Is it less expensive to book your trip through a travel agency or -

[figment27]

book each component of the trip separately-air,hotel, passes. utilizing the special discount codes,AAA, DC, mousesavers.com?
Thanks,
Figment

 

[Cindy B]

I've always done it by myself.

I've always gotten lower rates/more time in the park/more days if I did it myself as well.

Again, though I travel in the off season, drive instead of fly, buy park hopper tickets only, (no plus options), and we stay in value resorts.

But it is a matter of personal preference, some people like the one call does it all approach. It is definetely convienent, and it does save time..(but maybe not money)

It all depends on what your needs, wants, budget, etc., are.

 

[mikek]

mostly i do it all myself.

But sometimes if the package someone is offering is EXACTLY what i want than it works out to be the same or cheaper, so i go that route for the 'one call' ease.

SOmetimes the packages are a good deal but they include things i dont need so its a waste.

 

[ncbyrne]

We've booked trips both ways, and doing everything myself always works out to be less $. However, for those whose time is worth $, then it probably would be easier to do it all with one phone call. Saving $ is time consuming - but to me, planning and finding the best deals is almost as good as the trip itself!

 

[kilarney]

If you are willing to put in the time, it is almost ALWAYS cheaper to bbok everything yourself. Travel agents have access to some package tours that can't be booked by individuals. These, however, are rarely cheaper for the Florida market. Travel agents also charge a lot of fees that you can avoid if you book yourself. Most travel agents charge to book airline tickets, etc.
I feel bad for Travel Agents, but this is the reality. (they are still the way to go for cruises, package tours to europe, carribean, etc)

 

[figment27]

I have never booked travel without using a travel agency. But I feel more confident now, after reading these boards. I can probably secure a deal at least equal to that an agency could offer me or better.
I called today and they don't even have the rates for Jan. 2003 yet. Delta.com is offering a $178.26/rt from Boston, and I am afraid if I don't book now the fare will increase very soon.
I will wait to book the room, most likely WDW value resort, when mousesavers.com offers a good deal.
We will be purchasing the UHP but I plan to use the DC to get the small discount they offer.
I will do this instead of Connections because I will be able to wait until we are there to purchase the passes. That way, in the rare event we had to cancel I would not lose the money spent on pre-purchased tickets.
I will use Tiffany, and the coupon the offer, for ground travel once we get to Orlando.
Any other ideas on how to save on this trip would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Figment

 

[travelgoddess]

I just booked a package for some clients for next March, the rates are out. I, again feel
I must stand up for my profession, as a travel agent for over 15 years. When you go the
Doctors, Dentist, or tax office, "Do they work for free?" Not any I know. We have years
of knowledge when it comes to booking travel correctly. I visit Disney at least twice a year, and I book alot of packages(OHNO! I said the P Word), I also piece trips together, and YES, we use all those codes that everyone thinks are so top secret to the boards. Just like any
profession, there are good and bad travel agents, in our office we are all outstanding, we are
trained often and updated with all new Disney info. I am a graduate from the College of Disney
Knowledge, I also make my clients meals and shows reservations for them. We charge a
flat fee of 25.00 total for everything, not per person. The reason some people say the Disney
CRO res agents are so rude to them is because they would rather you book through an agent
also. I LOVE DISNEY, and I Love my career choice, I would never try to do someone elses
job, perhaps others shouldn't do ours. I know its fun in anticipating an upcoming Disney trip,
I 'm working on my own for December, and I throughly get into visiting these boards everyday, Yes, even while I am at work inbetween clients. Thanks for letting me vent, I really am not a Bit*$. Thank about how all of you would feel if you were in my shoes, if your career
choice was constantly being scrutinized and threatened, especially if it's a career you love
doing. I will shut up now, thanks again for allowing me to vent a little.

Mary in Michigan (Travelgoddes)

 

[DVC-LEROY]

I feel bad for travel agent professionals - though there will always be people that don't want to be bothered researching and making arrangements themselves. We only used travel agents before getting addicted to the internet... and disboard posters give so much information - if you have the time and the interest - you can always find the best deal with a little help from your friends on the boards. We still check with travel agents on occasion in hopes of hitting a deal at some point - but it has not been the case. And then came DVC.

 

[iluvtig2]

As a travel agent, I always do what is best for my clients. By asking them questions and determinig exactly what they want, I go to work. Some people are very proficient at finding deals on their own. Others are not so. I advise them of pros & cons, and never try to sell them something they don't want or need, and I tell them that.

Is it more convenient to buy a package? Sure it is. Is it more economical? Not usually. We review all the components of the package and compare to piecing together exactly what we want.

Agents have the expertise to be your greatest asset in booking travel, not to mention, if anything does happen that is not exactly as it was supposed to be, a wonderful ally that can help you rectify a situation. i.e. - room/hotel is not what you thought, and not where you want to be. What do you do? If you booked on your own, pull out the yellow pages. If you booked with a reputable agent, give him/her a call and go enjoy while she does the work.

Do what is best for you. Travel agents are wonderful assets and allies. We are here to help you enjoy your vacation, but for some people it is more fun to do it on your own. (I always loved to do it myself - Hence, my career! Now I get paid to do what I love - Oh, and I get paid a salary, so it doesn't matter what the dollar amount on the trip is - I just do it cuz I love to. Everyone in the office sends their Disney clients to me!)

Good Luck! You will have a wonderfully magical time, regardless of who books your trip!!!


iluvtig