Travel agent recomendations

[eric2011]

I usually do all my own travel arrangements however I am planning a big trip next year to a place where I have never been and in many places they dont speak my language so I am asking other peoples advise on a good travel agent who will offer a very competitive quote. One thing please.....no recomendations to use FC:evil:.

I have made enquires and choosen particular tours, dates, etc and created my own itinerary so just want it priced out so dont really need an agent in the same locallity as where I live as it can all be done via phone and email.

Suggestions please

 

[Blinky]

Pity you don't want a FC referral, my son-in-law manages on of their larger outlets, and I've always been happy with them. What I do know is that travel agents can get deals which the average punter can't get on the web, and if things go wrong, it's their job to fix it.

You obviously have a beef against FC, but I'm still happy to give you his contact details if you want.

 

[Cynicor]

Pity you don't want a FC referral, my son-in-law manages on of their larger outlets, and I've always been happy with them. What I do know is that travel agents can get deals which the average punter can't get on the web, and if things go wrong, it's their job to fix it.

You obviously have a beef against FC, but I'm still happy to give you his contact details if you want.

I think a lot of people on this forum would not book with flight centre. While they may employ some good travel agents, the bulk of their business comes from people who think they offer the best price all the time and are unaware of the (generally) onerous cancellation fees etc.

I'd never book through FC or bestflights if I could avoid it.

 

[moa999]

Do you want to name the destination, as there are a number of good boutique agents who specialise by region.
There are also a few TAs on this board.

 

[DC3]

Pity you don't want a FC referral, my son-in-law manages on of their larger outlets, and I've always been happy with them. What I do know is that travel agents can get deals which the average punter can't get on the web, and if things go wrong, it's their job to fix it.

You obviously have a beef against FC, but I'm still happy to give you his contact details if you want.

Flight Centre in court accused of price fixing. Read more:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer..../flight-centre-court-accused-price-43912.html

 

[Simo]

Before you go to the TA have a look at the net and work out a few bits and pieces.

It will save you a few dollars and also give you a few ideas to present to the TA.

IMHO if you go in with no idea I have a few times felt a bit ripped off or just have not gone as I thought it was too expensive.

Go in and get there pricing and then do some of your own research and then take your notes back and see what they say.

 

[drron]

I'll PM you my TA,s address.They probably wont be cheapest but really reliable and proactive.
Two examples.First.We were scheduled to fly to BKK and on to laos and Cambodia when the yellow shirts took over the airport.Our agent had already booked us to go via SIN if we wished or would get a refund from BA-they had a special,pay J go F when we booked.As mrsdrron broke her ankle the day before we went for the refund.We had it back within 2 weeks which is a lot quicker than usual for refunds.
Second.The QF grounding.We were once again booked to go to BKK on the Tuesday.We had been out and by the time i found out~2000 we already had an email from our TA with new booking on the BA flight.

 

[eric2011]

Do you want to name the destination, as there are a number of good boutique agents who specialise by region.
There are also a few TAs on this board.

South America..

 

[eric2011]

Before you go to the TA have a look at the net and work out a few bits and pieces.

It will save you a few dollars and also give you a few ideas to present to the TA.

IMHO if you go in with no idea I have a few times felt a bit ripped off or just have not gone as I thought it was too expensive.

Go in and get there pricing and then do some of your own research and then take your notes back and see what they say.

Done all that allready and have a complete itinerary of what I want. Just want TA to price it out

 

[geocro120122]

Just did a trip, a bit of an upmarket tour through South America organised by a great travel agent in America called Lori, who gave us incredible service, instant communication etc. She had been recommended to us in turn by others who had used her services and had nothing but praise for her.
Contact is: LoriS at CruisingCo.com
She subbed it out to VIP Brazil and between them they did an excellent job.
Couldn't recommend them highly enough!

 

[ozbeachbabe]

I usually do all my own travel arrangements however I am planning a big trip next year to a place where I have never been and in many places they dont speak my language so I am asking other peoples advise on a good travel agent who will offer a very competitive quote.

Just because a travel agent offers a very competitive quote doesn't mean they will do a good job of it.

If you're used to doing your own travel just because they mightn't speak English in the countries you're travelling to doesn't mean you can't book your own flights to South America.

You could always post the dates & destinations you want to fly to so others on AFF can point you in the right direction but do your own research on the fares so when you get a quote from an agent you can decide for yourself whether it's worth paying them to organise it for you.

IME many times the travellers themselves could've organised trips themselves but lack the confidence in their own abilities & instead put their trust in some TA's would lack the ability to do a thorough job. If you do still book through an agent ensure it's one who has been recommended by someone who has had a trip organised by this agent to South America.

Don't just assume than because you book through a travel agent they know what they're doing.

There are some great travel agents out there who are worth their weight in gold so make sure you book with the right one who may not be the cheapest but whose advice on your trip could save you hundreds dollars in other ways.