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When planning to take a trip,
it is advisable to spend some
time doing research even if you
are booking through a Travel Agent.
This research could save you a
significant amount of money and
perhaps prevent a miserable stay
in a sub-standard hotel.
Many people have moved away from
using Travel Agents. This is understandable
due to the availability of cheap
fares and hotel rooms available
through the internet. However,
it is wise to consider the benefits
of utilizing a professional particularly
when proposing to visit somewhere
that you haven’t previously been.
Some of the advantages of using
a Travel Agent are gaining the
benefit of their expertise, experience,
personal service, ability and
indeed the obligation to clarify
and inform you of details in the
fine print which you may miss
if booking on your own account,
their up to date knowledge of
the latest deals and their ability
to distill and interpret information
to hopefully offer you the best
value deal for your trip.
With that said, it is still prudent
to conduct your own research.
The Travel Agent can provide suggestions
about a range of airlines you
could use and different fares
and advise on hotels in good areas
within budget guidelines. At this
point you have some great information
to work off. You have not had
to start from scratch. You have
an idea as to which are the better
priced airlines and the areas
you should look at staying taking
into account what you’re looking
to do in a particular place. Now
you can see if there are internet
deals that may beat the air fares
the Travel Agent has quoted you.
In many cases these days, the
Travel Agency will do what they
can to equal or beat whatever
publicized deal is out there.
It is a very competitive industry.
In the cases of hotels, many of
the chains as well as some independents
are claiming to have the best
internet deals on their own sites.
This is of benefit to both the
consumer as well as the hotel.
They don’t have to pay commission
to a third party and you are dealing
directly with the establishment
that you are proposing to stay
with who can answer any queries
that you may have regarding elements
of your accommodation as well
as possibly saving money. You
will also find that when booking
direct off the hotel website that
you may be offered upgrades or
specials not available anywhere
else.
The internet is also a great and
up to date resource which can
allow you to read reviews from
consumers regarding airlines,
hotels, sightseeing trips and
just about anything that you can
think of. This can be invaluable.
If you go to a site such as www.tripadvisor.com
you will find reviews on just
about any hotel in the world.
Many of the reviews provide excellent
information about the hotel rooms,
restaurants, attitude of the staff,
cleanliness, activities and pool
if they have one. If looking for
reviews on airlines there are
2 particularly good sites – www.epinions.com
and www.carsurvey.org/air
Don’t underestimate the value
of a good Travel Agent but be
prepared to put in some time to
conduct your own research. The
worst you could do is add to the
excitement of planning for a trip
and maybe you’ll even save yourself
some money!
Sue Taylor is a seasoned traveler.
For more information abouther
travel experiences, refer to http://www.newzealandtravelsite.com
and http://www.taylortraveltales.com
for further details about her
travels.
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