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Booking online or with an agent?
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Plane in blue sky
With winter right around the corner, people are starting to book their holiday and winter vacations.
In the past, they used to contact their travel agents to take care of their bookings. However, nowadays more and more people are heading towards their computers to book their next vacation.
But should you book online or go to an agent?
Why use a travel agent?
- It is a general travel rule that when booking large groups or complicated trips to book with an agent. There are too many details to work out and many people feel more comfortable in such cases to leave it to the agent.
- Some people feel that the many websites and the choices they have are very confusing. They would rather just go to an agent who will make a couple of suggestions and help them narrow down their choice.
- Many also feel that when booking with an agent they are safer. Safer in the sense that in case something goes wrong or in case of an emergency cancellation, the human agent would be more understanding and helpful than a computer.
- Many people like to do their research online and then after having narrowed down their choices contact their agent. An agent will sometimes match a deal found online or come as close as possible it.
Why book online?
- Online you can always find very good offers and last minute deals. Some airlines and travel sites are now reserving their best deals and lowest prices for online booking exclusively.
- You get to shop around! We do it in real life, why not do it virtually as well? Many websites are facilitating the process of shopping around by offering the ability to compare prices on their one site instead of jumping from one site to another.
- You can customize your trip according to your preferences from A to Z. Book your own seat on the plane, rather than have the agent choose it blindly. For hotel bookings, you can filter down your choices by clicking or unclicking your preferences (such as business services, room service, hotel gym, courtesy breakfast). An agent does not have the time to go through your preferences as thoroughly as you would yourself.
- You get the best unbiased travel reviews. There is nothing like real reviews from real people. These people have been there. You get the real deal, and you know that nobody is trying to sell you anything. The most popular site by far is tripadvisor.com. You could even book your trip from right there on their site (don't do that before comparing with other sites).
Whether booking with an agent or online this winter, enjoy your vacation and travel safe!
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