEL AGENCY
A brick-and-mortar travel agency is the same as a traditional travel agency. It’s a physical location where travel enthusiasts can go physically to make travel arrangements. They are otherwise known as storefront travel advisors. They provide a more personal touch, allowing face-to-face interactions and a personalized touch. The services offered at Brick-and-Mortar agencies include booking flights, accommodation, and itinerary planning, with everything being specified to the client’s preference.
DISADVANTAGES OF TRADITIONAL TRAVEL AGENCY
Traditional travel agencies which are otherwise called brick-and-mortar travel agencies provide many advantages for their clients however, they have some limitations as well. They include:
- Higher fees due to service charges or commissions
- Limited options for comparison – Clients will usually go for what their agents recommend without having much of a choice
- They may not be accessible outside work hours
- Searching for a good travel agency might be a hassle
- Possibility of biased recommendations due to partnership with suppliers
These factors are the downsides of a traditional travel agency which sometimes discourage people from making use of them however, they have their upsides such as:
- Personalized approach
- It saves the time it takes to research and plan your travel
- Experience and Expertise
- Emergency assistance
- Access to Exclusive deals.
To wrap it up, making the decision on which to go for will depend on your preference and circumstances. These days, Consider the factors discussed in this blog keenly, relate them to your preferences, and make a decision on which to go for. Leave a comment if you have any questions or contributions. Safe travels
