Online companies like Expedia, Priceline and Orbitz have for the most part taken over the travel industry, but two Fremont travel agencies are still in business and they are fighting back.

“Travel agencies compete equally and often better than online prices,” said All Seasons Travel owner Bill Simonson.

To compete with online businesses, Simonson has recruited third-party agents who work on commission.

“It’s a challenge because the Internet has gotten very big,” said Simonson. “It’s open 24/7, which we are not.”

The biggest challenge facing travel agencies is misconception, says Simonson.

Suppliers, such as hotels and airlines, compensate most travel agencies so they do not need to charge additional fees. They get paid when a client books a hotel, buys a vacation package or books a cruise.

“People don’t really know about travel agents,” said Simonson. “They think we cost more.”

What online travel agencies lack is a personal relationship with clients.

Terri Landon, owner and travel consultant of BJ Travel Center, said that the agency’s 30 years of building personal relationships is what has helped them survive in the Internet age.

“We have a lot of repeat clients and referrals,” said Landon, who bought the business in 1994 with her husband.

“People like to be able to call somebody and talk one-on-one.”

Yet despite the personal interactions, little or no fees and expert advice, these businesses are dying and may have to make some drastic changes in order to stay afloat.

“Merging with another agency might be something to look at in the future,” said Simonson.