Recreation Measures

Not so long ago you would rarely have encountered the words ‘cheap’ and ‘travel’ used together. But we live in the age of low cost travel with cut price airlines competing for business with ever lower air fares to many of the world’s most popular destinations.

Another factor that has boosted the whole low cost travel industry is the internet. This enables anyone anywhere to search for the best prices on air fares and hotel accommodation. This has forced travel agents to rethink the way they make their money. Why would anyone go to a travel agents if they can find and book everything they want for their holiday, car hire, hotels, transport, accomodation and insurance, using their computer?

Another side effect of increased competition is that the quality of service that you can get from travel agents and companies providing travel services has improved immeasurably. Travel agents will do anything they possibly can to secure your business in this increasingly competitve market.

If you are hoping to save some money by planning and booking your next vacation online do make certain you compare the prices that you find with those available through your local travel agents. You might be in for a surprise.

For example, I recently took a 10 day skiing trip which I initially had researched online. I gathered the prices for my hotel, flights, travel insurance etc. and then dropped into a nearby travel agency during my lunch break.

I let them have all the details I’d gathered in my research and they were able to offer me a package holiday staying at a great hotel for an even lower price. What’s more, it included specialist ski insurance in the price. Also, since I was planning to do a little mountaineering while on vacation I needed some additional adventure travel insurance that would cover this. They were able to provide an excellent policy at a remarkable prices.

So its worth remembering that not all cheap travel deals are exclusively available online. Your high street travel agency has some exceptional bargains, often with some very appealing fringe benefits, so be certain to check out what’s on offer.