A much needed break is always a good idea. Often times, this is synonymous with a holiday but planning can be quite stressful. But, what are the main differences between planning it yourself and letting a travel agency take care of it and how to know what is best for you?
Plan your own trip or book with a travel agency? – Here’s the difference
Between a travel agency and today’s digital world, one might wonder what the pros and cons are between planning the trip yourself and opting for a travel agency.
Doing it yourself has never been easier. You can have direct access to flight and accommodation deals at a click of a button. It’s easy and to the point.
What you might not know is that a travel agency can, in certain instances, beat the special. When a travel agency has a partnership with an airline or accommodation provider, they benefit from a discounted rate, therefore, travel agencies have different promotions and packages.
How do you plan a trip?
Start with the destination and date as this will determine the main costs of your trip. We know that some places are much more (or less) expensive than others. But bear in mind that season counts for a lot too.
Why choose a travel agency?
This option is easier, sometimes cheaper and you can tailor how much you want to plan. Travel agencies offer a variety of services and travel options. From only booking flights to all-inclusive packages, there is something for everyone and for most budgets.
Compare various options on different travel agencies’ websites to see which ones you are most interested in and send them an email enquiring about it. Take note of the terms and conditions, these should contain any blackout dates and exclusions.
When is the best time to book your flight?
When looking for flights, look around to see which companies are offering specials to certain destinations or on certain airlines. There are usually quite a few running but, again, beware the blackout travel dates on these promotions.
If you are not going for a particular deal, it is best to book on a Tuesday and about a month or more before your intended date of departure?
Some suggest search in incognito mode as cookies affect prices, while others have dispelled this as nothing more than a myth and say it is perfectly fine to search in regular mode.
How do you choose your accommodation?
No matter the destination, accommodation is significantly higher in peak season than in the shoulder and off-peak seasons. Not all countries share the same peak and off-peak times so take this into consideration too.
The question you need to ask yourself is what are you looking for in your trip? Are the amenities important? If so, which ones? What is your budget? What level of privacy do you require? Do you want to be able to prepare meals of your choice during your stay?
If you want to not lift a finger during your stay, then you should opt for a hotel or a resort. Here, you will have daily cleaning service, room service, on-site restaurants and more. However, this comes at a higher cost than a self-catering option, and this is not including the fact that you will have to eat out for every meal.
Holiday rentals offer higher levels of privacy, more space and allows you the freedom of being able to cook. Airbnb has a wide selection of apartments, houses, treehouses, boats and other interesting accommodation types. Remember to pay only through Airbnb, that way, if there is any issue, they are able to refund you.
If you desire a more budget friendly option, then a hostel or renting a room might be best. Make sure to choose a reputable place, research and check reviews online. Although this could be a great way to make friends while travelling, it also comes at a bit of a risk.
Planning a trip doesn’t have to be stressful as there is something for everyone’s budget and personal likes, whether you choose to do the planning or you go through an agency.
