New Travel Question

[SapphireRose]

Ok, so since my last thread, my vacation has changed quite dramatically. I just want to go to Orlando for a week, basing my vacation around Discovery Cove and the different packages they have there.

But here's my question. From people's experience is it cheaper (although a little more difficult) to plan the trip yourself or cheaper to find a Travel Agent and see if they have any special packages that the places just don't advertise to the public? Do agents charge fees that make it not worth the time?

This vacation won't be happening for about a year or so. I wish I had the money now, but it's one of those things that I have to save for (I know, I keep saying "I." Viper would be accompanying me though, don't worry) for quite a while.

Help!!! Or if there are any travel agents out there on here, PM me!

THANK YOU!!!

Oh, Hey!!! When the hell did I become a TMF Novice???

 

[BrightEyes1082]

I've worked as both a leisure travel agent and a corporate travel
agent in the past. Travel agents basically get access to the same
package rates as anyone else. What some agents do (and this is
frowned upon) is discount the package by subtracting some of their
commission. This doesn't happen often though. I worked for this
insane lady who would take the checks/cash clients would put down
on their trips, and spend it. Then when the time came for the final
payment, she was frantically trying to find money to pay it. If you
do use an agent, make sure you pay with a debit or credit card.

As far as fees go, some agents will charge you for their consulting
time, but will then apply it toward the cost of your trip. I did this
when I'd have people come into my office and say "I want to book
a cruise for my family reunion of 200 people" and I'd say "show me
the money." 😎 Good luck and PM me if you have more questions.

 

[SapphireRose]

You've done a lot with your life, haven't you BrightEyes?

Thanks for the info! I can understand needing the comission thing for the time it takes to put something together. It took a LOT of time getting all of the details as to what I would like to do over the course of a week, including tickets for everything and even a spending budget, together.

 

[subtle_feather]

I have found this website useful in the past for keeping track of sales and deals 🙂

http://www.travelzoo.com/Index.aspx

 

[luvgirlsfeet]

Your better off booking directly with the airline, hotel, car rental agencies directly not a travel agencey they fuck up way the hell to often. The ONLY thing a travel agency does right is TAKES YOUR MONEY thats from 7 years of experience in the hotel and airline industries

 

[IwillTickleU]

i've always delt directly with the Airlines and hotels either by calling or going online they have the more accurate information because you deal directly with them than an outside sourse who has limited information

 

[SapphireRose]

Thank you for the useful information. If people are interested, I'll keep you updated on how it goes!!!

 

[luvgirlsfeet]

Thank you for the useful information. If people are interested, I'll keep you updated on how it goes!!!

You're welcome and yes I'd be glad to how how you made on with your trip