Should I use a travel agent or not?

[dede]

I'm travelling to the UK in November and then doing a trip to Egypt. That part I can organise myself. The flights to and from LHR are booked and I can get LHR-CAI return for $610. We are booking the Nile Escape tour with Gecko (9 days - Pyramids, Nile cruise, etc).
All this I can book myself - however....we would also like a few days after the Nile Escape to unwind and relax before flying back to London. A suggestion was Sharm El Sheikh to maybe do some diving, etc.

It's looking quite awkward to get from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh and I'm a bit unsure about some of the accomodation there. Should I chance it and book it myself online or is it safer to put myself in the hands of a travel agent? AND, more importantly, what travel agent should I go with? Are they all pretty much the same nowadays? It's been ages since I've used one.

 

[harvyk]

TA's are not all the same (check out a few posts around here and you'll soon learn that). What makes it even worse is that YMMV even if you use an agency (but not the specific agent) that someone has recommended.

My advise, ask around and see if any of your friends \ family \ co-workers can recommend a specific agent which they have used, and found them to be good.

 

[albatross710]

It's looking quite awkward to get from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh and I'm a bit unsure about some of the accomodation there. Should I chance it and book it myself online or is it safer to put myself in the hands of a travel agent? AND, more importantly, what travel agent should I go with? Are they all pretty much the same nowadays? It's been ages since I've used one.

IME I am comfortable organising things when I am on the ground 'in country' - if I have time up my sleeve. If I am pushed for time, I accept I have to prepay more for the experience of another person.

Consider your own comfort level with organising travel and tours. If you have a couple of days in Cairo, would you be prepared to risk one day or one morning and using the tips from the travelers & local guides you meet on your tour.

 

[vowgs]

Keep in mind that you won't need to necessarily pay more for an agent to organise certain elements of the trip. For example, agents charge the same amount for a Gecko's trip as going direct to Gecko's. However, since agent receive commissions on these prices they may offer you a discount to attract your business. Win/win, really.