Should you use a travel agent, or book it yourself? At one point in time, a travel agent was the only option when you wanted to book a vacation, but today, more travelers are heading online and making their own arrangements.
The biggest advantage of booking online is the savings. You certainly save the travel agent?s fee when you do your own bookings. Search engines can be used to find low cost flights, and Internet hotel sites sometimes offer great deals. However, sometimes booking cheap means you get?well?cheap. It is always a good idea to check customer reviews before reserving a room, and double-check the location of your hotel. The same thing applies with flight arrangements. You might pay less, but if you fly into an airport that is nowhere near the city center, you will add both time and expense to your trip.
Customizing your itinerary is an advantage of booking your own arrangements. However, travel agents can usually get anything you can, not to mention they have other resourdces you don?t have access to. Generally, agents do not have as much leeway with airfares, but they do have more sway with cruises and tours.
Booking online is quite easy, if you are arranging a simple trip. On the other hand, if you have a complicated itinerary, a travel agent might be the way to go. In fact, the more facets added into the travel package, like hotels, air flights, tour packages, multiple destinations, and lay overs, the more you should consider an agent. Remember, travel agents are experts at making these arrangements. Not only can they offer excellent advice and tips, but also they can customize that vacation to suit your needs and wants. In addition, a good agent will know how to dig out the best possible deals, such as, knowing when to price part of your ticket in a foreign currency. Maybe you should book a day or two later to catch an off-season discount, or change the itinerary order to save some money. Moreover, do not forget about the fine print. Many people do, but an agent is required to make sure you are aware of every word.
Travel agents want to stay in business, which means they are willing to do the extras, like double-checking dates, and making sure, you have all the correct documents for traveling. They will also search out the cheapest fares and accommodations, while making sure your comfort expectations are met.
If you are willing to invest the time, booking your own travel arrangements is not an impossible task. However, if something does go wrong with those arrangements, while you are traveling, it would sure be nice to have someone in your corner you can call on, to help iron out the problems.
The bottom line is you need to weigh the pros and cons, and then decide which option works the best for you.
The biggest advantage of booking online is the savings. You certainly save the travel agent?s fee when you do your own bookings. Search engines can be used to find low cost flights, and Internet hotel sites sometimes offer great deals. However, sometimes booking cheap means you get?well?cheap. It is always a good idea to check customer reviews before reserving a room, and double-check the location of your hotel. The same thing applies with flight arrangements. You might pay less, but if you fly into an airport that is nowhere near the city center, you will add both time and expense to your trip.
Customizing your itinerary is an advantage of booking your own arrangements. However, travel agents can usually get anything you can, not to mention they have other resourdces you don?t have access to. Generally, agents do not have as much leeway with airfares, but they do have more sway with cruises and tours.
Booking online is quite easy, if you are arranging a simple trip. On the other hand, if you have a complicated itinerary, a travel agent might be the way to go. In fact, the more facets added into the travel package, like hotels, air flights, tour packages, multiple destinations, and lay overs, the more you should consider an agent. Remember, travel agents are experts at making these arrangements. Not only can they offer excellent advice and tips, but also they can customize that vacation to suit your needs and wants. In addition, a good agent will know how to dig out the best possible deals, such as, knowing when to price part of your ticket in a foreign currency. Maybe you should book a day or two later to catch an off-season discount, or change the itinerary order to save some money. Moreover, do not forget about the fine print. Many people do, but an agent is required to make sure you are aware of every word.
Travel agents want to stay in business, which means they are willing to do the extras, like double-checking dates, and making sure, you have all the correct documents for traveling. They will also search out the cheapest fares and accommodations, while making sure your comfort expectations are met.
If you are willing to invest the time, booking your own travel arrangements is not an impossible task. However, if something does go wrong with those arrangements, while you are traveling, it would sure be nice to have someone in your corner you can call on, to help iron out the problems.
The bottom line is you need to weigh the pros and cons, and then decide which option works the best for you.
About the Author:
Graham McKenzie is a webmaster for the leading UK Flight Comparison & Information website, which offers detailed information on Booking a Flight.
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