Who do you use to book travel?

[DeputyDan]

I never use Travelocity, Expedia etc. if something goes wrong it is always the other guys fault and you are simply screwed.
Been there done that - actually had to get the local TV station trouble shooter to get things fixed for me.

 

[RTee]

I have used travel agents (credit card traveling valet services, local or airline based) and have also booked directly with airlines and hotels. Normally, I use Expedia or Travelocity to give me a general idea that I will further develop using one of the two methods previously mentioned, especially when looking for all-inclusive vacation packages which normally end up chaper than attempting to secure hotel and airfare separately.

 

[Alucard]

We use Kayak for flights. This gives the itinerary and flight numbers and, when you book, you actually book it on the airline website, so you are buying directly from the airline, with all the safeguards that gives.
For hotels we always book directly with the hotel, looking online for the "best rate" and asking the hotel if they can match it or beat it. Most often they can match it without a problem is you pre-pay (which is what the travel sites make you do anyway).

 

[DeputyDan]

I agree that Travelocity Expedia and Tripadvisor among others are very helpful in th eplanning phase of a trip.
But I would not recommend actually booking with them.

 

[Bryan Cunningham]

Not wanting to start a huge debate, but being a dive specialist travel agent, I recommend using a travel agent who knows diving. We do have deals better than most search engines. We also offer price guarantees. Many suppliers give us better deals than they offer on their own sites. By packaging hotels and flights together we can offer better deals. Take a look at this link for reasons to use an agent. SCUBA DESTINATION DEALS - WHY USE US?

Not only do smaller agencies know which hotels and operators are best, but when something goes wrong we are easy to reach to sort things out. Try calling Expedia for a question.

Next trip, plan yourself, then give me your itinerary, and see what I can do for you.

Cheers
Bryan
SCUBA DESTINATION DEALS - HOME

 

[ScubaSteve1962]

Not wanting to start a huge debate, but being a dive specialist travel agent, I recommend using a travel agent who knows diving. We do have deals better than most search engines. We also offer price guarantees. Many suppliers give us better deals than they offer on their own sites. By packaging hotels and flights together we can offer better deals. Take a look at this link for reasons to use an agent. SCUBA DESTINATION DEALS - WHY USE US?

Not only do smaller agencies know which hotels and operators are best, but when something goes wrong we are easy to reach to sort things out. Try calling Expedia for a question.

Next trip, plan yourself, then give me your itinerary, and see what I can do for you.

Cheers
Bryan
SCUBA DESTINATION DEALS - HOME

Are these deal available for single divers also?

 

[BDSC]

Since this is ScubaBoard I'll assume we are talking about dive travel. For most destinations in the Caribbean I have always just called and worked with the resorts directly. They are usually fairly easy to get to without having complicated flight connections. Most of the time I am saving and booking rooms for our travel group which typically is around 20 people. If we are looking at more exotic locations like the Philippines, Fiji, Indonesia, etc. I use a company called Scuba Travel Ventures and my connection there is a guy named Warren Sims. They are excellent and they also have some exclusive deals with Korean Airlines that give dive travelers a nice price break.

 

[mikeycanuk]

Don't do resorts anymore so VRBO directly with owners, tickets usually are reward tickets, island hopping book direct.

In the past I've found resorts published rates are NOT cheaper than booking agencies. Never thought to call direct though.

WSJ had a great 10 things you don't know about Expedia,Travelocity, etc.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Bryan Cunningham]

ScubaSteve1962: Yes we do deals for singles, but prices vary according to supplier. Some have single supplements, but some do not. For singles that are prepared to share, I try match them up with other divers if a supplement is involved. (But I get best deals from Canada )
Mikeycanuk: Do you have a link to the 10 things you don't know about Expedia,Travelocity, etc.? Would be a nice read.
As to Westjet, they are great. When looking at prices posted, be sure to add in the taxes and fees. Most Canadian tour operators and airlines post great prices, but load up the taxes and fees so they come up cheaper in GDS search engines. Westjet DO NOT. So always be sure to check them out before choosing what seems to be the cheapest flight.
Bryan
SCUBA DESTINATION DEALS - HOME

 

[instructorinasia]

I always book direct with the airlines or resorts. For domestic travel in countries like Indonesia, ask the resort for some advice on helping book domestic flight tickets they can either do it for you or will put you into contact with a travel agent who can help you.