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Informative Articles

Becoming A Travel Writer
Things That Every Aspiring Travel Writer Should Know For anyone who's looking to get into travel writing, it is important to have had some experience in traveling. It is essential. This is where a writer obtains the materials that will...

Bird Flu - Information for Travelers
If an Avian Bird Flu pandemic strikes theres no doubt it will have a devastating effect on the travel industry. This document touches briefly on Bird Flu and provides advice for Travelers who are going to be ultimately more susceptible if a pandemic...

Travel Essentials
There are numerous travel essentials you should consider packing when vacationing in America or elsewhere. These often-forgotten travel accessories will help make the trip a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone. ...

Travel in Style - Favorite Celebrity Vacations
Celebrities sure do seem to have a great life. Their every day lives are ones filled with glamour, and their vacations are even more spectacular! But just because you aren’t rich and famous, doesn’t mean you can’t travel like a celebrity! Today, the...

Traveling on business ? Need Internet access?
Travelling on business? Need Internet access? iRoam now offers Internet access at over 22000 access points worldwide. This includes dial-up, wired broadband, and wireless broadband at the many hotspots worldwide. This includes hotels, airports,...

 
Do Your Homework Before Traveling

When planning 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 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!
About the Author

Sue Taylor is a seasoned traveler who lots of tips to offer anyone considering traveling whether it be personal or for business. Go to www.taylortraveltales.com to read more about her travels on a personal basis.