usvi-on-line
Travel agents, trip research & forums
Travel agents, trip research & forums
Does anybody still use travel agents and if so when?
People ask about our trips which besides the USVI and BVI have recently included the Oregon coast, 4 corners region of AZ, Prince Edward Island, etc.
I haven’t used one since 25 yrs ago when the agent that helped us book our honeymoon to Cancun tried to talk us out of going there (they really didn’t know about it – there were only 7 hotels there at the time).
Anyway, gave one another shot recently for trip we are planning to Switzerland (never been to Europe and figured I could use an experts assistance). Have been really disappointed in the extra $$$ that seem to be built into the pricing quoted and will probably wind up doing it myself.
Guess if you don’t have the time to do the internet and guide book research it would pay to use an agent. I figure what else to do on cold winter nights if I don’t feel like reading or watching TV anyway, right? And save over $700 in the process…
Re trip research, let me say also there seem to be no other forums out there for this European trip that come close the levels of helpfulness I have recd here and at the other well known VI forums over the past few years.
I’ve also gone to other subject forums for research on new car and high def TV and let me tell you, things get pretty snarky at the drop of a hat on the car forum and the A/V forum doesn’t tolerate newbie questions very well.
Makes you really appreciate the good people we have here and glad that I have been able to "give back" at times.
People ask about our trips which besides the USVI and BVI have recently included the Oregon coast, 4 corners region of AZ, Prince Edward Island, etc.
I haven’t used one since 25 yrs ago when the agent that helped us book our honeymoon to Cancun tried to talk us out of going there (they really didn’t know about it – there were only 7 hotels there at the time).
Anyway, gave one another shot recently for trip we are planning to Switzerland (never been to Europe and figured I could use an experts assistance). Have been really disappointed in the extra $$$ that seem to be built into the pricing quoted and will probably wind up doing it myself.
Guess if you don’t have the time to do the internet and guide book research it would pay to use an agent. I figure what else to do on cold winter nights if I don’t feel like reading or watching TV anyway, right? And save over $700 in the process…
Re trip research, let me say also there seem to be no other forums out there for this European trip that come close the levels of helpfulness I have recd here and at the other well known VI forums over the past few years.
I’ve also gone to other subject forums for research on new car and high def TV and let me tell you, things get pretty snarky at the drop of a hat on the car forum and the A/V forum doesn’t tolerate newbie questions very well.
Makes you really appreciate the good people we have here and glad that I have been able to "give back" at times.
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
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Kentuckygirl
- Posts: 1903
- Joined: Sun Oct 08, 2006 10:17 am
- Location: Kentucky
Interesting question. Last travel agent we used was on our cruise about a year ago. Definitely, didn't use one for our Napa trip. Booked our hotel online. We have a travel agent friend who we will give the opportunity to book hotel so that they can make some money.
As to Europe, I think it's your travelling goals. I lived 8 years in Europe and travelled extensively so have a good feel of getting around. Not sure if I would use an agent, but might let our friend make a commission of the hotels we might select.
I'm not sure travel agencies are necessarily looking for the individual traveller anymore. The money I understand is just not there any more. Instead, they are looking for corporate and group travel business. Like many businesses the travel industry has been impacted greatly by the internet and changing pay structures since their business is based on a pct of the travel dollar.
My understanding of this is from the owner of a rather large travel agency here in Los Angeles and it seemed to make sense on what I have also read.
As to Europe, I think it's your travelling goals. I lived 8 years in Europe and travelled extensively so have a good feel of getting around. Not sure if I would use an agent, but might let our friend make a commission of the hotels we might select.
I'm not sure travel agencies are necessarily looking for the individual traveller anymore. The money I understand is just not there any more. Instead, they are looking for corporate and group travel business. Like many businesses the travel industry has been impacted greatly by the internet and changing pay structures since their business is based on a pct of the travel dollar.
My understanding of this is from the owner of a rather large travel agency here in Los Angeles and it seemed to make sense on what I have also read.
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California Girl
Hi JMQ! I used a travel agent for my flight, but did the rest of my trip planning myself. Now, it just so happens that that travel agent is a friend, but I still didn't get any "special deals" from her (other than she didn't charge me her usual airline booking fee of $10).
It used to be that travel agents were 100% free to the client, but with airline deregulation and other fees that hotels and transportation companies are constantly adding, they are also cutting the travel agents' commissions, so in order to stay in business, some agents have had to start charging nominal fees.
The reason I called my travel agent friend for my flight was because I just couldn't figure out some of the constantly changing flight schedules. She booked me on the flight I found online, and told me she would watch the prices and she would be alerted if the price went down by $50 or more. Booking online by myself, I wouldn't get an alert like that. When AA changed my outbound flight time by moving it up 3 hours, I called my agent and she got my outbound flight changed at no additional cost. And I know if there are any other issues with my flight to or from the VI, I can call my agent and SHE will deal with it, NOT ME! Big plus in my book.
It's not always WHAT you know, but WHO you know.
It used to be that travel agents were 100% free to the client, but with airline deregulation and other fees that hotels and transportation companies are constantly adding, they are also cutting the travel agents' commissions, so in order to stay in business, some agents have had to start charging nominal fees.
The reason I called my travel agent friend for my flight was because I just couldn't figure out some of the constantly changing flight schedules. She booked me on the flight I found online, and told me she would watch the prices and she would be alerted if the price went down by $50 or more. Booking online by myself, I wouldn't get an alert like that. When AA changed my outbound flight time by moving it up 3 hours, I called my agent and she got my outbound flight changed at no additional cost. And I know if there are any other issues with my flight to or from the VI, I can call my agent and SHE will deal with it, NOT ME! Big plus in my book.
It's not always WHAT you know, but WHO you know.
I sometimes check with our travel agent, but only if I think it's somewhere that she might know about a deal to. Otherwise, I've also found it cheaper to do it ourselves.
This sounds crazy, but for Europe we've used a travel agent out of Washington DC to book airfare and gotten much better prices. I have no idea why, but they found us great fare that we couldn't get online.
For forums, have you tried Rick Steve's, Frommer's, Fodor's and then the Trip Advisor ones. I found a great deal of information on those four sites that is very helpful for traveling Europe. The hotels that I found recommendations for all turned out perfectly wonderful and we got lots of hints for travel also.
Happy Planning. I'd love to head back to Europe after St. John, but it's time we start thinking about having a baby and I don't think I want to go to Europe pregnant! Who knows...maybe this fall though..
This sounds crazy, but for Europe we've used a travel agent out of Washington DC to book airfare and gotten much better prices. I have no idea why, but they found us great fare that we couldn't get online.
For forums, have you tried Rick Steve's, Frommer's, Fodor's and then the Trip Advisor ones. I found a great deal of information on those four sites that is very helpful for traveling Europe. The hotels that I found recommendations for all turned out perfectly wonderful and we got lots of hints for travel also.
Happy Planning. I'd love to head back to Europe after St. John, but it's time we start thinking about having a baby and I don't think I want to go to Europe pregnant! Who knows...maybe this fall though..
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
I use my travel agent quite a bit. especially when we cruise. It is just easier for her to deal with all the stuff like upgrades, on board credits, etc.
Here is a perfect case in point. 2 co workers booked a cruise together 2 weeks ago, one through a TA, one on his own. They flew into FL the day before. That night there was a medical emergency on board the ship and it had to reroute and would not arrive until a day later. TA booked a room for the next night and called my coworker on her cell phone to tell her that the ship was delayed and that she had booked her a room and that she would submit the bill to the cruise line for reiumbursement as they were paying up to $200 per night.
The guy would have had no idea, since the number that the cruise line had for him was his home number.
I book a lot on my own but when it comes to multi-leg trips or cruises, I call my TA. Better safe than sorry, if you ask me.
Here is a perfect case in point. 2 co workers booked a cruise together 2 weeks ago, one through a TA, one on his own. They flew into FL the day before. That night there was a medical emergency on board the ship and it had to reroute and would not arrive until a day later. TA booked a room for the next night and called my coworker on her cell phone to tell her that the ship was delayed and that she had booked her a room and that she would submit the bill to the cruise line for reiumbursement as they were paying up to $200 per night.
The guy would have had no idea, since the number that the cruise line had for him was his home number.
I book a lot on my own but when it comes to multi-leg trips or cruises, I call my TA. Better safe than sorry, if you ask me.
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Jan&MikeVa
- Posts: 1084
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 5:32 pm
- Location: The Chesapeake Bay
I have not used a travel agent since the onset of the internet travel info, except for cruises. And with a cruise I find what I want and book through her.
Also when we travel with a larger group an agent has come in handy. But really only to make my fellow travelers feel more secure. How could someone not trust me??
Unless I were planning a more difficult trip, or special interest I don't know that I'd use one. The wealth of info on the internet is awesome. Especially with the forums, videos, pics, etc. I spend a lot of time planning, but that's MY hobby.
Happy Planning!
Jan (akaCharlie)
Also when we travel with a larger group an agent has come in handy. But really only to make my fellow travelers feel more secure. How could someone not trust me??
Unless I were planning a more difficult trip, or special interest I don't know that I'd use one. The wealth of info on the internet is awesome. Especially with the forums, videos, pics, etc. I spend a lot of time planning, but that's MY hobby.
Happy Planning!
Jan (akaCharlie)
jmq,
We have never used a travel agent....I guess for me, the months leading up to any trip are just as much a part of the whole experience as the actual trip.
You are so right about this forum....I know I truly missed it while I was planning a trip to Italy this past May. I am convinced that there is no other place which offers the camaraderie, the helpfulness and most importantly the special folks who contribute so much.
I have a few sights the have helped me for various trips to Europe....if nothing else they will give you something do on cold winter nights when you don’t feel like reading or watching TV
I hope at least a few are new to you....mia
http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides ... rview.html
http://www.slowtrav.com/
http://www.frommers.com/cgi-bin/WebX?13 ... 0@.ee6b326
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2
http://en.escapio.com/switzerland-hotels
http://www.lanierbb.com/Switzerland/
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinat ... /gimbd.htm
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinat ... z_menu.htm
http://www.concierge.com/destination/switzerland
http://www.luxurylink.com/LL/home_3rdpr ... iecas.html
http://www.karenbrown.com/region.asp?Re ... be2a75e61e
We have never used a travel agent....I guess for me, the months leading up to any trip are just as much a part of the whole experience as the actual trip.
You are so right about this forum....I know I truly missed it while I was planning a trip to Italy this past May. I am convinced that there is no other place which offers the camaraderie, the helpfulness and most importantly the special folks who contribute so much.
I have a few sights the have helped me for various trips to Europe....if nothing else they will give you something do on cold winter nights when you don’t feel like reading or watching TV
I hope at least a few are new to you....mia
http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides ... rview.html
http://www.slowtrav.com/
http://www.frommers.com/cgi-bin/WebX?13 ... 0@.ee6b326
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2
http://en.escapio.com/switzerland-hotels
http://www.lanierbb.com/Switzerland/
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinat ... /gimbd.htm
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinat ... z_menu.htm
http://www.concierge.com/destination/switzerland
http://www.luxurylink.com/LL/home_3rdpr ... iecas.html
http://www.karenbrown.com/region.asp?Re ... be2a75e61e
It takes both the sun and the rain to make a beautiful rainbow. --Unknown
Wow Mia - thanks so much.
I seen a few of these, others new to explore. Also got the Rick Steves Swiss book - has the best "first hand" kind of info on what trails to hike (kinda like you get here on this forum for STJ)
Like we explored rum and reggae prior to VIs, current research Switzerland includes trying different chocolates and cheeses! Assume will have some interesting wines in the south and beer in the north.
The accomodations I am looking at for 4 of the nights in Switzerland will have a view similar to this...
I seen a few of these, others new to explore. Also got the Rick Steves Swiss book - has the best "first hand" kind of info on what trails to hike (kinda like you get here on this forum for STJ)
Like we explored rum and reggae prior to VIs, current research Switzerland includes trying different chocolates and cheeses! Assume will have some interesting wines in the south and beer in the north.
The accomodations I am looking at for 4 of the nights in Switzerland will have a view similar to this...
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
-
Kentuckygirl
- Posts: 1903
- Joined: Sun Oct 08, 2006 10:17 am
- Location: Kentucky
Yes been surfing the Swiss Alps photos on flickr and they are stunning.
One of the top 3 places of natural beauty I've ever seen is the mountain scenery and turquiose glacier fed lakes along the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies.
Those who have been to Switzerland say the Alps are like that but even better.
Thanks for letting me go off topic here...
One of the top 3 places of natural beauty I've ever seen is the mountain scenery and turquiose glacier fed lakes along the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies.
Those who have been to Switzerland say the Alps are like that but even better.
Thanks for letting me go off topic here...
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
jmq,
What an awesome view...be prepared for it to take your breath away
We have visited Switzerland...kind of. We went to Lake Lugano on the boarder with Italy.... half of the lake is in Switzerland, Lake Lugano...and half in Italy, called Lake Ceresio by the Italians...go figure. Lugano is an absolutely charming spot.
Have fun with your cheese and chocolate research
What an awesome view...be prepared for it to take your breath away
We have visited Switzerland...kind of. We went to Lake Lugano on the boarder with Italy.... half of the lake is in Switzerland, Lake Lugano...and half in Italy, called Lake Ceresio by the Italians...go figure. Lugano is an absolutely charming spot.
Have fun with your cheese and chocolate research
It takes both the sun and the rain to make a beautiful rainbow. --Unknown
jmq, try www.pbase.com and put in the search country Switzerland. Some really beautiful work there.
When we lived in Europe, different time, different life, we often were in the Alps or on the way through to Italy. They look exactly as you see them. Absolutely beautiful. The Goddard is beautiful. Unfortunately, those years '68 through '75 were without digital.
When we lived in Europe, different time, different life, we often were in the Alps or on the way through to Italy. They look exactly as you see them. Absolutely beautiful. The Goddard is beautiful. Unfortunately, those years '68 through '75 were without digital.