Do you need a travel agent?
Aug 29th, 2004, 02:49 PM
#1
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Do you need a travel agent?
I guess I am wondering just how essential travel agents are for Spain. I don't feel an experienced enough traveller to make all my own decisions about renting cars, taking trains, where to stay, and where to go without the opinion of a person who lives in the country, who also does have discounts? I still think this message board is essential, and plan to take most of the great suggestions I gotten here, but was wondering if a travel agent would take some time and pressure off me, especially since we are leaving for Spain in a month and I just have a flight into Barcelona and out of Madrid and don't know much else of what I really must see and how to see it. Thanks to everyone who replied to my previous post for hotels to stay in.
Aug 29th, 2004, 02:53 PM
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Hi Gem,
You can either spend time and effort or money.
Do you have a TA whom you know is trustworthy, reliable and knows Spain well?
As a rule of thumb I recommend against driving in foreign countries the first time you visit.
You can either spend time and effort or money.
Do you have a TA whom you know is trustworthy, reliable and knows Spain well?
As a rule of thumb I recommend against driving in foreign countries the first time you visit.
Aug 29th, 2004, 02:56 PM
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I don't mean to sound flippant about this at all....but if you were to read all my posts that might make the decision for you. If you get nutsy at all about details...go for the agent.
I have had a few Fodorites suggest I should have an agent, but I am determined to do this without one. Will it be a mistake? Maybe...but it is a learning experience for sure.
If you don't mind the stress of choices, go for it. I have enjoyed all the help I have gotten from this board and some other sites, even if a very few people have gotten annoyed with all my questions.
This question remind me of when I used to sell Real Estate. "DO I REALLY NEED AN AGENT?" If you don't mind being always available to show the property, meet the inspectors, deal with the banks and title company, utilities, on and on and on....
Good luck in whatever you do...you will get much support from this board for sure.
I have had a few Fodorites suggest I should have an agent, but I am determined to do this without one. Will it be a mistake? Maybe...but it is a learning experience for sure.
If you don't mind the stress of choices, go for it. I have enjoyed all the help I have gotten from this board and some other sites, even if a very few people have gotten annoyed with all my questions.
This question remind me of when I used to sell Real Estate. "DO I REALLY NEED AN AGENT?" If you don't mind being always available to show the property, meet the inspectors, deal with the banks and title company, utilities, on and on and on....
Good luck in whatever you do...you will get much support from this board for sure.
Aug 29th, 2004, 02:57 PM
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Hi Ira,
No I don't have a TA--yet. And we wanted to drive around areas like Costa Brava and Costa del Sol because it seems like we could get a lot more out of it doing some exploring. There is something to be said about not driving when it is your first time though. It may be my only time though!
No I don't have a TA--yet. And we wanted to drive around areas like Costa Brava and Costa del Sol because it seems like we could get a lot more out of it doing some exploring. There is something to be said about not driving when it is your first time though. It may be my only time though!
Aug 29th, 2004, 03:02 PM
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This is a very personal decision. We spend a lot of time planning our trips and consider the time spent as recreation and education. If you don't want to do that or are uncomfortable with the process, use a travel agent. It's okay to do that. Ask friends for recommendations because all agents are not equal.
We drove on our first trip to Europe and had no problems. Rent or lease from a company that has its own road service and you have problems taken care of automatically. Get a list of road signs from AAA or a guide book and take a copy with you until you learn them. Be sure you have a good map and a good navigator who can read maps. Practice at home if there's doubt.
If you don't want a travel agent but are unsure of yourself, get a Top 10 book and just make a point of doing the top 10 sights. Believe me, you will find lots of other things to do when you are there. People at our hotel are always coming up with great ideas for local sights. We learned long ago to listen to them.
If you just want to relax and do what you're told, get a travel agent and don't worry about it. Just enjoy. You can always go back and you can always plan the next trip yourself.
Whatever you choose, have a great time.
We drove on our first trip to Europe and had no problems. Rent or lease from a company that has its own road service and you have problems taken care of automatically. Get a list of road signs from AAA or a guide book and take a copy with you until you learn them. Be sure you have a good map and a good navigator who can read maps. Practice at home if there's doubt.
If you don't want a travel agent but are unsure of yourself, get a Top 10 book and just make a point of doing the top 10 sights. Believe me, you will find lots of other things to do when you are there. People at our hotel are always coming up with great ideas for local sights. We learned long ago to listen to them.
If you just want to relax and do what you're told, get a travel agent and don't worry about it. Just enjoy. You can always go back and you can always plan the next trip yourself.
Whatever you choose, have a great time.
Aug 29th, 2004, 03:08 PM
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Gemini: I use a TA for all transportation arrangements (flight, car rental, trains etc) and find the service invaluable because of the amount of traveling I must do. I also find this part of trip planning extremely boring.
However, I have yet to find a TA that knows much, if anything, about my destinations in Europe. I make all the decisions about itinerary, hotels etc myself.
I think you may need the services of a TRAVEL CONSULTANT who, for a fee, will help you plan the trip and offer first-hand advice on your destination. If you go to SLOWTRAV.COM, you will find a list of travel consultants.
Best of luck with your planning.
Regards Ger
However, I have yet to find a TA that knows much, if anything, about my destinations in Europe. I make all the decisions about itinerary, hotels etc myself.
I think you may need the services of a TRAVEL CONSULTANT who, for a fee, will help you plan the trip and offer first-hand advice on your destination. If you go to SLOWTRAV.COM, you will find a list of travel consultants.
Best of luck with your planning.
Regards Ger
Aug 29th, 2004, 05:11 PM
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There is a VERY big difference between "needing" a TA and "needing" a licensed real estate agent since for real estate transactions there are many, MANY legal documents and requirements that must be dealt with...so comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges.
A TA that you can both SEE and talk to face-to-face will NEVER be replaced by those of us who post on this, or any other, board.
From what you have said so far it sounds as if someone like a TA could possibly point you in the right directions.
You can very easily travel throught Spain, and most other countries, and make ALL the necessary arrangements using the internet, e-mail, and a fax machine. But that takes time and ultimtaely you are going to have to make some decisions ON YOUR OWN. If you feel confident enough to do that, then go for it. If you don't, then do what millions of other people do (and with no qualms or guilt feelings whatsoever)...engage a TA.
Good luck and have a great trip!
A TA that you can both SEE and talk to face-to-face will NEVER be replaced by those of us who post on this, or any other, board.
From what you have said so far it sounds as if someone like a TA could possibly point you in the right directions.
You can very easily travel throught Spain, and most other countries, and make ALL the necessary arrangements using the internet, e-mail, and a fax machine. But that takes time and ultimtaely you are going to have to make some decisions ON YOUR OWN. If you feel confident enough to do that, then go for it. If you don't, then do what millions of other people do (and with no qualms or guilt feelings whatsoever)...engage a TA.
Good luck and have a great trip!
Aug 29th, 2004, 05:31 PM
#10
I usually do the planning because I like it, but I have also used travel agents when in a jam. The problem with agents is they don't know every place you plan to go to, so I strongly suggest that if you want to go the agent route, you find someone that has actually been to Spain and the places you've been.
For example, we had to use an agent (I forget why) to get us hotels in Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona. I gave the agent a list of 3 hotels I was interested in for each city. The agent got back to me saying they were all full. She found us a place in Lisbon that she claimed was in the center of town. I checked it out and said, no, it's not. It IS, however, in the center of the business district which, as we all know, is not usually in the center of town and at night and weekends can be as dead as a doornail. It turned out okay, but I did confirm that the hotels I was interest in in Lisbon were, in fact booked up, so we went to that hotel, which wasn't bad, but we had to take the metro to get into the center of town. As for Madrid and Barcelona, I checked directly with the hotels for the two first choices I had, and not only did they have great rooms, I ended up getting really good discounts at each of them. Which kind of put a sour taste in my mouth going the agent route.
On another trip to Germany and Switzerland, I made the Swiss arrangements myself, but left Munich in the hands of another agent. The hotel that was booked by the agent was okay on the inside, but it was right across from the train station, so neither quiet nor in the best area of town.
Although I suspect I won't use an agent anymore when I travel to Europe, if I were planning a trip to, say Japan or China, I would not hesitate to use one, since I am completely unfamiliar with those areas.
For example, we had to use an agent (I forget why) to get us hotels in Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona. I gave the agent a list of 3 hotels I was interested in for each city. The agent got back to me saying they were all full. She found us a place in Lisbon that she claimed was in the center of town. I checked it out and said, no, it's not. It IS, however, in the center of the business district which, as we all know, is not usually in the center of town and at night and weekends can be as dead as a doornail. It turned out okay, but I did confirm that the hotels I was interest in in Lisbon were, in fact booked up, so we went to that hotel, which wasn't bad, but we had to take the metro to get into the center of town. As for Madrid and Barcelona, I checked directly with the hotels for the two first choices I had, and not only did they have great rooms, I ended up getting really good discounts at each of them. Which kind of put a sour taste in my mouth going the agent route.
On another trip to Germany and Switzerland, I made the Swiss arrangements myself, but left Munich in the hands of another agent. The hotel that was booked by the agent was okay on the inside, but it was right across from the train station, so neither quiet nor in the best area of town.
Although I suspect I won't use an agent anymore when I travel to Europe, if I were planning a trip to, say Japan or China, I would not hesitate to use one, since I am completely unfamiliar with those areas.
Aug 29th, 2004, 05:37 PM
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If you can find one who has actually been to the country you are going to, and who somewhat shares your philosophy regarding travel then they might be useful. I started out trying to plan trips using travel agents when I first started going to Europe (5 years ago) but found I could make the arrangements much better myself. I found cheaper and more convenient flights and train schedules myself on line than the agents found. I found more interesting and less expensive hotels myself using guide books, the internet and this forum. And I found the "advice" regarding where to go, what areas were good to drive in versus taking public transportation, etc. that I got from the agents was very often wrong.
My experience has been most travel agents today specialize in cruises, group tours and trips to Vegas. But if you can find one who knows the stuff you need they might be able to save you some time.
My experience has been most travel agents today specialize in cruises, group tours and trips to Vegas. But if you can find one who knows the stuff you need they might be able to save you some time.
Aug 29th, 2004, 05:44 PM
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If you really need a travel agent to help you
1) besure they have actually been to the places you are going and know something about them (most will not have)
2)find out in advance, in writing how much they are going to charge for these arrangements (advice worth having will not be free - and may be more than you are willing to pay)
I would still do it myself - but then I like to be sure of my arrangements - and have not been able to find a reliable travel agent (except for consultants - and I'm not willing to pay so many hundreds of $) anytime in the past 10 years
1) besure they have actually been to the places you are going and know something about them (most will not have)
2)find out in advance, in writing how much they are going to charge for these arrangements (advice worth having will not be free - and may be more than you are willing to pay)
I would still do it myself - but then I like to be sure of my arrangements - and have not been able to find a reliable travel agent (except for consultants - and I'm not willing to pay so many hundreds of $) anytime in the past 10 years
Aug 29th, 2004, 06:28 PM
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TopMan,
I don't think my comparison is totally off the mark. Since I have bought and sold real estate on my own for my own use AND in professional situations I believe I am entitled to make the comparison. In planning this trip I think I can say there is a resemblance, at least for me.
A lawyer might invoke the little saying they have about representing themselves.
Plenty have people buy and sell property without a real estate agent, just as plenty of people plan trips with and with out travel agents or consultants.
Obviously there is a difference in the importance of the issues.
Basically, do what ever is most comfortable for you.
I don't think my comparison is totally off the mark. Since I have bought and sold real estate on my own for my own use AND in professional situations I believe I am entitled to make the comparison. In planning this trip I think I can say there is a resemblance, at least for me.
A lawyer might invoke the little saying they have about representing themselves.
Plenty have people buy and sell property without a real estate agent, just as plenty of people plan trips with and with out travel agents or consultants.
Obviously there is a difference in the importance of the issues.
Basically, do what ever is most comfortable for you.
Aug 30th, 2004, 03:28 AM
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Hi Gem
>No I don't have a TA--yet. And we wanted to drive around areas like Costa Brava and Costa del Sol because it seems like we could get a lot more out of it doing some exploring. There is something to be said about not driving when it is your first time though. It may be my only time though! <
First: This will not be the only time you get to visit Spain.
Second: I generally discourage motor trips for first-time visitors. How well do you speak Spanish?
Third: You can probably do this trip more competently than a stranger.
If you give us a draft itinerary, we can help you improve it.
>No I don't have a TA--yet. And we wanted to drive around areas like Costa Brava and Costa del Sol because it seems like we could get a lot more out of it doing some exploring. There is something to be said about not driving when it is your first time though. It may be my only time though! <
First: This will not be the only time you get to visit Spain.
Second: I generally discourage motor trips for first-time visitors. How well do you speak Spanish?
Third: You can probably do this trip more competently than a stranger.
If you give us a draft itinerary, we can help you improve it.
Aug 30th, 2004, 04:16 AM
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With all of the sniping back and forth, I thought that I'd throw in my 2 cents...
I'm not a big fan of travel agents. It's not that I don't think that they do a good job and can lend valuable input, but...
1) In many cases, they don't know the area that you're traveling to any better than you do. If you're going to get one, make sure they know your destination.
2) Half the fun of taking a trip is the planning. Find the things that you want to do, the places that you want to stay, etc. You can guide a travel agent but there's nothing like doing your own research and making your own choices. In addition, you get to learn a lot more about your destination by taking they time to do your own research.
3) You can save money. Other maybe some cruises, I've never seen a trip booked through a travel agent that I couldn't arrange more economically.
I've done this for trips to Europe, Canada, Africa, and Central America... I can't ever see using a travel agent again.
I'm not a big fan of travel agents. It's not that I don't think that they do a good job and can lend valuable input, but...
1) In many cases, they don't know the area that you're traveling to any better than you do. If you're going to get one, make sure they know your destination.
2) Half the fun of taking a trip is the planning. Find the things that you want to do, the places that you want to stay, etc. You can guide a travel agent but there's nothing like doing your own research and making your own choices. In addition, you get to learn a lot more about your destination by taking they time to do your own research.
3) You can save money. Other maybe some cruises, I've never seen a trip booked through a travel agent that I couldn't arrange more economically.
I've done this for trips to Europe, Canada, Africa, and Central America... I can't ever see using a travel agent again.
Aug 30th, 2004, 04:19 AM
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Ira put it in a nutshell - you can either spend time and effort - or money.
The reality is that with only a month to go, your priorities are rapidly changing. It is time to get something in hand, even if it is not the trip plan of your dreams or stretches your budget a little.
Some tour companies offer 'independent' packages which include hotels and rental car and some kind of itinerary. A travel agent should certainly be able to direct you to such a package if it exists for Spain (or someone here might know.)
Another alternative is to stick to hotel chains that are popular with business travellers. Although much is said about charm and character when it comes to hotels, in your case having booking flexibility and a consistent quality of accomodation might take precedence. One example would be accorhotels.com - they offer hotels in every budget category in just about every country in Europe. The site I quoted is a 'one-stop-shop' and is very easy to use.
Although raileurope.com charges a steep markup for their services, maybe this is one time it would pay to use them. Note, however, that sooner or later you must bite the bullet and decide to enjoy the process of travel, and that includes learning how to take trains (or navigate rental cars, or whatever.) Provided you allow yourself plenty of room to make mistakes (e.g., don't plan on taking the last available train that will get you to Madrid in time for your flight home), learning to use a country's train (or road) network can be a real confidence-builder, not to mention a source of your best trip stories.
Best of luck.
The reality is that with only a month to go, your priorities are rapidly changing. It is time to get something in hand, even if it is not the trip plan of your dreams or stretches your budget a little.
Some tour companies offer 'independent' packages which include hotels and rental car and some kind of itinerary. A travel agent should certainly be able to direct you to such a package if it exists for Spain (or someone here might know.)
Another alternative is to stick to hotel chains that are popular with business travellers. Although much is said about charm and character when it comes to hotels, in your case having booking flexibility and a consistent quality of accomodation might take precedence. One example would be accorhotels.com - they offer hotels in every budget category in just about every country in Europe. The site I quoted is a 'one-stop-shop' and is very easy to use.
Although raileurope.com charges a steep markup for their services, maybe this is one time it would pay to use them. Note, however, that sooner or later you must bite the bullet and decide to enjoy the process of travel, and that includes learning how to take trains (or navigate rental cars, or whatever.) Provided you allow yourself plenty of room to make mistakes (e.g., don't plan on taking the last available train that will get you to Madrid in time for your flight home), learning to use a country's train (or road) network can be a real confidence-builder, not to mention a source of your best trip stories.
Best of luck.
Aug 30th, 2004, 04:39 AM
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I am stunned no one's mentioned Maribel. Geminini, Maribel is or was a frequent poster here and now evidently has a website
http://www.maribelsguides.com/
She knows Spain inside and out. I'd also suggest reading other people's trip reports from Spain for ideas on hotels and itineraries. Type trip report in the text search and choose Spain. Here are three that might be helpful but there are many more. I think if you can spend the time planning this yourself, you'll be happier (and better prepared). But if time is too valuable, get an agent that knows the area. If you can't find one in your neighborhood, get one online! What's wrong with Maribel?
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34514234
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34478108
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34508812
http://www.maribelsguides.com/
She knows Spain inside and out. I'd also suggest reading other people's trip reports from Spain for ideas on hotels and itineraries. Type trip report in the text search and choose Spain. Here are three that might be helpful but there are many more. I think if you can spend the time planning this yourself, you'll be happier (and better prepared). But if time is too valuable, get an agent that knows the area. If you can't find one in your neighborhood, get one online! What's wrong with Maribel?
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34514234
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34478108
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34508812
Aug 30th, 2004, 08:09 AM
#18
If you choose to go with a travel agent make SURE they have been to Spain, and will actually be able to help you with the decisions (car vs. train for example). Recommendation from others who have used their service would be good too.
Some travel agents do not have personal experience and would simply be sending you where they get commission (hotels, tours). Working from their computer or books, just like you would. I have heard of terrible flight itineraries planned by a TA (crazy routes, way long or too short layovers, extra plane changes). So yes a good one can save you time and take the pressure off, but a careless one could plan you a trip worse than if you simply bought tickets and stepped on a plane to Spain.
The major reason I do my own planning, is I figure no one cares about the success of my trip more than I do!!!
Some travel agents do not have personal experience and would simply be sending you where they get commission (hotels, tours). Working from their computer or books, just like you would. I have heard of terrible flight itineraries planned by a TA (crazy routes, way long or too short layovers, extra plane changes). So yes a good one can save you time and take the pressure off, but a careless one could plan you a trip worse than if you simply bought tickets and stepped on a plane to Spain.
The major reason I do my own planning, is I figure no one cares about the success of my trip more than I do!!!
Aug 30th, 2004, 10:14 AM
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WOW, Thanks for all your support. I see that all I have to do is figure out the basic areas to go to, and then book it. I will check out Maribelsguide right away. Just to tell you a little bit more about us; my husband and I are in our early 40s, we have been to Italy before and also Australia. I am a sociologist and he is an engineer. I like museums and cathedrals, he does too, but prefers Natural beauties rather than the the man-made such as mountains and the ocean. It would be nice to satisfy us both, but as you know from my previous post, I have to plan now as we leave in a month. So all we have is a plane ticket into Barcelona and out of Madrid and I am free to ideas beyond that. Most of the time, I have every night booked before we leave so we know where we are going and have an idea about how to get there. I know that I want to see Gaudi's work, my husband would like to see Gibraltar and some southern towns. Sounds like Alhambra is a must. And beyond that we don't really like to move around all that much. So 4 nights, 4 nights and 4 nights (or some type of combination) would be great in terms of seeing three areas and not having to pack and unpack a lot. Thanks again for all the info! --gem.
Aug 30th, 2004, 11:10 AM
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It's been some time since I was there, but I personally wouldn't bother with Gibraltar. The Gibraltans (sp?) want you to buy, buy, buy but the Spanish won't let you bring things back so it's all very tense at the border. I hated it.
Thread on Gilbraltar.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34391789
Here's a thread Help! Clueless Itinerary in Spain.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34490330
Spain, transportationhelp. Pay attention to Rex's suggested itinerary in this thread
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34524165
Thread on Gilbraltar.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34391789
Here's a thread Help! Clueless Itinerary in Spain.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34490330
Spain, transportationhelp. Pay attention to Rex's suggested itinerary in this thread
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34524165
