kathydreams

I was going to use a travel agent in Greece to handle the rooms, island flights and ferries. The agent is quoting me per person rates for hotel rooms that are substantially higher than the hotel per room rates on the hotel's own website. In the US a travel agent does not charge a fee to the buyer. Their commission comes from the hotel. I don't want to mention the agent.
Also, is there an advantage in using the agent, vs. doing all of the booking ourselves. I like doing computer research so that is not an issue.

jamikins

We did all our bookings ourselves using this board and trip advisor. Booked our Naxos to Athens flight yesterday with Olympic Air and will book our ferries on arrival.

If you prefer to book through an agent why dont you ask what the difference in price is of the agent?

kathydreams

I have also asked this question of the agent.

ira

Hey kd,

>The agent is quoting me per person rates for hotel rooms that are substantially higher than the hotel per room rates on the hotel's own website.<

And you are irresolute about continuing to do business with that person?

Heimdall

It's very easy to do your own bookings for September. High season is over, ferries are never full, and there are hotel vacancies everywhere. If you are adventurous, you don't even need to book in advance. With all the resources available on the Internet, travel agents are almost redundant. Check out suggestions for hotels here on Fodor's and on Trip Advisor, then find their websites with a Google search. Do your own hotel bookings, and make flight reservations on http://en.aegeanair.com/ or http://www.olympicair.com/Home.aspx?a_id=549. Buy your ferry tickets when you get to Greece.

brotherleelove2004

I'm with Heimdall. Do it yourself. It's easy.

claytonparker

If you have time and if you are used in making bookings online on your own then it is very easy to do it on your own. I have travelled a lot places this way and in general it was quite easy but in some cases I needed to ask a local agent in order to provide me with some information I could not find by myself. I have also used travel packages offered by an agent to me and I was sure that it cost cheaper than that it would cost if I organized it on my own. I have not used an agency for Greece (yet) but in other countries it has already made my life easy! In fact, a local agent can be very very useful and can give you excellent holiday tips. And if something goes wrong or if the hotel is not as it should be, then the agent has to make it up for you! However, if you know the place you are to visit very well, then you can solve almost any problem on your own!

chris45ny

We did our upcoming June-July trip ourselves. We have a month in Greece..Did all the hotel bookings using info from TA and Fodors. Will get ferry tickets when we first arrive in Athens. Will also be renting cars-several days for mainland area (not Athens), Santorini, and Rhodes. The cars will have GPS. Found this all to be very easy as tons of info on the internet. Have lots of tips for dining, shopping, sightseeing, etc.

Prior to our arrival in Greece we have almost a month in Egypt. Because we weren't as comfortable with that part of Africa/middle East we opted for our land portion to be a private guided tour with a few days on our own in Aswan and Luxor.

cruiseluv

Why even bother asking the agent? It's obvious that's how he makes his money, which is his prerogative. Regardless of his answer, why would you want to pay substantially more?

kathydreams

The agent replied with a 'non answer'. They are obviously charging us substantially over what we would pay. They are not providing any 'added value' re advice. We always plan and book our own vacations, but I was intimidated by Greece. So, we will be 'brave' and do it ourselves.

cruiseluv

kathydreams, you're taking the right approach.Years ago, before internet, message boards and forums like this, we were at the mercy of tour operators like that agent. Thanks to the power of information, not anymore!

brotherleelove2004

Don't forget that we're here to help, so if you have questions don't hesitate to ask. And as already mentioned, TripAdvisor will provide you with a lot hotel reviews, things to do, etc. When asking questions in the future be sure to include pertinent info, such as travel dates and daily room budget in euro if you want hotel recommendations.

chris45ny

kathy-Don't let Greece intimidate you. It will be fun for you to plan and then do the trip on your own. With the extra $$ you will save, treat yourself to a nice dinner or some great shopping!!

Sign up for the alerts for Olympic and Aegean Air. I just received e-mails from them both with great fare deals for travel now through early March.