Travel Vacations

Travel Vacations questions and answers

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Question: What do travel agents do now that people can plan their vacations themselves, online?
Before the Internet age, people relied on travel agents to plan and book their vacations (especially cruises and extensive travel). Now, people can do all these things themselves, and often find cheaper airline tickets than travel agents can. So what purpose do travel agents serve now?

Answer: Apparently there are still enough people that don't want to do the legwork themselves that there is still a good living available as an agent. I have an aunt who is doing very well. I will say she used to have a staff of three people, and she is by herself, now.

 

Question: On the internet, what is the best site for discounted travel vacations and/or cruises?

Answer: It really depends on where you are planning to go. If you are only wanting to do something like a hotel, I would just go to the hotels site directly or call them. If you are wanting air, go with the airline direclty. It is easier, safer and usually less expensive than some of the online sites.

If you read online you can see lots of people that have had nightmares using these sites. Rooms were cancelled without their knowing it, people tried to cancel vacations but weren't able to because they booked with these sites, etc. It can be difficult to change or cancel when using these sites, most companies won't work with reservations if they have booked with online discounters.

If you are wanting to travel out of country, take a cruise, go to Disney, etc. These are all places that require some knowledge about the booking and trip before you go. Especially if this is your first trip for this type travel, I would stay away from sites like Expedia, Orbitz, etc. They don't provide you with any information and you will need to find out all these details yourself. I would find an agent that specializes in your area of travel . They will be able to help you plan the trip, get good deals, find nice places to stay, answer questions, and inform you of anything you need to know, like documents and such. It is always safer to use a travel agent that knows what they are doing. You may spend a little more for the trip, not always likely alot of times it will be less expensive, but it could save you a lot of money in the long run.

I have found from all my travels that 9 out of 10 times my agent is the exact same price and in some cases lower than these online sites. Most of the time they are higher. I know for a fact that the sites are higher for my Disney Vacations. And for cruises the sites usually don't offer any saves.

But as far as the online sites like Expedia, Orbitz, etc. They are all pretty much the same as far as price and such. Just look around to see where you can find the best deal.

 

Question: Has anyone ever heard of a Travel Agency called Beachcomber Vacations? Could also be know as Dream Vacations.
I received a call yesterday from a company called Beachcomber Vacations claiming to be a new travel agency in the area. In exchange for me listening to a 90 minute seminar, they will gurantee me a completely free 5 day cruise or 2 day vacation to another location. They gave me a confirmation code and when entering it on their website "www.myfreevacations.com", it gives me a 100% gaurantee that I won't be obligated to pay for anything during the trip or seminar.

When I asked the representative if there was a catch, he assured me there was not. He said that the company puts their advertising money into providing free vacations in hopes that in turn the customers will come back to use them in the future or tell their friends about the travel agency.

I have heard this concept before from time shares, and know they are a scam.

I wouldn't mind listening to a presentaiton for 90 minutes to get a free vacation, but does anyone know if this is really free?

Answer: No, last year me and husband were duped into one. They didn't give us a free vacation. As we learned in their seminar, every vacation is free because they don't call money "money" they call it "credits." When you invest "credits" it doesn't cost money.

 

Question: Where can I find good deals on travel or vacations? Also what are some good romantic vacation spots?

Answer: Good deals can always be found in developing countries, and as for romance... as a female, I think something unique and thoughtful always equals romantic.

I went on tour to the Namibian desert.

We camped under the huge desert night sky, with the brightest stars I've ever seen! and couldn't help thinking how incredible it would have been with a 'slightly special other'.

Here's the tour:http://www.coreafricanexperiences.com/12-day-namibian-nomad-adventure/

 

Question: Where can I find a travel website that lists vacations by price, not by destination?
I want to find a cheap vacation-I don't care where (I am from Chicago). Any tips?

Answer: Go to Travelocity. Click on Vacations. On that page they have "top deals" and "Last minute deals." You should be able to find something there, depending on when you want to travel.

 

Question: What is the advantage of going through a travel agent when I can research vacations on my own?
Do travel agents get you a better rate? Can they get perks that you would not be able to get on your own? Can they negotiate better deals?

Answer: I have been in the Travel Business for 34 years. I think that a good travel Agent (and they are not all good ones!) can save you time and money. Their knowledge is invaluable and for the most part it is free if you are booking other than just an airline ticket.

A good Travel Agent knows where the "deals" can be found. They do nothing but book travel and research destinations, hotels, tour operators and cruise lines all day long. Some even know about Consolidators or they might belong to Consortium's that can get you some really great "deals". They can find the right price and the right destination for you.

They work for you. They can qualify you and find the best place and the best price for you. Most are bonded so your hard earned vacation dollar is protected should they go out of business overnight and leave you hanging.

Most importantly, they can do it all. You could spend hours researching a trip but they can do it all in minutes. They should be unbiased, looking out for you, not pushing their airline of their hotel.

Then they are there should anything go wrong to try and assist you in refunds, or handle complaints. A lot of Travel Agencies have clout and their suppliers want their continued business. You represent one trip, they represent an unknown amount. You are one client, they are again, untold numbers of clients.

Travel Agents can advise you as to climate, currency, cultures and customs. They can also advise you as to vaccinations,health requirement, documents required (i.e. Visas etc.)

Sure you can research it on your own. Doing your homework is your part of a great vacation. We call it know before you go.

So yes, Travel Agents can get you a better rate. Let's say you get onto Southwest's website wanting to book a flight. A Travel Agent has every airline's flights and prices in front of them, not just one. He or she can find not only the best price, but the best schedule to suit you, their customer.

Can they get you perks? Sure can. Many are members of Consortium's that offer special rates and special features. For instance, on a cruise and agent might be able to get you shipboard credit or upgrades to a better Stateroom at no cost to you.

Can they negotiate better deals, that is what they do. They can book one person or one thousand people. Try that on your home computer.

A great Travel Agent is someone that truly wants to make your dream a reality. Personalized attention! Satisfaction and I bet your computer will not send you a bottle of wine on your cruise either! LOL

 

Question: Can you recommend a non-biased travel magazine for researching vacations or honeymoons?
Other than Tripadvisor.com which website or publication is the best medium for researching vacation and honeymoon destinations? I like Tripadvisor.com, but I feel like some reviews are based on personal views instead of hard facts (not everyone can be pleased).
Can anyone recommend a non-biased website or non-biased publication?
Notes: Caribbean focused helps, but not necessary. Although we are low-maintenance, we like to receive the treatment that we pay for and we are looking to be treated well for our honeymoon, if that matters.

Answer: Caribbean travel and life magazine, Islands magazine. Some others I use are budgettravel.com, travel and leisure and Sherman's travel.

 

Question: Can Travel Agencys get better deals on Disney Vacations than going through the Disneyworld.com website?
Trying to comparison shop for vacations but not sure how travel agencies work

Answer: I actually got the best deal through AAA. The travel agency was very expensive, which surprised me. The Disney website was actually cheaper. But, you can also check with different agencies. Like I said though, AAA was the cheapest for me.

 

Question: We want to travel the Southeast US during Dec vacations. We want to avoid Florida. Any ideas. I have a 3yo kid
We want to travel the Southeast US during christmas. We want to avoid Florida.. it's too crowded. Any ideas?
I'll be traveling with my 3year old kid and wife and want this to be a nice family vacation. We will be traveling by road and can do more than one spot, but prefer to be in warmer climate.

Answer: Charleston, SC is beautiful and full of history. You could start there and drive down to Savannah, GA.

 

Question: Is there a travel website that suggests vacations deals once you provide the dates you want to travel?
I am interested in a vacation with my family during school break week, and want to know the best deals out of Boston or Manchester for a week-long family vacation. Mainland USA or the Caribbean.

Answer: there's no better choice http://www.sunwings.co.uk