chepar
Contributor
This question is not necessarily strictly related to dive travel, so if I posted it in the wrong area, I apologize.
Does anyone have any opinions/tips/experiences regarding booking of foreign tours online directly with the tour company vs. through a local travel agency?
My family and I are planning a 2 week trip to New Zealand in a few months. The first week we are on our own on the North Island, the second week most of the group is returning home and only a few of us are continuing on to the South Island. I wanted (for ease of travel) to take a tour during the 2nd week. I've been looking online and have found several that appeal to me. The prices quoted online are in NZ dollars, and once you figure out the exchange rate, the prices are fabulous.
However, upon inquiry to several local travel agents that offer similar tours, their prices are almost double. I understand that part of the cost is the service you receive from the agent and I guess the peace of mind of having a local contact, but is this really worth half the cost of the tour?
I'm a real beginner with online commerce - is booking directly with the NZ company safe? Are there any specific things/questions I should be looking for if I decide to try this, or in the case of international travel is going with a local travel agent the better choice?
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Does anyone have any opinions/tips/experiences regarding booking of foreign tours online directly with the tour company vs. through a local travel agency?
My family and I are planning a 2 week trip to New Zealand in a few months. The first week we are on our own on the North Island, the second week most of the group is returning home and only a few of us are continuing on to the South Island. I wanted (for ease of travel) to take a tour during the 2nd week. I've been looking online and have found several that appeal to me. The prices quoted online are in NZ dollars, and once you figure out the exchange rate, the prices are fabulous.
However, upon inquiry to several local travel agents that offer similar tours, their prices are almost double. I understand that part of the cost is the service you receive from the agent and I guess the peace of mind of having a local contact, but is this really worth half the cost of the tour?
I'm a real beginner with online commerce - is booking directly with the NZ company safe? Are there any specific things/questions I should be looking for if I decide to try this, or in the case of international travel is going with a local travel agent the better choice?
Any help is greatly appreciated!