Travel agent vs independent booking

Doshwaster

I haven't used a travel agent in over 20 years. Booking independently gives you much more choice of flights, hotels and transfers. With so much information available online these days it's hard to see what additional value a travel agent offers.

Switzerland has some of the best public transport in the world (Germany less so) so you could be able to manage without a car

Yes, insurance is essential but it won't cover everything so, if possible, make sure hotels have flexible reservation should plans change so avoid losing out on a non-refundable booking.

TELLIT01

pinkshoes said:

TELLIT01 said:

Are you doing an absolute like-for-like comparison or just similar accommodation in similar locations?

Like for like. Same hotel. Same flights. Taxi transfer.

That's a crazy difference for a direct comparison.  Add to which you may even find you get a better type of room by booking direct.  Hotels often retain the better rooms for themselves and pass the slightly less desirable to the tour operators.  With that price difference it has to be DIY.  Just make sure you take out a good insurance policy.

DullGreyGuy

pinkshoes said:

I'm trying to plan a walking/lake holiday in Switzerland/Germany or surrounding areas.

A travel agent quoted £5500 for 5 of us to travel (school holidays) including flights, private transfer, and half board hotel.

Having done my research beforehand on hotels and flights, I realised I can book the same trip for about £4000.

Is it worth paying the extra £1500 to have ABTA  cover?

Or can I get insurance that will cover things like flight cancellation/changes and the knock on cost it might have?

Is there a "go to" reliable website in Switzerland to book transfers?

Any tips are welcome. 

Saving £1500 by booking it all individually myself will mean a LOT more spending money whilst we are there. 

The one key thing insurance is unlikely to cover you for these days is financial failure, however if you book directly then you may have chargeback (depending on how early you book) or S75 but you'd generally be looking at getting the cost of the airfare back not getting the higher cost of a replacement flight covered and no protection for the accommodation if you cannot find a reasonably priced replacement flight. 

There are other ways around it, like booking accommodation that can be cancelled but that often comes at a premium and so may eat into your savings. 

There are two travel agents I use, mainly because they offer perks with certain hotels, but dont buy a package from them so dont see them in the same light as your Thomas Cooks of the world etc. I do often compare the prices between direct, them and normal travel agents. It's very rare but occasionally regular agents are the cheaper so may use them if its material. 

jimjames

pinkshoes said:

TELLIT01 said:

Are you doing an absolute like-for-like comparison or just similar accommodation in similar locations?

Like for like. Same hotel. Same flights. Taxi transfer.

That's crazy difference, I'd expect the travel agent should be able to get better prices. As per question above I'd ask what they add - if it's just the admin of booking all the parts then I'd be happy to save £1500 to do myself. Many holidays over the last few years have done that and no problems and gave massive saving over organised options.

clarkyson

Honestly, for Switzerland/Germany (which are pretty reliable destinations), I'd book it myself. You don't necessarily need ABTA protection for this kind of trip. I generally book the flights, hotels myself. Only if I need a day tour or two, I get a guide from https://gowithguide.com/ £1500 is a massive saving .that could cover some really nice excursions or meals out.