Regardless of the cost, your best bet is to arrange your vacations with a travel agent. Excellent benefit is what you are really looking for. A travel agent is there to call if something goes incorrect, and they take the extra time with you to make sure all the details are right. I’ve tried both ways, and I was always a small concerned about what I would do if there were any reservation or running away problems. Having a travel agent brings alot of peace of mind.

By cantbeme_2000 on Jan 11, 2009

Depends. Generally things are cheaper online. You are right, a travel agent does earn commission through the companies when they book. But, sometimes when you’re booking online, the commission that the travel agent would earn would still be included in the price as a mark-up (increased profits for the company…plus it gives travel agents a chance at making sales).

But, travel agents also get first picks at deals. They tend to get exclusive news regarding sales. Often a tour company/hotel/airline will advise agents of a sale or promotion. When I was working at a travel agency, we got nonstop faxes and e-mails regarding promotions.

If you are new at traveling, I recommend going through a travel agent. Those who are super fussy and picky should also go through a travel agent. Neurotics who want to ensure that EVERY detail is perfect should also go to travel agents. Travel agents also have the ability to place recommendations next to clients when they book – example: in the event someone in a higher price hotel room cancels, we can state that our client would be pleased with an upgrade…this tends to happen a lot with cruises.

By miss_jen_b on Jan 14, 2009

no loss to you. time save only. no dif in costs.

By tvd1943_vgr on Jan 16, 2009

I went for online agent. Take for example, when I book my trip Perth, Australia.

First, I went to the Quantas/BA (or other airline of your choice) Website to get my tickets.

Following, I went to the Hotel website to book my accommodation.

Finally, I went to Land Tour website (ATP kings, Grey Lines, etc..) to book for my Land Tour.

Combing all this, I got myself a “free and simple “and relaxing tour.

As you now what, it is much cheaper than getting the complete tour package. But, you must be willing to do all these sourcing and booking yourself. For me, it is worth it and I can choose the Time & Place I want to go. You cannot really do that if you book a complete tour. Best of all, it is cheaper. You must be with you, travel agent have overheads to pay!

So, my suggestion is, if you have the time and willing to do it, do it yourself.

See if this website can give help you to make some decisions and give you some thoughts.

By Energy on Jan 17, 2009

Travel agents always have cheaper prices then anything you can find online. It’s only a matter of finding an honest travel agent then. Generally speaking travel agents can give you better price and better benefit of course, plus since they are licensed it’s practically a guarantee that in case you have any problems, they are there to help you.

By Alan on Jan 20, 2009

I would always just book the running away online and then shop around locally for all else. Hotels, Transport and whatever are usually cheaper booked eye-2-eye, at least in Asia.

Cheers from Bali,

Chris
http://www.nomad4ever.com
Life is what you make it!
Chris @ nomad4ever´s last blog ..Wanted: Your very own beach paradise island – Bohol or Bantayan?

By Chris @ nomad4ever on Nov 17, 2009