VIDEO: Travel agency or online?

Bricks and mortar travel agency or online? Warrandyte Travel & Cruise expert Carolyn Allen explains why the traditional travel agent is best.

Bricks and mortar travel agent versus online. What is your take on that? – Scott, Warrandyte.

I liken this discussion to comparing eating at McDonald’s against a la carte dining at a fine dining restaurant.

At McDonald’s you are offered a simple menu whereas at a fine dining establishment you have a choice of interesting taste combinations that you may not have ever thought of yourself.

If your needs are simple and you are happy to take what’s offered by a robotic search engine then there is nothing wrong with online booking. However, if you are looking for more than just point to point travel and one hotel then you will benefit from working with an expert on the other side of the desk in a bricks and mor- tar travel agency.

For example: we recently had a client wanted to go to Malaysia, Mainland China and Hong Kong. The online booking sites, as was our system quoted a fare in the vicinity of $8000. Our human expertise was able to apply some creativity, rework the fare and reduce it by half.

Q: What else do you consider to be the makings of a great travel booking experience?

A: A great travel experience starts the minute you walk in the door and are greeted by a consultant who genuinely cares about travel needs. It is vital your travel professional gets to know you, knows your likes and dislikes and works as your best advocate to provide great holiday arrangements – tailored to suit your requirements, taste and budget.

Invariably your consultant has travelled to the destination. They have great travel tips, can recommend restaurants and of course the best places to stay.

I recently travelled to Rajasthan in India – one of my favourite parts in the world. The back alley tours in the cities of Jaipur and Jodhpur provide a wonderful insight into the vibrant life that is India – for me these little gems are a must but rarely promoted!

A reputable travel company takes pride in providing their clients with all options enabling them to make informed choices. Your booking experience should be almost as enjoyable as the journey itself.

Our travel expert Carolyn is the manager of Warrandyte Travel and Cruise. Email her at carolyn@warrandytetravel.com.au