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Is it better to book an all inclusive trip online or with a travel agent?

My friends and I (15 of us total) are looking to travel from Ontario to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. We are also going during a peak season (spring break).

I was curious as to whether it is better to book with an agent as opposed to online?
Does it cost more to use an agent?
Is there a chance we'll get a discount because there are so many of us?

Does anyone have any experiences or good travel websites/agents?

Public Comments

1. Online can save you money, but an actual agent can give you a person to intercede/complain to if things are amiss.

2. online will save you money. using a travel agent will cost more but you have a point of contact.
try travelocity or expedia! never had any problems with them!
have fun!!!!!!

3. On line check alphrooms.com and then go to ryanair.com to get flight then theres a website where you can book a taxi to pick you up at airport and take you back for your return flight.Im sorry i cant remember the website but search something like taxis.com in google search.I picked up all inclu holiday for me and my girlfreind with taxis for under£500,that was all meals and drinks in 4 star hotel in spain for a week.

4. In terms of cost, there are a few things to consider:

An agent needs to make his income, so, in general, he will need to charge a fee. In a straightforward, "off the shelf" price booking, going through an agent will cost you money.

Having said that, airlines and hotels sometimes offer incentives and discounts to agents in order to promote bookings during normally slow periods. Some of these incentives are passed on in the form of savings to the customers. These agents can also help you find group discounts. The fact that you are booking multiple parties means more commission for the agent, givng him the incentive to look harder for a good deal.

Online booking is famous for offering tremendous prices because, airlines, cruise ship lines, hotels and car rental agencies can dump a lot of unused, or little used product for the online agencies to offer at tremendous discounts. But you have to remember, that for the best prices, you will not get the best rooms, seats, dates, car models, etc. And with these, probably little chance for group discounts, since the combinations fo flights, rooms, etc may not allow for a group to travel and stay together.

If you book online directly with the carrier or hotels, you may actually have a good chance for a group discount, especially if you can book very early. But you may get an even better chance if you can do this directly, over the phone. Be sure to tell the person on the phone you got the phone number via the website. That way, you may get the advantage of discounts offered on the web, AND inquire about any other discounts the operator may have that are NOT advertised.

So, look online, get a general idea of locations and prices AND make some calls. Get the info, and then make your choices. Don't forget to mention any membeships such as AAA or AARP that may result in some additional discounts.

5. http://ref.iliit.com/agents/page.asp?site=323697A0569&em=rhoda_travel@yahoo.com&pin=PI072606-WL call the number they will get you a group rate

6. Why not do both and see the results. "Orbitz" is a good value online provider. See source.

7. hey,
i am a travel agent, certified and with degree in travel and hospitality management. So believe me i know. since there is 15 ppl going you could use a travel agencie such as liberty travel, however, the agent will make 15- 19% percent on commission from each person.for example...if you go for 6days/7 nights it s approx 650-700/person w/o a travel agent with a travel agent commision is added into the price so 105.00 extra just for commission =805.00 = travel insurance 50.00 and misc other fees. (get it?!) so doing it yourself or with me ( i charge 50.00-100.00 for groups of 10-15 1 flat fee for all ($7 person) and you get all of the above and more. if you want more info email me. kolah112@yahoo.com