High street travel agents

adonis10

Do many people still use them? Are they at all competitive?

Thinking about popping in to discuss my planned Cuba holiday.. Obviously wont know until i do, but thought I'd see if anyone here stil uses them!

zagfles

adonis10 wrote: »

Do many people still use them? Are they at all competitive?

Thinking about popping in to discuss my planned Cuba holiday.. Obviously wont know until i do, but thought I'd see if anyone here stil uses them!

They'll likely be totally useless. They're usually only interested in selling packages, insurance and currency and are usually clueless about anywhere other than bog standard holiday destinations eg Spain/Greece etc. You'll probably find you know more about Cuba than them just from your research so far.

Places like Trailfinders and STA can be exceptions, the agents are usually experienced travellers.

You're best using the tripadvisor forums for specific destination info, there are experts for just about everywhere who are generally very helpful.

InsideInsurance

They are variable.

Most the time they arent very competitive but they do occasionally have deals that are worthwhile - though theyre not always flagged as special offers.

Trailfinders, Abercrombie & Kent, Audley Travel etc are all good at making suggestions/ building custom packages etc but unlikely to be cheap. They are all much better at tours than 1 flight + 1 hotel but if you are doing self driving etc then cross compare their pricing.

Certainly the "quote" that was pulled together for us was great both in terms of the suggested itinerary and the amount of detail that came through - from memory it was about 10 pages for a 8 night holiday.

chicacherrycola

I think they'd defo be worth a visit - particularly an independent who would have knowledge of a broad range of operators.

You might even be able to speak to someone who has been which is invaluable.

Everyone thinks that because they can google it themselves it makes them an expert in bunging together a tour or holiday.

A good travel agent is worth their weight in gold.

adonis10

chicacherrycola wrote: »

I think they'd defo be worth a visit - particularly an independent who would have knowledge of a broad range of operators.

You might even be able to speak to someone who has been which is invaluable.

Everyone thinks that because they can google it themselves it makes them an expert in bunging together a tour or holiday.

A good travel agent is worth their weight in gold.

Exactly what I thought. I've done some good research but its been focused on one particular area as that's what I've been told is good. Getting a different view from someone who has been should hopefully open up my search somewhat.

Think I'll pop into STA and Trailfinders tomorrow. Fingers crossed.