Self-Booker or TA?
 

Self-Booker or TA for leisure trips?

Always used to TA, but with all the on-line services available I've become a self-booker.

Both. For short trips I do it myself. For a longer trip (1 week or more) I use the services of a travel agent who can usually swing me a good deal.

I used a TA once going abroad. Called 2 of them, asked for air faires. Picked the one I liked. Then I've decided I want hotels too. Called both TA's, one (with the air tickets) made reservations, the other said they don't do hotel reservations without air. <BR><BR>After that trip I will never go back to the same TA's.<BR><BR>Then computers came along, and forget TA's!

I agree with Faina--do it myself with the emails and faxing. Even to non English speaking countries, it's very easy. You just need to check and double check that you're going to get exactly what you want. I also confirm when the trip is about 1 month away and print all confirmations to bring with us. Never had a problem. Don't even know if my old TA is still alive (not a joke, he was an elderley gentleman, and quite a good advisor, but useless now)

Both. After a vacation that was screwed up by the airline and a travel company waiting months to issue me a refund I always use my agent for leisure travel. But when it's a short weekend getaway I book on my own.

Self-Booker. As a former travel agent, though I certainly don't trust the online sites to show the best airfares so I usually pay a visit to my old office when I know a computer will be free and book there. The TA computers give tons more info. in a MUCH shorter time. As far as hotels and cars, using my PC is usually fine.

Both. For any international travel, I always use a travel agent. For domestic travel, I book it myself.

Both, too. Short and easy online...international, or domestic for business, with a TA. Always get just what I want and no surprises. Have used the same TA for 12 years.