Do Your Research Before Traveling - Travel Agents Vs The
By Sue Taylor, Mon Dec 26th

When planning to take a trip, it is advisable to spend some timedoing research even if you are booking through a Travel Agent.This research could save you a significant amount of money andperhaps prevent a miserable stay in a sub-standard hotel.

Many people have moved away from using Travel Agents. This isunderstandable due to the availability of cheap fares and hotelrooms available through the internet. However, it is wise toconsider the benefits of utilizing a professional particularlywhen proposing to visit somewhere that you haven't previouslybeen. Some of the advantages of using a Travel Agent are gainingthe benefit of their expertise, experience, personal service,ability and indeed the obligation to clarify and inform you ofdetails in the fine print which you may miss if booking on yourown account, their up to date knowledge of the latest deals andtheir ability to distill and interpret information to hopefullyoffer you the best value deal for your trip.

With that said, it is still prudent to conduct your ownresearch. The Travel Agent can provide suggestions about a rangeof airlines you could use and different fares and advise onhotels in good areas within budget guidelines. At this point youhave some great information to work off. You have not had tostart from scratch. You have an idea as to which are the betterpriced airlines and the areas you should look at staying takinginto account what you're looking to do in a particular place.Now you can see if there are internet deals that may beat theair fares the Travel Agent has quoted you. In many cases thesedays, the Travel Agency will do what they can to equal or beatwhatever publicized deal is out there.



It is a very competitiveindustry. In the cases of hotels, many of the chains as well assome independents are claiming to have the best internet dealson their own sites. This is of benefit to both the consumer aswell as the hotel. They don't have to pay commission to a thirdparty and you are dealing directly with the establishment thatyou are proposing to stay with who can answer any queries thatyou may have regarding elements of your accommodation as well aspossibly saving money. You will also find that when bookingdirect off the hotel website that you may be offered upgrades orspecials not available anywhere else.

The internet is also a great and up to date resource which canallow you to read reviews from consumers regarding airlines,hotels, sightseeing trips and just about anything that you canthink of. This can be invaluable. If you go to a site such aswww.tripadvisor.com you will find reviews on just about anyhotel in the world. Many of the reviews provide excellentinformation about the hotel rooms, restaurants, attitude of thestaff, cleanliness, activities and pool if they have one. Iflooking for reviews on airlines there are 2 particularly goodsites - www.epinions.com and www.carsurvey.org/air

Don't underestimate the value of a good Travel Agent but beprepared to put in some time to conduct your own research. Theworst you could do is add to the excitement of planning for atrip and maybe you'll even save yourself some money!

About the author:Sue Taylor is a seasoned traveler. For more information abouthertravel experiences, refer to http://www.newzealandtravelsite.comand http://www.taylortraveltales.com for further details abouther travels.

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