Travel Agent or Self Book
 

Its usually a layup for me on domestic travel to decide to self book instead of using a travel agent. But, for the more complicated international travel like a two week trip to Europe, is self booking wise or should a professional travel agent be used?<BR><BR>One thought, is that if I self book, at least I'll have done enough research to be able to know some of the alternatives should the original plan go awry.

The answer depends on what level of accommodation you want, where you will go and the qualification of the travel agent, especially with respect to your interests.<BR><BR>If you want a packaged tour and just want help selecting one, it seems best to consult boards like this, talk with friends, and perhaps a local agent or two. Then decide. But in that case, I'd look for some particular resason to use a local agent if it cost more than some offer from the web or other possibly distant agent.<BR><BR>If I wanted to go to just a couple of places, and didn't need a particular (high) level of service, I'd lean toward self-planning and self-booking. <BR><BR>However, if I wanted something special, or just needed to have things taken care of the "right" way, a good travel agent is invaluable. One agent I used to use -- until she "retired" -- knew my preferences, and I could simply say we wanted to go to a nice place in a certain area at a certain time. She would call back to let me know my itinerary, which was invariable superior. Even on business trips, where I avoided use of the corporate travel agent, I got no less favorable rates than collagues on the same itinerary -- and once paid 40% less for airfare.<BR><BR>As for your particular trip plan, if it is your first trip to Europe, I suggest limiting countries visited to no more than three in two weeks.

Peter, I have self-booked our last two 2-week trips to Europe and, though it did take some research and planning, I found it very rewarding.<BR><BR>One I had a rough idea of where we wanted to go, I went to mapblast or viamichelin to determine how far it was between point A and point B to see if it was feasible. Once I worked out a route, then I concentrated on finding and booking hotels. The Internet makes this easy, but it can be overwhelming if you have a lot of choices. This is where Fodor's comes in handy. You can throw out ideas and get info from people who have been there.<BR><BR>I think you should really try to do it yourself and with a little help from your friends at Fodors!

I am a do-it-yourself kind of person when it comes to traveling, but I have been finding that when my husband & I are planning a large trip (cruises,...) or now a 1st time trip to Great Britian we are going to our travel agent for help on some of the transportation (airplanes especially). Since we have several stops we are letting the agent help with getting the best rates for us. (Having AAA is helpful or for those in Britian it is AA) I usual find all of our accomodations, passes & excursions by reading travel books or on internet sites - This makes it more exciting & personalized.

Peter,<BR><BR>I got back a few weeks ago from a trip that I self booked a e-vacations.com. Everything went pretty smoothly anfd the hotels were actually nicer than I thought. On previous trips when I had used a travel agent, all I got were American style hotels. This trip was very different with a lot more charm ( a good thing too 'cause I took my girl friend). i sy go for it on your own. Part of travel is the adventure.<BR>

Booking it yourself is as stated above very rewarding, esp. when your travel mates comment on your good taste!

We like to stay in small hotels and inns, most of them do not pay commissions. So I book myself. If you are someone who does a lot of reserch then the odds are you will know more than your travel agent about the hotels in the area that you are going.

Peter,<BR><BR>I agree with all the other posters. Booking your own travel is a lot of fun (and work).<BR><BR>You will get a general idea of where you want to go by reading this forum, then doing "searches". Other travel books also help.<BR><BR>One of the better ideas I saw was to get a map of the general countries you want to visit. Then get a couple of pieces of 11x17" paper and make a large calendar. Then start filling in the itinerary.<BR><BR>Once the rough itinerary is complete, come back and run it by the Fodors "experts". It's fun and informative. <BR><BR>Then you will redoe and start to fill in the hotels, etc. A really lot of fun. We went to Europe for our first time this year. I planned the trip for about 9 months! Fodors was a GREAT help. It was a fantastic trip. It is really great when you can say you planned it yourself!<BR><BR>Have fun.<BR><BR>Dick

I too must agree with the rest of the pack here self plan is the way to go. I have planned our last three trips to europe all at least 3 weeks and more. I have a friend who is a travel agent and always run my plans past her and most times she is amazed by the rates and fares I get. She has actually asked me to help her plan a trip to Paris for her husbands 50th birthday.<BR> There is so much info on the web and on this and other boards. I find half the fun is planning the trip . The calendar idea is how i do it. Map out flights places and then fill in hotels and etc.