More than once before we’ve talked about how we plan our own travel adventures. In a nutshell, we’re fans of DIY planning and find most things we do on our own, but that’s not how we started out. On the first three trips we took to other countries, we hired a travel agent to work out the details. However, by the time we were in the middle of our third go-round with a travel agent, we were questioning why we were using them at all. It was so cumbersome. Tasha was doing most of the work and had the agent looking at certain places to book us instead of the agent recommending places to book for us because they were so far off base from what we had in mind. Since then, we have started doing everything ourselves and have never looked back. We’ve found our own incredibly unique experiences far from the typical beaten path and enjoyed it so much more. So, the main reason why we don’t use agents my friends- flexibility.
Let’s be clear, travel agents are perfectly good people and most work hard to build you a trip you’ll remember for years to come. If you have a good one, all you have to do is show up when and where they tell you to and it all goes swimmingly. Plus, they often have connections you don’t have, piles of vetted reviews and recommendations, and that might mean they can get you into things you can’t get into yourself. They may also have access to company-backed discounts and exclusive events if that’s your kind of thing. However, while you’re on the other side of the world being denied access to something you’ve booked and your agent is busy sleeping on the opposite side, there’s not much they’ll be able to do for you despite these connections. Been there. But, if going with a trusted travel agent is your jam, all the more power to you. We’re just more of the stumble along a side dirt path and ask a local type. It creates more adventure. Although, there is definitely a different type of adventure in being denied entry and not having a plan b or knowing how to acquire a plan b.
when our prebooked tickets failed and the agent was sleeping.
Unless your travel agent is someone you’ve known for a long time, it’s possible they don’t know you better than you know yourself. That means they’re going to make decisions that might not be the same ones you’d make if planning the trip yourself. Does that mean it’s a bad decision? Not at all. Just different and different is often a good way to get you out of your comfort zone, BUT we do want you to enjoy what you’re doing as well. Also, to be clear, most travel agents won’t book things until after you give them the thumbs up, so we don’t want this to sound like they’ll go rogue and book you a vacation you don’t want. Just keep the lines of communication open so they understand what you’re looking for.
There have been plenty of times we learn new things while planning a trip. For example, maybe we want to stay in a castle (trust us, it’s awesome). Okay, cool. With all the technology, reviews, and information out there these days, it’s easier than ever to do a quick search to see what castles accommodate overnight guests in the general vicinity of where you’ll be. Then it’s as easy as picking which one you like the best (within your budget, of course…because castles are castles, which is to say, they aren’t cheap) and booking your reservation. So, you found your castle, cool, let’s put it on our map itinerary and see what’s close by. Zoom in. What’s that? A hidden hiking trail with a spectacular view? A dinner cruise around the corner? A 16th century cathedral? A weekly street fair? Heck yes! See, you might stumble across something else during your search, and that something leads to a totally different kind of experience. Now we’re off the castle grounds, experiencing new things with people other than fellow tourists. That’s a rabbit hole you’d never fall down if you asked someone else to book your trip for you and blindly went where they told you. See – adventure.
While you’re falling down that rabbit hole, you can compare prices across all the discount avenues you may have access to: credit card deals, point transfers for free stays, someone knows someone else, coupons, accumulated free stays, packaged deals, booking directly, etc. Make sure you’re using everything you have access to for the best, safely booked deal. Then follow up with the company you booked with to make sure they have your reservation. We keep all confirmation numbers in a Dropbox file for easy access in case anything comes into question later on. No 3 am calls to a sleeping agent.
Also, if we’re getting down to nuts and bolts, going with a travel agent probably means your trip will cost more, despite the discounts they have access to. Why? Because you have to pay the travel agent, of course! Booking yourself can save you some cash, sometimes considerably so. And let’s face it, most people aren’t exactly swimming in excess cash like Scrooge McDuck right now. *raises hand…both of them* If the cost of your adventure isn’t worrying you, well, we still feel like it should. Better deals mean more adventures rather than just one expensive one. We’re fans of keeping life interesting all the time not just once every few years.
In the end, some people like the experience of booking their trips, falling down the rabbit hole and poking around for that unique experience (ahem, Tasha). For others (i.e., Jason), the fun part of traveling is just holding that plane ticket and landing with no plan other than a place to sleep – physically getting out there and trying new things without the planning part. If either of these sounds like you, try booking your own trip. Gather ideas from friends, a good Google, consulting Rick Steves (we’re big fans of starting here for ideas and background), and seeing what is traveler approved on Trip Advisor. If this sounds like an anxiety attack, then maybe a travel agent is the way to go. You do you. The important thing is that you’re able to have an experience you can enjoy, however it comes about.
Happy travels…and…planning, if you like.
