Search
Recommended Products
Related Links


 

 

Informative Articles

Medical Information for Foreign Travelers
If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U. S. consular officer can assist in locating appropriate medical services and informing family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of...

Travel Comfort -Discover How To Get Some Decent Sleep While Traveling. Even Those Cramped Coach Seats!
Is travel comfort an oxymoron? Is it actually possible to be comfortable and even rest or sleep while enroute? Can it be done in coach? This article is designed to help you learn proven tactics to travel comfortably to rest and sleep on your...

Travel Connections - Stay in Touch
Travel connections with home are easier than ever. New calling cards, cell-phones, e-mail, satelite phones, and better phone lines everywhere are making it a smaller world. Here are some suggestions on how you can stay in touch - when you want to. ...

Travel to find a Russian bride
Do you agree that the best lessons are lessons given to you by other people who have already made some mistakes so that you wouldn’t repeat them? We are going to have a detailed observation of a certain man’s trip. When coming to Russia he managed...

Traveling and Accidents
Keeping Lives Safe on the Road Accidents do happen unexpectedly, but they can be avoided. However, despite the fact that a lot of people are trying their best to avoid it, still, many are in danger in the road while traveling. They will...

 
Do Your Research Before Traveling - Travel Agents vs the Internet

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!

About the author:

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.