on line, phone or travel agent?

[lorapinky]

Hi

I am going to book my holiday with virgin...

yippy!!!

I am unsure how to book though? I have always booked through a travel agent as it felt 'safer' but I am unsure if thats how i'll do it this time...any ideas?

What have all you lot done?

Does anyone know of any pros and cons of any of thew above methods?

 

[gilld]

I never use a TA because I just prefer to deal with companies myself. Usually I book on-line - but sometimes over the telephone.

 

[Ali and boyz]

we have done both but now my son has special needs I preferred to go via the TA don't know if it makes a diference but makes me feel beter

 

[wideeyes]

I booked my VH via a TA, that way they deal with the company and everything such as requests, I have a looked round various travel agencys to find one that knowledgeable as some have not got a clue, I found an excellent one who deals with everything and does all the chasing up on things etc.
I always check out the website first just to get an idea of prices and what I can afford that way you can just go in to the TA and say "I would like to stay here on these dates etc.."

 

[carolfoy]

price it all three ways and go with the one thats cheapest!! or the one that makes you feel most secure

 

[lorapinky]

Thats a good idea as I want it to be the cheapest I can get it!

Actually that brings me to my next quetsion...how to do disney on the cheap...any tips?

 

[carolfoy]

I don't think theres ever a way of doing it on the cheap apart from research EVERY company for flight prices, don't automatically assume that a package would be dearer - with the charter aircraft a package could often work out cheaper, research ticket prices, have a budget in mind and when you see something you want BOOK IT!!! don't leave it, it'll be gone.
If you want me to hunt package prices for you pm me your details, when to go, how many people, ages of kids etc, and I'll hunt around. Todays very quiet so I've got a couple of hours free.

 

[lorapinky]

oh gosh thats very kind of you, please dont put yourself out.

I am looking at going next september/october, staying at the all star movies for 16 nights and its for 2 adults.

Thank you

 

[martina857]

Definitely by phone for me !!! Going to a high street Travel Agent makes me feel I am going to be ripped off because I am paying towards the rent of the shop ;-))

Online bookings are fine until you get a problem and need to talk to someone, Airline Network for instance are a nightmare. Also most of the online firms are not bonded so protection is minimal. Also booking direct with a scheduled airline is not without risks as they are not covered by any bonding.

My choice is by phone with an ATOL licensed company even if in the past it has cost me a few pounds extra, I can then relax knowing whatever happens my money and holiday is safe. I have booked my cars with the same company now for the last 3 years and in September they started selling flights and villas etc , I now pay them them profit on only one aspect of the holiday I book with them so I get maybe my flights and car at cost price and pay full price on the accommodation plus I get to talk to the same person each time I call and she knows me!!

M

 

[luvtinkerbell]

Hi

I am going to book my holiday with virgin...

yippy!!!

I am unsure how to book though? I have always booked through a travel agent as it felt 'safer' but I am unsure if thats how i'll do it this time...any ideas?

What have all you lot done?

Does anyone know of any pros and cons of any of thew above methods?

get a quote on line then go to thomas cook who will price match for you thats what we do as i prefer to go to travel agents

 

[CharleyUK]

Hi

We look around and get several prices and get the different companies to pricematch each other. Do you have a travel service linked to your bank? We are with nat west and they do if you have an advantage gold current account which is run by the airmiles travel comany. This year we are going to mexico and have booked with them and from our first price at First choice we have paid £1100 less than first quoted!!!! We have booked virgin to Florida with them before also.

Happy hunting

 

[Claire L]

I often use a combination of all three esp for the US For Europe last year I booked online with BA and with a small company for the apartments. Had never heard of the company I used for the apartments but as we had been to the apartments before and the company was ATOL bonded felt happy with that. As has been said I go for whatever option is the cheapest or gives the most security depending on what I am looking for at the time.

Claire