Booking - Travel Agent, Website or...?
We've been comparing rates on various websites - some are a better deal than others. Is there some reason you would want to book with a travel agent instead? Or for that matter a reason to book on the Couples website vs. one of the others, like CheapCaribbean or Travelocity?
Thanks for your input!
Should we use a TA or website or book direct????
It all depends on the rate, terms, and customer service.
Some TA's do have lower rates than Couples because they are selling them taking less of a commission.
Payment terms are something to look at. Some TA's make you pay everything up front, some just take a deposit and balanced is due 45 days before the trip.
You need to look at cancellation terms, some TA's you can not cancel/change your room or it cost money as a change order. Some have no cancellation fees, some you lose it all, some $200 14 days out. It all depends. Some allow you to change your reservation if a better deal comes up on a special and charge nothing. Just because Couples has a 45 day policy, your terms with a TA may not be.
You need to look at the whole picture and book what is best for you. Ask lots of questions if using a TA and make sure they listed on BBB and check it. If they are good, they are listed with no issues. Also, if you use a TA make sure they are on the Couples list. Couples have spent the time to review them and they pay Couples on time. They are also the ones that get the best rates because they sell the most which they can pass onto you.
We have booked both ways, direct and with a TA. Our TA is a person that answers her phone, not a computer. So we have the best of both worlds, best rate, terms, and real customer service without hitting zero ten times. She is also located in the USA.