Big Island: With a Travel Agent

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With a Travel Agent

If you use an agent -- brick-and-mortar or virtual -- you'll pay a fee for the service. And know that the service you get from some online agents isn't comprehensive. For example Expedia and Travelocity don't search for prices on budget airlines like jetBlue, Southwest, or small foreign carriers. That said, some agents (online or not) do have access to fares that are difficult to find otherwise, and the savings can more than make up for any surcharge.

A knowledgeable brick-and-mortar travel agent can be a godsend if you're booking a cruise, a package trip that's not available to you directly, an air pass, or a complicated itinerary including several overseas flights. What's more, travel agents that specialize in a destination may have exclusive access to certain deals and insider information on things such as charter flights. Agents who specialize in types of travelers (senior citizens, gays and lesbians, naturists) or types of trips (cruises, luxury travel, safaris) can also be invaluable.

A top-notch agent planning your trip may get you a room upgrade or a resort food and beverage credit; the one booking your cruise may arrange to have a bottle of champagne chilling in your cabin when you embark. And complain about the surcharges all you like, but when things don't work out the way you'd hoped, it's nice to have an agent to put things right.

Remember that Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz are travel agents, not just booking engines. To resolve any problems with a reservation made through these companies, contact them first.

If this is your first visit to the Big Island, a travel agent or vacation packager specializing in Hawaii can be extremely helpful in planning a memorable vacation. Not only do they have the knowledge of the destination, but they can save you money by packaging the costs of airfare, hotel, activities, and car rental. In addition, many of the Hawaii travel agents may offer added values or special deals (i.e., resort food and beverage credit, a free night's stay, etc.) when you book a package with them. The Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau provides a list of member travel agencies and tour operators.

Agent Resources

American Society of Travel Agents (703/739-2782. www.travelsense.org).

Hawaii Travel Agents

AA Vacations (800/321-2121. www.aavacations.com). AAA Travel (800/436-4222. www.aaa.com). All About Hawaii (800/274-8687. www.allabouthawaii.com). Delta Vacations (800/654-6559. www.deltavacations.com). Funjet Vacations (888/558-6654. www.funjet.com). United Vacations (800/699-6122. www.unitedvacations.com).