How to Save Money When Booking a Vacation Through Your Travel Agency

With an uncertain economy and, for many, an uncertain future, some people are opting to put off vacations. Despite the potential problems on the horizon, that does not have to be the case. When you work with a travel agency, you can save a lot of money. Almost anyone can afford to travel if they follow these six tips when booking a vacation through a travel agency:

Tip #1: Be clear that you’re on a very tight budget.

If you want to save money when you vacation, your best bet is to tell your travel agent that from the start. There is little to be gained by hiding the fact that you want to travel on a shoestring budget. Furthermore, be really clear about what that budget is, since “inexpensive” to one person is not cheap to another. The clearer you are about your price range, the better. That way, your travel agent can put together a vacation package that you can afford, not work for a long time on something that doesn’t even come close to your budget.

Tip #2: Have flexible travel dates and times.

The more options you give your travel agent when it comes to your vacation dates, the better. Flights tend to change prices drastically over the weekend, so moving your vacation just two or three days could save you hundreds of dollars. Avoiding holidays is also good. When you’re flexible, your travel agent can also barter for hotel rooms, show tickets, and so forth with other companies in the travel industry. For example, if your travel agent knows that another agent is trying to fill rooms he or she bought in a chunk for a discounted price, you can get a better deal on one of those rooms. Give your travel agent a bit of wiggle room to negotiate. Likewise, if you are willing to travel at undesirable times, like in the early morning hours or overnight, you may be able to get a cheaper deal, at least on the transportation costs.

Tip #3: Ask for a cheaper version of your dream vacation.

During your initial meeting with your travel agent, have an open mind when it comes to destination. Talk about your dream vacation spot, but then hear out your agent on places that are similar but not as expensive. For example, say you want to visit Aspen for a gorgeous ski vacation. It might be less expensive (but just as fun) to go skiing at one of the resorts in Vermont. You might feel like your compromising too much, but think about your destination choices long and hard. If it is just the name holding you back, you might want to just let go and take a risk on the less expensive location. You might have just as much fun if you stay open-minded

Tip #4: Stay in the United States.

Work with a travel agent who books domestic trips so that you can stay in the United States. In most cases, you should save money on transportation since you will not have to travel as far. You may also be able to travel without documentation, as long as you have a picture ID. When you travel out of the country, you need a passport at the very least, and you may need a visa, certain vaccinations, or other travel documents as well. When you stay in the United States, you should also not have to worry about added cell phone expenses to make calls, losing money on the exchange rate, or paying top dollar to take your luggage with you.

Tip #5: Be willing to do some of the planning yourself.

The whole reason you use a travel agent is to avoid having to do the planning work yourself, but if you compromise on that a bit, you may be able to save money. Instead of working with a travel agent who plans every last detail, get someone that is a little less expensive and just book your flight and hotel through the agent. When it comes to the other stuff, like getting tickets to an event or making restaurant reservations, you can do the work yourself.

Tip #6: Organize a group tour.

A great way to save money on your vacation is to organize a tour through your travel agency. Group rates will apply, but more importantly, the person who organized the vacation typically gets to travel for free. The down side of that is that you have to commit to finding a certain number of people who will go on vacation with you, which can be hard. You are also responsible for them if they do not pay, and you have to, essentially, share you vacation. However, this is a great way to save money and make sure that you can still travel, even if you are on a budget.

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights from an Online Travel Agency

If you need to book a flight, working with an online travel agency might be the best way to find the lowest price. Agents often get better deals as a professional courtesy from airlines, and they may get even cheaper prices for booking a certain number of flights in a single month. As an added bonus, an online travel agent knows the industry secrets to finding inexpensive flights, so if you mention that you are on a tight budget, he or she can try to bring down the price as far as possible. Here are some great tips for finding the cheapest flights possible through your online travel agent:

Tip #1: Keep your dates and times of travel flexible.

Flight prices change from day to day, not just from season to season. If you want to find the cheapest flight possible, give your online travel agency options. In general, you will be able to find the least expensive flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with the most expensive flights on Saturdays and Sundays. Time also makes a difference. People generally want to fly during normal business hours. If you are willing to take and early morning flight, you could save money. Even better, if you fill a seat on a red eye flight (an overnight flight), you’ll save even more money. The more flexible you can be with your dates and times, the better.

Tip #2: Be willing to have layovers.

Layovers add hours onto your travel, but if you are willing to deal with them, you could save a lot of money. If you would be willing to fly out of a smaller airport, such as Newark on the East coast and Orange County on the West coast, you would likely have to have at least one layover, since each airline will only fly a very limited number of places.

Even if you are leaving from and going to major airports, if you are OK with layovers instead of a straight flight to your destination, you can find cheaper prices. Be carefully to plan at least an hour for each layover in case your flight is late or you need to navigate your way through a very large airport to another gate. Remember, most airports today have Internet access, and in many cases, it is free, so you can take your laptop and log online to pass the time between flights.

Tip #3: Stay open-minded about your destination.

One of the biggest ways to save money on your flight is to let your travel agent know that you and your family would consider alternative destinations. Sometimes, utilizing alternative destinations can be as simple and as easy as flying to a nearby airport and taking public transportation to your hotel.

You may want to consider changing your destination altogether. For example, if you are interested in a warm-weather retreat, why not fly to Florida instead of a Caribbean island? Or, if you want to vacation in the mountains, Aspen might be a less expensive choice than the French Alps. In general, keep your mind open about exactly where you would like to go. This might not always be an option, especially if you are flying for business reasons, but your online travel agent may be able to make recommendations for places that are just as beautiful but not as expensive.

Tip #4: Purchase an entire package from your agent.

Travel agents are not in business to book flights. They plan entire vacations, and by purchasing a complete package from them, you might be able to save money. If price is your main concern, do your homework first by researching hotel prices, flight costs, and other fees you’ll be paying to travel if you book the whole thing yourself. Then, ask an online travel agency to review your vacation needs and quote you a price for a package deal. Sometimes you are better off booking the vacation yourself, while other times, you could save money by going through the agent.

Tip #5: Start with a clear budget in mind.

Some common mistakes that you should avoid when working with an online travel agent is not giving him or her the dollar amount of what you hope to spend on the trip. You need to be honest from the start with your travel agent about what you can and cannot afford. Your travel agent may not look for the cheapest price for long because they think you’ll simply be happy with whatever price they find the quickest. If you do not have an unlimited amount of money to work with, make it very clear that you need to stick to a specific budget range. This way you and your travel agent can work together to find you a great vacation at a price you can afford.

How to Experience Las Vegas on a Budget

It is not impossible to enjoy Las Vegas on a budget! With a little research and planning, a visitor can anticipate and control trip expenses. Airline, auto club, travel review and discounter websites provide promotional information; it’s essentially a matter of deciding what is most important to the visitor.

A significant part of the trip may be airline cost. It is important to check flight costs often (as they frequently change) and to make reservations well in advance. Lower-prices may be found for early morning, evening, or connecting flights. But, if a favorite Vegas show has available seats for the 7 PM show that are $50 less than the 10 PM one, spending a little more on airfare to arrive earlier will be worth it. If you would like to experience Las Vegas on a budget, have the big picture in mind of how you want to enjoy Las Vegas, in order to plan an itinerary that maximizes your spent dollar.

Regarding ground transportation from the airport, a cab costs at least $25 to cruise the famous, resort covered Strip, or casino-filled Downtown Las Vegas. It is less costly to rent cars away from the airport, but they are not really needed if Las Vegas is your final destination. Visitors can walk everywhere easily and safely. Guests may buy $5 unlimited passes from bus operators in the Deuce program, which will transport them all day. (There is also a pricier, off-strip monorail that connects some resorts, but trains connecting Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur resorts are free.)

Visitors have many options concerning accommodations. Older rooms in Downtown Vegas may be less than $50 per night, but hotels a block or two from the Strip may offer newer facilities and pools at comparable or just slightly higher prices. Good buys can also be found at the magnificent Strip resorts through auto club, senior, and military discounts, or mid-week specials Another option is to stay at an inexpensive lodging for part of the trip, then move to fancier accommodations. If one does not mind logistics involved with packing, it may be worth cab fare and a few extra dollars to enjoy upgraded amenities for a night or two.

Food can be pricey on the Strip, but for quick bites, the Excalibur and Circus-Circus house fast food chains, while pizza shops and delis are found behind many casinos. Food courts in the Venetian, New York New York and Miracle Mile offer moderate prices and decent-sized portions. Downtown restaurants offer excellent bargains to travelers in that area, but cab fare from the Strip is over $20. For enjoyment and value, consider a mid-level resort brunch buffets for about $15 per person. They offer enough selection to fuel the visitor through a busy day, eliminating the need to eat again until evening. It’s best to avoid high-priced, resort counter service, but many casual, sit-down restaurants have a variety of choices large enough to be shared.

Most Las Vegas first-run entertainment is sold out well in advance, but there may be single seats available. If the party is willing to be seated separately, this may result in excellent seats at a good price. However, ticket outlets (Near Planet Hollywood and The Wynn) sell half-price and discount tickets for that day’s productions, including less expensive afternoon shows. (Beware that online or “discount” agents can charge more than the face value of the ticket.)

Las Vegas also offers free entertainment. Treasure Island’s “Sirens” production holds multiple shows daily and the fountains at Bellagio display dancing waters and lovely music every 15-30 minutes. Bellagio’s Conservatory, MGM’s Lion Habitat, the Tiger Exhibit and the Erupting Volcano at the Mirage are also free. Free performances at Caesar’s, Circus Circus and Excalibur are especially entertaining for children, and allow guests to relax in air-conditioned comfort for an hour or so.

Other attractions carry a price tag that may not be the best use of some travelers’ resources. The Venetian Gondola rides, Paris’s Eiffel Tower, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef, and the amusement park rides atop the Stratosphere can take a big bite out of a wallet-even with coupons. It’s just as much fun to walk through the Caesar’s Forum Shops, snap pictures inside the Luxor pyramid, relax near the Wynn Waterfall, or simply browse the European markets of Paris and the Venetian.

Casinos will track individual gaming and reward it with “comps” on future hotel stays and meals. Ask casino representatives before gaming to be given full credit. It is also a good idea to take only take a portion of one’s gambling budget on each trip to a casino, and quit when it has been depleted, regardless of winnings. The satisfaction of staying within a budget while going home with winnings can make the trip that much more pleasant and memorable!

How to Choose the Best Accommodations on a Las Vegas Vacation

The Las Vegas Strip is one of the best places to go for entertainment on the west coast of the United States. Sporting a wide variety of Las Vegas hotels and casinos, nightclubs, restaurants and other attractions, you will be able to find something for everyone in your family. There are many, many attractions to see when you visit Las Vegas so you need to plan your time according to the things that you want to enjoy the most.

There are roughly 115 hotels on the Las Vegas Strip itself. Most of these include 1,000 rooms. Depending on whether you want to stay right on the strip or off the strip you will find luxurious hotels with accommodations such as spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, room service and four star restaurants. Many of the hotels also have casinos to enjoy exciting evenings of gambling, music and fun.

When looking for social based entertainment in Las Vegas, the nightclubs are the first place you should look. Ranging from wild parties at the Coyote Ugly in the New York New York to sophisticated evenings of wine and champagne at the Risqué there is a club to suit everyone’s desires and tastes. If you intend on being in Las Vegas over the holidays, such as around New Years, you will want to arrange in advance for reservations, as these clubs become the soul of the party in Vegas. Most hotels in Las Vegas have at least one club on the premises.

Perhaps one of the most enjoyable aspects of Las Vegas is dining at the various restaurants located on and off of the Strip. Every hotel tends to have a variety of different restaurants. There are also many buffets and great deals to be found, which makes the Strip a surprisingly affordable place to dine.

If you are traveling to Las Vegas with your children they will be pleasantly surprised with the amount of activities designed for their age group. Las Vegas is a great family getaway. The Aquarium is nice but it can be expensive relative to other aquariums across the country. Inquire about the current additions and attractions at the Aquarium. Several improvements have been added to the Aquarium over the last few years.

Following an exploration of the deep ocean, you and your family can head over to the Grand Canyon’s stunning West Rim. At the West Rim you will have time for sightseeing, or a leisurely walk and a lunch. This trip to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim offers one of the clearest views of the Colorado River. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast on the way to the canyon. At the rim, you’ll have time for a leisurely walk at Guano Point before you enjoy a lunch of turkey chili with three types of beans and roasted tomatoes, cole slaw, corn on the cob, corn bread and peach or apple cobbler. On the way back to town, your tour includes a stop at the 900-year-old Joshua Tree forest.

For an in-depth, educational experience, the Discovery Tour of Hoover Dam is perfect. On the way home, stop off at Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens. Standing 725 feet above the Colorado River, Hoover Dam is a sight not to be missed. You’ll learn about the construction of this great wonder, plus the rich history of agony and accomplishment that made it all possible. Included in this package is an additional guided tour at the dam’s visitor center that will take you to the generator room on the Nevada side and give you access to the exhibits in the visitor’s center. Afterward, enjoy a stop at Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens, one of Southern Nevada’s most interesting draws. See how chocolates are made and take a stroll around a beautiful water conservation cactus garden.

Also, your family can experience Zion National Park and expose your senses to the true beauty of the Southwest. Your tour begins with hotel pickup in a comfortable sports utility vehicle. Upon arrival at Zion, you will marvel at the towering plateaus and mesas, as well as the world’s tallest sheer sandstone walls. You can also get a glimpse of the Virgin River, the river which took part in carving Zion into its beautiful landscape. Also at Zion National Park, your family could see panoramic carvings like Court of the Patriarchs, Angel’s Landing, The Great White Throne, Temple of Sinawava and the wondrous Weeping Rock. This majestic trip is truly a photographer’s dream. Make sure to bring your camera and capture the breathtaking scenery of Zion National Park. At the end of the tour, enjoy a comfortable ride back to your hotel by SUV.

There are many attractions to see while in Las Vegas. Whether traveling with your significant other or the whole family, Las Vegas has something for everyone.

A Non-gamblers Guide to a Las Vegas Vacation

Every year millions of people head to Las Vegas for vacation, but not all of them go there for what the city is most famous for, gambling. The casinos offer a lot more than slot machines and poker tables for visitors. There is a reason why this city is referred to “The Entertainment Capital of the World.” There is a lot of entertainment available that has nothing to do with gambling for those wishing to forgo risking the over $400 that the average gambler looses in a trip to Las Vegas.

One of the biggest attractions in Las Vegas is the shows. Some shows like Cirque du Soleil, which has various versions of their amazing circus running simultaneously at different casinos, have been running for years and grow more popular year after year. Popular entertainers play in Las Vegas, often for long runs. Celine Dionne recently ended a four-year run at Caesar’s Palace. Elton John is scheduled for a few months in mid 2008 at the same venue.

Visitors also find Broadway musicals such as the wildly popular The Producers, top notch comedians, and compelling dramas on the stages at Las Vegas casinos and other venues.

Shopping is also a very popular activity for those who visit Las Vegas. While some of the high-end shops make window shopping necessary for many visitors, there is plenty of affordable shopping for those who want to spend their time in the stores. The Forum Shops at Caesars is home to 160 boutiques and shops, 13 restaurants and various specialty food shops. At the Bellagio, the Via Bellagio offers high-end shopping, and the Pool Promenade has unique shops that cannot be found elsewhere. Bargain shoppers can find treasures outside of the casinos at the Las Vegas Premium Outlet that offers over 100 outlet stores or they can try their luck at the Fashion Outlets Las Vegas that offer many of the same brands that can be found in the hotel boutiques but for far less.

Another attraction for non-gamblers is the dining in Las Vegas. Many celebrity chefs have restaurants in the city. Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck both have more than one restaurant in the casinos, and Bobby Flay has the popular Mesa Grill at Caesar’s Palace. Celebrity chef restaurants aren’t the only fine dining choices, however. There are many, many five star restaurants in the casinos and the surrounding area. It’s also possible to get really good food in Las Vegas without the five star price tag at some of the other eating establishments. In a city that seems to be open 24 hours a day, there are lots of great places to get a meal any time of day.

Boxing matches also draw crowds to Las Vegas. The biggest ones are always held at the Las Vegas casinos, and it’s not uncommon for the regular tourist to come face to face with the celebrities who attend these boxing matches. Other sporting events that Las Vegas caters to are kick boxing, WWE wrestling events, speed racing, and the occasional celebrity basketball game with the Harlem Globetrotters.

Las Vegas may not be the first vacation destination that people think of when they think of family vacations, but it is becoming an increasingly popular spot for families. The casinos and other businesses in the surrounding areas are adding more and more attractions for children. Many of the casinos offer live animal attractions such as Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef, The Mirage’s White Tiger Habitat, and The MGM Grand’s Lion Habitat.

A state of the art arcade called Game Works will appeal to kids of all ages, The Las Vegas Zoo offers hours of entertainment away from the casinos, and Circus Circus has been a family fixture in Las Vegas for years. The city boasts the world’s largest indoor theme park, the five and a half acre Adventuredome. Families can find go-karts, kid-friendly shows, children’s museums, and wax museums along with many, many other family oriented activities scattered all throughout Las Vegas.

Those wishing to get out from the confines of Las Vegas and its beautiful but flashy buildings can head outside for some fresh air. A visit to The Hoover Dam is easy by taking a tour bus that can be booked from Las Vegas. Bonnie Springs Ranch Old Nevada is just a short drive from the city, and visitors get to experience the Old West. Red Rock Canyon is a bit more of a drive, but it’s a great place to get away from it all and do a little hiking. Of course, the area surrounding Las Vegas is littered with golf courses so no golfer has an excuse for not hitting a few while in Vegas.

Don’t Just Roll the Dice-how to Plan a Las Vegas Vacation

It’s not surprising that Las Vegas visitors can maximize their enjoyment with a little planning. Considering the myriad of possibilities to be experienced in exciting Las Vegas, planning out your day (or night) is your best bet. Knowing what to see, and when, can help you save time, energy and money. A bit of research will narrow down your choices, and help you focus on only your favorite entertainment options.

With so much happening in Las Vegas, it is easy to become overwhelmed and sidetracked. Travel websites and guide books detail resort and casino amenities, current shows, resort attractions and types of restaurants, and phone numbers to help with planning. Once a guest narrows down preferences, it is easy to structure a workable plan.

For example, one person may want to see the newest shows. In that case, they will need to select from musicals, comedies, and magic shows, etc. Then, it is a good idea to always call to find available seating. (Often, the best place to call is the actual theater, since “discounters” can charge above the face value of a ticket.) Since entertainment is of prime interest, this person should order tickets before leaving home, as first-run show tickets are not found at half price ticket booths in Las Vegas.

This same traveler can now arrange an itinerary around their show schedule. Using maps and guides, dinner reservations can be made at favored restaurants near show locations, assuring plenty of time for relaxed dining. Then, working backward, if they know that they must leave the resort by 6 PM, they can structure their Vegas day to get the most out of it.

The same logic applies to an individual who wishes to experience fine dining. By making reservations well in advance, this person will know how to arrange their day, and that the 11 PM show is a definite possibility. They will not need to sacrifice a special meal or entertainment due to crowds or time restraints.

Las Vegas is much larger than it appears, and it takes longer to walk or catch cabs than what one would expect. (Plus, if a visitor decides to stop into a casino “for just a few minutes”, it often turns out to be much longer!) Therefore, travel planning should be conservative. Filling time in Vegas is always easy, but if a guest must rush or miss out on what they have anticipated, it’s very frustrating.

There are several other considerations unique to Las Vegas. Typically, visiting resort attractions may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. This does not include 10 minutes to walk through the main casino, or waiting for free shows. Add shopping to this plan, and a visitor may only be able to tour 3 or 4 resort/casinos in a day. This is why it is best to sight-see resorts in groups of proximity. However, if a guest will be seeing one of the shows at a resort, they can view its attractions before or after; almost everything in Las Vegas is available 24/7, which certainly helps with planning.

Unless you are going to Vegas for the primary purpose of spending hours at the poker table or slot machine, gaming can easily fit in anywhere where there is free time. Inquire into a “player’s card” before gambling to get credit for gaming and future discounts. Just be sure to wear a watch, as there are no clocks in casinos! If a guest enjoys swims or workouts, they should know that some facilities are not available past 5 PM, and outdoor pools are usually closed between November and April.

Regarding transportation, taxis are not flagged down; lines form in front of resorts. If a traveler has purchased a $5 daily unlimited bus pass to ride up and down the strip, they should remember that it expires at 5 PM. Cabs to Downtown Vegas cost about $20, so a visitor may want to plan an evening there, including dinner at one of the inexpensive restaurants, shopping for souvenirs, and viewing the Freemont Street Experience free laser show. Some attractions have long waiting times, such as the Eiffel Tower or Venetian Gondolas, so visits to these popular sites should be planned accordingly.

A tired Las Vegas visitor can relax in some of the most interesting and comfortable places imaginable. Although most hotels do not provide seating in their lobbies, food courts and benches in the Miracle Mile and Forum Shops offer unlimited pleasure in people-watching. Free Circus Circus productions can be a pick-me-up for an exhausted walker, and chairs near the Wynn’s waterfall allow a rest in lovely surroundings. The Bellagio has luxurious couches and chairs scattered throughout its first floor, as well as bars and cafes which overlook their fountain’s dancing waters.

As long as daily activities are carefully planned, and based on a traveler’s interests, visitors can be ensured of a wonderful Las Vegas experience!

Use a Travel Agency to Book Your Spring Break Vacation

Instead of deal directly with the airlines, has it ever occurred to you to use a good travel agency to book your spring break vacation? Airlines will quote you fares and book your flights, but that’s as far as they go. A travel agency can offer discounted fares, advice on spring break destinations, and may have a great deal or two for you and your friends. Spring break is barely two months away, so now is the ideal time to start looking for a travel agency.

If airlines are offering huge discounts to lure money-weary individuals into traveling, imagine the larger discounts that a travel agency can offer. Since travel agents purchase blocks of seats, they can pass on the savings to their customers.

There are numerous travel agencies, but there is only a fraction of those agencies that cater to the special needs of the student travel industry. Although you can use any travel agency to book your spring break vacation, why not choose a travel agency that specializes in student tours and spring break vacations?

Looking for the Right Travel Agency: Tips

Before you book your next spring break vacation, the travel agency must satisfy certain requirements. You may want to look into the following criteria:

· Full Description of Services – Does the travel agency introduce itself adequately to potential customers? Do they have contact numbers, student packages, discount programs, and do they explain the procedures for their spring break packages as well as clearly state their refund policy?

· Variety – Does the travel agency have a wide range of destination choices and do they have hotel categories that meet all budgets? Some travel agencies like to specialize in a certain number of destinations – USA, Canada, or Mexico; some cover the world! When travel agencies can book spring break vacations almost anywhere in the world, that means that they’ve been in the student travel industry long enough and are confident that they can offer far away and exotic destinations without any problems because they belong to a large network of travel professionals;

· Discounts and Deals – Does the travel agency extend discounts for group travel or do they have frequent hot deals to offer? The capability to offer great deals can mean any number of things: they have good relationships with major airlines, hotels and tourist organizations, they receive discounted rates from suppliers and they in turn offer these to student travelers, or they are booking so many flights and vacation packages that they earn free points or free miles. You could be offered a deal to the Bahamas, your destination of choice, because the travel agency happened to receive a deal from a Bahamas tour operator at the time you booked!

· Photographs – Wouldn’t it be nice to see what you are getting into? If you are going to a spring break destination for the first time, you would want to know what kind of hotel you’re staying at, wouldn’t you? It isn’t enough for the travel agency to say, “You’re booked at a 4-star hotel”. You’ll want to know the name and location of that hotel so you can look it up on the Internet or ask people about it, plus you’ll want to see the rooms, dining facilities, and recreational facilities. Some travelers have been dismayed to find out that the hotel had only one treadmill, as opposed to what the travel agency described as a “full operating gym”. Or that the travel agency said 12 tennis courts, when in fact the hotel did not have any, referring travelers instead to a sports center a mile away!

· Interactive web site –Instead of spending precious minutes on the phone asking the travel agent about destinations, packages and vacation amenities, it would be simpler to do the search yourself on their web site by giving you the option to select a city and a package. When you’ve found what you’re looking for, that is when you call and ask for details that weren’t covered on their web site.

· Flexibility – some travel agents require you to pay for their packaged vacations to be able to receive discounts, but some travel agents are flexible in that they allow you to choose only air, or only hotel, or both.

A good travel agency is well organized. This important trait is evident in the way they present travel information. For example, there are websites that are designed to specifically cater to students. They list the cities they serve with a brief article about popular attractions and then you click on a link and the screen displays what their package covers plus costs for the city you selected.

So if you’re using a travel agency to book your spring break vacation, look for an agency that’s efficient, organized and capable of offing some fantastic deals.

Top 5 Reasons an Online Travel Agency can Save You Money

There are more than five reasons an online travel agency can save you money but the top five is a great start. Global statistics are pointing to the trend that online shopping for travel deals is way ahead of online shopping for books, electronics and clothing. For example, in Canada, about 45% of Canadians in 2007 looked for an online travel agency to book their travel, that’s a 9% increase from 2005 reports.

Here are the top five reasons why an online travel agency can save you money:

1. No overhead – many online travel agencies don’t have a physical location where they have to purchase furniture, supplies, and hire staff. In fact, many online travel agents operate from the comfort of their homes. All they need is a high speed Internet connection and access to global reservations systems. So the money they save on rent, utilities, personnel and other logistics constitute savings they can pass on to their customers. By booking online, you also save on trips to and from a travel agency in your area. You not only save money, you save precious time and gas.

2. Comparison shopping – by searching for travel deals online, you have the luxury of comparing prices provided by various online travel agencies. The idea is to read the fine print. You can compare them on the basis of:

· Actual fares and discounts

· Package deals

· Coupons and freebies

· Travel insurance

· Group discounts

· Last minute bookings

· Variety of travel deals (do they specialize in a particular country or to a particular age group?)

· Senior citizens’ deals

· Hotels and meals and transportation

· Tour guides

· Penalties for cancellations

That’s the beauty of online shopping. You’re not scampering from one travel office to another just to get an idea on prices. You can compare online deals and then narrow down your choices to three, ten or fifteen. If you have time on your hands, you can really save yourself some money by doing diligent research.

3. Ticket consolidation – many online travel agencies have access to a database of discounted tickets. Sometimes when they have excess inventory, they are forced to get rid of as many tickets to make way for the next travel season where they can purchase in bulk. Travel agents usually share information on discount tickets that are still available for sale, and prices are reduced on these tickets for “selloff.”

Air travel consolidators allow customers to compare airfares from as many airlines as possible for a specific route and for a specific time period. Not only can you save money on your ticket, but you can also find the best flight that suits your schedule best.

4. Wide network of travel-related services – online travel agents, through frequent bookings and constant research have a wealth of information that some travel agents with no online presence don’t have. Because of their ability to network rapidly with various people who work in hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, railway and restaurants, online travel agents are able to find the best deals for you.

The name of the game is called “relationship building.” Through frequent contact, online travel agents can squeeze out more discounts and free coupons from tour operators and hospitality establishments like hotels and restaurants. Instead of spending $10.00 for your lunch while travelling, your agent can offer you a meal ticket in exchange for your business, not to mention the fare discounts they are also able to offer.

5. One-stop shopping – travel writers know about the “clout” of travel agents. When it comes to flight arrangements, rental cars, tour excursions, cruise information and accommodation, and hotels, travel agents have a lot of clout. They can provide a complete travel package, including shuttle service to and from the airport and even the services of a personal tour guide if requested. By doing all your travel and travel-related shopping with a reputable online travel agency, there is no telling how much you can get done within a short amount of time.

Note that your online travel agent has more buying power than individual passengers when it comes to airline seats, hotel accommodation or cabin space in the yacht.