When it comes to travel in 2022, it’s perfectly normal (and natural) to feel a little confused about where to start. For starters, we’re traveling in a post-pandemic world, which entails a whole host of unique considerations. In addition, many people are just now starting to travel again after a forced break of almost two years. To say it’s “overwhelming” would be an understatement.
This has caused many travelers to return to the same question: Is it worth it to book tickets through a travel agent and take all the work on yourself, or is it still possible to plan a whole, carefully planned trip without his help?
The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no, but planning a great vacation without an agent can be easier (and cheaper) than it sounds.
Every vacation has two sides, right? When it comes to planning, there are some things to consider for those who refuse the help of an expert. If you list the pros and cons, it becomes clear that planning your own vacation may be the best option.
Pros: Affordable and budget-friendly
When a traveler hires another person to help them with their search, booking and planning, it already takes some money out of any travel budget. For example, according to GO Banking Rates, travel agents typically don’t earn commissions when it comes to booking flights. Therefore, when using the services of a travel agent, an additional “booking fee” may be added to the final total. In addition, there is the possibility of kickbacks, rewards and commissions for travel agents who use certain companies or book through certain agencies, so this is not the best option for those who want to control their accommodation, flight and transportation options.
Cons: Confusion and extra research when booking
However, the biggest downside to not having an agent when planning a vacation is probably the fact that all the work falls on the traveler’s shoulders. In the pre-pandemic era, this would not normally be a concern. However, with the advent of new recommendations, restrictions, requirements for tests and vaccines, the world of travel has become much more complicated. While this shouldn’t deter travelers, it does mean staying up to date on all requirements until the last minute and making sure you have all the necessary paperwork, negative tests, etc. to be able to cross international borders.
- Tip: Another point to consider is the cancellation of a trip in the event of a border closure – if tickets or bookings are non-refundable, this puts travelers in a difficult position.
So, how do you start planning your vacation without a travel agent?
Think about it: Travel agents are great at what they do because they are familiar with a wide range of destinations, airlines, hotels and services. This is something that travelers need to be well versed in in order to plan a vacation worthy of the status of a travel agent. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Use cards. By this we mean Google Maps or Google Earth. These are great resources for travelers to get a real sense of a place from the comfort of their home, as well as the layout of certain cities or towns. In addition, it gives travelers the opportunity to find out where the nearest restaurants, hotels, car rentals and convenience stores are located. YouTube videos made by travel bloggers are also a great source of virtual information.
- Plan your time frame. Study the prices of hotels, restaurants and general expenses for visiting a particular area depending on the specific time of the year. Obviously, for those who want to save money, it is always better to go during the off-season. However, these prices should also be compared with the cost of air travel at this time to ensure that the off-season holiday is worth it.
- Be flexible. Sign up for alerts on airline or travel sites like Expedia and Travelocity. Track flights for a week or more to make sure prices don’t fluctuate wildly (a sign that cheaper flights and lower fees will happen randomly). And when in doubt, book your flight early if it’s within your budget.
- Flexibility also applies after arrival. Nothing is ever guaranteed. The attraction may close the day before you have tickets. The restaurant may not be open at the time when the traveler has the only available place to reserve a table. Tours may be delayed upon arrival.