Good travel agents book properties that they have confidence in. Period. Otherwise, people will stop using them or come back demanding the the agent return some money. Notice I said good. Not Sally who took a correpondense course in being a travel agent and really only does it for the fam trips. Not Jimmy whose goal is to book as many people as possible and doesn’t care about repeats.

If hours of your time isn’t worth ($50), don’t use an agent. If you are willing to pick a property off the internet and their staged photos instead of relying on someone who has been in the room, go for it.

No I’m not a travel agent nor do I play one on TV. I don’t use a travel agent when I know where I’m going and where I want to stay. I don’t use a travel agent to book most flights any more (unless the itinerary gets ugly). I do use an agent when things get complex or I have an idea where I want to go but not where to stay or what to do. I pay for her service when it’s not as much about price but more about my time and experience.

If your choices are all about price, leave my travel agent alone. I want her to spend her time servicing my trip. I value her expertise on the area I’m going and her time in helping me plan. It’s a cheap $50.

In this case, its best to consult with a local destinations specialist that assist you in coming up with a customized itinerary with your specific preferences.

Russell

While it was a little toned down (only a little), it essentially said, sure, you can book your own cruise, but the boat will probably sink and you will drown. Or take a hike that wasn’t booked by a travel agent? Sure, go ahead, but if you get bitten by a deadly snake or attacked by sasquatch, well, you chose to take that chance.

Sure, there are occasions or personalities that are best served by an agent. But in most cases, the risk of taking some personal responsibility is not as great as this obviously biased piece would indicate. Want to find out about a place? Do a quick search and include “tripadvisor” in the search. What you’ll get are the experiences of real travellers, not just agents who profit by putting you there. Even if the agent actually went to the property, you know they weren’t treated the way all guests are treated, so input from a real guest is far more informative.

The bottom line is the pleasure you get from your trip is ultimately up to you. And in almost all cases, it has little to do with the agent or website you used. While a good agent may be able to steer you to something of particular interest to you, there’s no guarantee. Also no guarantee they can / will / or want to fix your complaints. Especially if it’s Saturday or Sunday or not during their normal business hours in their own time zone.

The point is, there are good and bad sources on the internet, which this article makes great effort to exploit. Curiously, though, apparently ALL agents are miracle workers, as there is no mention of good vs bad agents.

Bottom line? Go with what makes you comfortable and what works best for you. Preferably, a choice based on legitimate input and not scare tactics. Then lighten up, get over yourself and have a great time. It’s a vacation, but it’s still real life. Make the most of it and have some fun, get enlightened, and take pictures to share.

Some are: You available time, and how to effectively use the many tools available including the internet and a Certified/Professional travel agent qualified to help you with your travel plans.

Another factor is the type of travel purchase needed. Even a simple plane ticket and car rental can vary in price and a number of travelers generally feel they are savvy enough to get the best deal.

“Caution to the wind” is a great idea, but not for the faint of heart which are the majority of travelers.

I find most travelers have expectations and are unhappy when their expectations are not met.

Another major factor beyond booking, especially on a vacation is what happens after arrival at your destination.

The Certified/Professional travel agent who is a Certified Specialist in the area of your travels usually goes beyond selling you any activities, but can assist you with their knowledge and experience of how to maximize your time and assist you with activities that are best suited for your lifestyle. That’s a level of service that the internet can’t deliver.

The most important factor is when you return home with precious memories and not nightmares as I read about so often in Tripso. I thank Tripso for their great service of educating the traveling public.

At the end of the day, saving money is important, but most travelers tell me that with their limited time and money, their real goal is a trouble free vacation with real value.

Bottom line: Travel planning is like trying to cross a minefield without a guide. Who lucky do you feel?