Although we’ve been self-reliant travelers for almost all our vacation trips, this time we decided to book through a travel agent. After contacting few travel agencies around, and compared their offers we decided to proceed with Barakat Travel to book our trip to Thailand (Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Tao).
PS: This post is not sponsored by any of the mentioned travel websites or agencies, hotels, restaurants or any other business. This is a personal opinion based on experience.
Our choice was based on convenience more than affordability. In other words, the ease of communication and accessibility to the travel agent played a key role in our decision. Based on a brief provided over the phone during which we listed our preferences such as the main destinations, the type of hotels and the activities that we were interested in and within several days we received offers by e-mail from some of the agencies that we had contacted. After filtering and comparing the offers, we decided that Barakat Travel was the most convenient for us. With a print out in hand and some notes to inquire about, we visited Barakat office in Down Town. After discussing what the agent had to suggest, we agreed on the following plan for our Thai vacation:
- 3-night stay in Phuket with breakfast
- 3-night stay in Koh Samui with breakfast
- 1-night stay in Koh Tao with breakfast
- Round trip transfer from and to the airport in Phuket
- One-way transfer from the airport to the Hotel in Koh Samui
This was our first assisted trip. We usually start by doing a lot of research before we decide on a destination and make sure we cover everything from “Things to See” and “Things to Do” to reading a load of user generated reviews on some of the most trusted travel websites such as Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet before we book ourselves any air ticket via Expedia or Kayak. Then we move to the second phase “choosing a hotel” which we usually book via Booking.com or AirBNB based on the user ratings and reviews.
Working with a travel agency had cut our effort in half. It is important to deal with a trustworthy agent who knows what he/she is talking about. Luckily our agent at Barakat Travel had been herself to Thailand several times as a result she easily gained our trust in booking the hotels and suggesting some of the most interesting tours over there. After checking few hotel options that she recommended we booked the following:
- Karon Sea Sand Hotel 4* in Phuket
- Mai Samui Resort beach 5* in Koh Samui
- Haadtien Beach Resort 4* in Koh Tao
In addition to saving us time, I thought I mention some of the main benefits associated with dealing with a travel agent based on our personal experience, before I dwell into the details about our amazing vacation to some of the most extraordinary islands of Thailand. With almost uncountable online travel sites and the ability to book directly with almost any airline, hotel or other travel service, we might think that travel agencies are on their way for extinction. Well the truth is, travel agents are here to stay and they offer plenty of benefits for all types of travelers.
Time & Budget
When working with a travel agency, one of their agents will be dedicated to identifying convenient travel options that best suit your needs and budget. In addition, an experienced agent will examine with you great deals such as travel packages or promotions. Instead of spending hours researching the internet, an agent can have easy access to promotions from resorts, cruise lines and other travel providers that aren’t available to the general public. In many cases, a travel agent can make your dream vacation possible by setting up a suitable payment plan which could also save you on credit card interest.
Travel Assistance
When booking your travel through an agent, you will benefit from his/her valuable assistance in case of a delay or cancellation of a trip due to uncontrollable situations such as strikes or major storms. Instead of going through the hassle of arranging another ticket with probably a shortage in cash or time, a simple phone call to your agent will sort it out. Travel assistance includes transportation from/to the airport to/from your accommodation. In most cases a travel agent can assist you in booking or rebooking accommodation.
Travel Plan
An experienced travel agent will assist you plan an unforgettable getaway, vacation, adventure or even a regular trip that meets your needs, interests and budget
Advice
An experienced travel agent can provide invaluable advice such as the best time to visit certain destination, what to avoid during your trip, how to commute and which places to visit. He/She will help you plan the perfect event such as a marriage proposal, a birthday or an anniversary through his network, connections and access to resources.
Becoming a Fan
An agent would do his best to keep a client happy. After all an agent compensation could come in form of a “happy client” who will become a fan and will come back year after year while recommending the agent to his network of friends and family.
PS: This post is not sponsored by any of the above mentioned travel websites or agencies, hotels, restaurants or any other business. This is a personal opinion based on experience.
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