Only a few years ago you would have rarely encountered the two words ‘cheap’ and ‘travel’ used together. But we live in the age of low cost travel with cut price airlines competing for business with ever lower air fares to many of the world’s most popular destinations.
And of course we must not overlook the effects of the internet. Facilities on the internet enable anyone anywhere in the world to find some of the best deals for budget air fares and cheap accommodation. This has forced travel agents to rethink the way they make their money. At the end of the day why would anyone go to a travel agent if they can find and book everything they need for their holiday using their computer?
Another effect of increased competition is the massive improvement in the quality of service that you will get from travel services providers and travel agencies. Travel agents will do just about anything they possibly can to meet your requirements and secure your business.
If you are hoping to save some money by planning and booking your next vacation online do make certain you compare the prices that you find with those available through your local travel agents. You might be in for a surprise.
For example, I recently took a 10 day skiing trip which I initially had researched online. I gathered the prices for my hotel, flights, travel insurance etc. and then dropped into a nearby travel agency during my lunch break.
I gave them the prices and details I’d gathered in my research and they surprised me by offering a package deal, staying at a far better hotel, for an even lower price. What’s more, it included specialist ski insurance in the price. Also, since I was planning to do a little mountaineering while on vacation I needed some additional adventure travel insurance that would cover this. They managed to find me just the policy I needed at a bargain price.
So its worth remembering that not all cheap travel deals are exclusively available online. So make sure you check out the deals that are available from your high street travel agent, often with some very appealing fringe benefits.