dana123

We have traveled a lot so we are pretty independent. But I decided on this trip to let an agent do the work, and I could just relax. I thought they are local and can make the best recommendations and best up to date information.

I think my expectations were just too high. I take the blame for that, but it is a little disappointing. Maybe this is why I never use agents. I am not mentioning the name, because that would not be fair ( although the agent is highly recommended). My main issue, is the so called "customized tour", just feels very bland. I asked for unique experiences, and options of sites to see..etc.. But I am not finding them to be very creative. I just feel like it has been a one way street. If I ask them to book something, they book it, but they never really offer suggestions or describe why one hotel or cruise ship might be better than another...etc. Or what might suit my taste better given the parameters I set.

On a positive note, I do find they can get you specific rooms, that you could not book yourself.

So this was a learning experience. Thank goodness for Fodors, the internet and guidebooks, so I can do the research. Just feeling a little frustrated.

sf7307

I agree that it might have been your expectations....your experience was similar to ours, but that's all we expected, so we were satisfied. We just wanted them to get all the logistics in place, at the best price, and that's what they did. No more, no less.

MissGreen

I have really no expectations or things I have decided I must see. I just asked for a trip to Egypt and Jordan with all the "big ticket items". Oh, I did ask to go to Alexandria so I could go to the war cemetary there. My agent is Lady Egypt.

tanganyika

to use tour agency or tour operator its too expensive becouse they paying a Tax for the government, you shoud to use them for safe trip.

Femi

I've found that when I use an agent, I am happiest when I am very specific about the type of experience I seek. Some agents, like yours, just book what I ask. Other agents come through with wonderful ideas that I would have never found on my own.

It helps to compare suggested itineraries from different agents before making a final decision.