ticket prices, travel agents, and time to book
 

We're traveling to mexico in Jan and the ticket prices are outrageous ($835 per person from CT to PV and back). Is it worth waiting a little while or am i risking a further increase?

Also, is it worth paying the $25 fee to have a travel agent book it for us? She told me that she will do all fo the leg work if the fight changes in any way. But I could just as easily save the $$ and book dierectly w/ the airline.

Thanks!

By CT, do you mean Connecticut? Which airport? I see that it's possible to fly from NYC to Puerto Vallarta for just over $600 - would it be worth the difference to you to go to NYC?

I personally would not find it worthwhile to have a travel agent book your flight, but it depends on your comfort level. It's a good idea to keep in mind that flights can change without much of a remedy, so don't schedule yourself so that you have unmissable events immediately before or after your planned flights.

I purchase air tickets myself directly from the airlines, either on their website or by telephone.

I have never had any "leg work" come up involving flight changes. And that's in 19 trips so far Seattle to PV!

We always book our own flights and if there are any changes, the airlines always contact us either by email or phone. DH always checks on the reservations the night before the flight, just for good measure. Never had any problems.

Book yourself. Be sure to try different departure days and times and check the price from nearby airports. I like Sidestep.com. It gives you prices then sends you to the airline site to book.

When you are in Puerto Vallarta be sure to get a brochure from the first three people who offer to sell you a timeshare. Keep them visible in your pocket and eventually people will stop bugging you. We almost stopped going to Puerto Vallarta after a restaurant hostess asked us about attending a timeshare sales pitch, we felt we couldn't walk three steps without another sales pitch.

"She told me that she will do all fo the leg work if the fight changes in any way." - and what if there is a weather delay, and the travel office is closed? I would book through the airline's website.

Save $25, and drink to your travel agent's health :))