Researching and planning your travels online has never been easier, so it comes as no surprise that many are opting to bypass travel agents to book their own holidays.

However, besides convenience, travel agencies often have access to deals not necessarily available to the public.

So, let’s explore self-booking and travel agents and look into which option may work out to be cheaper.

The DIY route: Pros and cons

People who prefer to manage their travel itinerary and have the time to search the web for deals, unquestionably gain from self-booking.

• Online booking gives you access to the same airlines, accommodation, and tours as any travel agency. The bonus is that you have may more choices to best suit your preferences and budget.
• Some online booking platforms provide options to watch for any changes in prices by setting a ‘price alert’. This means that you can jump on sales outside of business hours without needing a travel agent.
• Some accommodation providers allow cancellation up to a day before your stay without any charges; some even send you reminders asking whether you’d like to change or proceed with your booking. Therefore, you have more flexibility, whilst avoiding any fees.

Nevertheless, there are disadvantages to self-booking:

• Yes, it does take some time and effort to seek the best deals.
• You need to have some knowledge of travelling and the travel industry.
• You also need to be able to navigate booking platforms.
• It’s important to make sure that you double check all itinerary details, especially times and locations, otherwise you can get caught out.
• You may not always have the support provided by travel agencies, which can be useful if something goes wrong.

Travel agents: Pros and cons

Not everyone has the time to search the web for possible deals. Furthermore, some travellers might find self-booking daunting.

Here’s why people choose travel agents:

• Travel agents can save you time and effort by coordinating all your itinerary logistics, including flights, accommodation, transportation, and tours, giving you a comforting certainty that all details are correct, and plans will align.
• Many travel agents can provide specialised advice on particular destinations. They can also connect clients with trusted tour operators and can bargain for better deals.
• Often, travel agents have access to unpublished fares and exclusive perks including upgrades.
• Travel agencies might also be able to help with refunds in the event of trip cancellations or changes. However, this might come with an agent’s fee on top of what providers charge.

There are also disadvantages in engaging a travel agent.

• They may charge fees for their services (particularly for complex trips).
• Advice given by travel agents might be biased, as they earn commissions and incentives from airlines and hotels. This means that they offer a limited portfolio of travel products and operators.
• Low-cost airlines and budget accommodation may not be part of a travel agent’s portfolio, nor area of expertise.

But which one’s cheaper?

There are instances when engaging a travel agent may be cheaper than doing it yourself. If you’re unsure about what to look for, a travel agent’s advice could save you hours of research.

Then again, self-booking may work out to be cheaper, particularly for those looking at low-cost carriers and budget accommodation.

Additionally, booking your own travel gives you more choice and flexibility. It all depends on the time and confidence you have to research and book your trip.

One way to go about it is getting an itinerary and quote from a travel agent then doing your own research online. You could go back to the travel agent and ask whether they could match or beat the prices you found.

The decision to engage an agency or self-book depends on your preferences and needs. Regardless of whether you enlist the help of an agent or decide to do it yourself:

• Check the fine print for any hidden charges.
• Check multiple sites or travel agencies as they might offer different deals.
• Compare a few travel agents before committing to one.
• Check all details relating to flight itineraries, locations, and visas.

Like every article on this website, this is not personal financial advice.