Do you use a travel agent?

When you plan a vacation or do you do it on your own.? Haven't been away in years and don't know where to begin. Thinking of puerto Rico, since we don't need passports and it's not an very long flight.

Do you use a travel agent?

I personally do not use a travel agent but I'm a researcher. I love going on Trip Advisor and looking at hotel reviews. This board is also a great resource. While it's not insanely active, the posters here are very helpful if you ask for recommendations.

I don't have much to say about Puerto Rico. The last time I was there was about 8 years ago and it was for business. We stayed at the El Conquistador hotel which was very nice. But the one thing I didn't like about it is the resort is set into the side of a mountain, so you have to take a boat to their private beach. I much prefer to be able to walk out my door and walk to the pool or beach.

Good luck with your search!

Re: Do you use a travel agent?

Never. I LOVE planning our vacations. For me, the planning is half the fun

Do you use a travel agent?

I used a travel agent when we went to Hawaii for the airfare because it was a new flight that was started from JFL to Honolulu and I didn't want to be responsible if I messed something up. We also used one for our honeymoon because they offered us a deal since we've booked a trip with them before. However, I don't think that from this point forward we will use one - I love planning trips and could definitely do it on my own.

Re: Do you use a travel agent?

Re: Do you use a travel agent?

It depends on the trip. I love planning our trips and still research and am involved in the planning even when we use a travel agent.

I never use a TA for our Disney trips. We always use a TA for foreign travel. We also like to use a TA for more upscale travel. DH and I like to take a super nice luxury vacation at least once a year. In my experience, especially with more upscale hotels, etc., you definitely get treated better when you go through a TA. We also use my TA if we try to book something ourselves and it's booked up - she always seems to be able to get us a room!

Do you use a travel agent?

Never have, I prefer to do everything myself instead of relying on someone else.

Re: Do you use a travel agent?

The only time we used a TA was for our HM trip to Hawaii since there were a lot of logistics involved and we island hopped. However any other trip I just plan myself.

Re: Do you use a travel agent?

There are definitely a lot of trips that a travel agent may not seem necessary.

A lot of people love planning their Disney vacations but for a lot of people the whole process is very overwhelming and time consuming and that's when using a travel agent can be very useful.

Some people visit the same locations and stay at the same hotel every time. They know exactly what they want and where/how to book it. For others, it's all very overwhelming.

Travel agents often have special relationships with vendors and hotel chains that allow them to see inventory that isn't available to the public or offer deals that aren't available on your own.

Most travel agents can also price match the prices you find online at Priceline.com or Travelocity.com but provide customer service and real person interaction that you won't always get from online travel agencies. If something goes wrong on your trip, your travel agent can act as your advocate to get the situation solved.

If you have never been to a destination they can offer great insights to the area, resorts, activities, and more.

In my case, you also help support a local small business at no additional cost to you.

The only "down side" to booking with a travel agent is that you can't make changes on your own, you have to go through your travel agent. Some travel agencies charge fees, but I do not.

Just some things to think about. :)