Travel Agents are Making a Comeback:
Recent Study Finds Growing
Frustration with Travel Websites

Milford, Massachusetts – August 24, 2009 – Internet or travel agent? It's a dilemma many people wrestle with when planning their next vacation. But a recent report finds that some consumers may be returning to the traditional travel agent.

Results of Forrester Research's latest study, “Using Digital Channels to Calm the Angry Traveler” by Henry Harteveldt, reveal there are 15 percent fewer travelers who enjoy using the Web in 2009 than there were in 2007. Just one in three online travelers in the U.S. feels that travel websites do a good job presenting travel choices, down from 39 percent in 2008. In addition, 26 percent of travelers surveyed would consider using an offline travel agent, compared to 23 percent in 2008.

Most travel agents agree that the Web adequately serves travelers' needs for certain trip requests. “Especially if it's a simple airline ticket or booking a room at a well-known hotel chain,” admits Karen McCrink, vacation travel manager for Atlas Travel International in Milford Massachusetts, a 25-year travel industry veteran. “The Internet has made those types of transactions easy for most travelers. On the other hand, if your trip involves multiple destinations or several trip components, or you're seeking a truly unique and personal vacation, that's when an experienced, well-connected travel agent can really make a difference.”

An experienced travel specialist can use their connections to secure rooms in hotels listed as “sold out” or coveted aisle seats. Indeed, many travelers enjoy numerous special privileges because of the long-standing relationships their travel agents have developed over the years with travel suppliers.

Here are five other scenarios when a travel agent's expertise may outperform the electronic variety:

•  If you're going on a cruise: Agencies like Atlas Travel International can also work on your behalf to get you the best price, plus special perks and benefits not available when booking online or directly with the cruise line.

For instance, Atlas can book you on an Ensemble^® Hosted Cruises, which offers the extra attention of a knowledgeable host when needed during the cruise, plus other privileges like a private cocktail party onboard and a complimentary Ensemble^® Experience shore event, ranging from gourmet luncheons and private museum openings to special musical performances and personally guided wildlife cruises. Similar insider information and special deals are available when it comes to independent or escorted tours and only a travel agent can help locate them. Atlas, for example, is able to offer these unique experiences through its affiliation with Ensemble Travel Group.

•  If your trip is complex: A vacation involving a 10-day Mediterranean cruise followed by a week on your own driving the Grand Corniche into Monte Carlo and on to Provence requires numerous airline, cruise, hotel, and car reservations. Arrival and departure times, hotel check-in and check-out policies, directions to the rental car agency, all can be overwhelming to most travelers. Leave those critical details to a travel counselor who has instant access to it all.

•  If you're looking for the out-of-the-ordinary: As more people search for the “road less traveled” when it comes to vacation experiences, savvy travel agents are creating quite a following in creating personalized “over-the-top” vacations for their adventurous clients. For instance, Atlas has access to hundreds of unique experiences for their clients – often times off-limits to the general public. Whether it's staying in a centuries-old castle or partaking in a culturally enriched encounter led by experts such as an Ensemble Inspired Journeys itinerary, travelers have hundreds of these kinds of unique experiences to choose from when they book their vacation with a travel expert that can be found only at a travel agency.

•  If you're traveling overseas: Do I need a passport and/or visa? What inoculations are required for entry? Are there security issues or travel advisories for this country? These are just three questions that a travel agent can answer for you. Travel counselors also have access to information specific to locale and region, such as which museums are closed for renovation, which holidays shut down the city, and which festivals are coming up. Also, depending on your destination, certain “undiscovered” spots may not be accessible via the mainstream airlines. Travel agencies like Atlas have relationships with charter carriers and lesser-known airlines to get you to hidden treasures.

•  If you want an ally 24/7: Many people like the comfort in knowing they have a built-in problem solver if anything should happen along the way. When your flight to Ft. Lauderdale is cancelled, or the resort has lost your reservation, or you've slipped and broken your leg while shopping along the Strøget in Copenhagen , who are you going to call? If you booked it through an agency, you've got help. Travel agents can also recommend ways for you to save money without jeopardizing the quality of the vacation experience. Changing your departure or return date, selecting a similar but slightly different room at the resort, or modifying your choice of travel supplier in many instances will reap great savings.

If you're seeking extraordinary experiences, insider connections, VIP treatment, and exclusive perks and privileges not possible on your own – plus the benefit of a real person – there's none better than a travel agent!

About Atlas Travel International, Inc.: Celebrating more than 20 years in business, Atlas Travel International serves more than 500 corporations and more than 15,000 vacation travelers. Atlas is a nationally recognized company honored by leading publications such as Inc., Fast Company, and Working Mother, has been honored as a leading business in New England and has won the Ernst & Young Regional Entrepreneur of the Year award. Additionally, the company provides meeting and incentive services as well as luxury vacation planning. For more information about Atlas, please visit www.AtlasTravel.com or by calling 800-362-8626.