I have to admit I was always one of those people who thought I could skip the middleman and book an entire holiday online. From reading reviews for the best places to stay to using SkyScanner to find the best flights it would be as easy as pie.
Enter my 2012 holiday to South America and now my 2014 holiday to Africa and Middle East...
Enter multiple travel agents who didn't really care, were out to book the tour or flight that would get the best commission and had worse follow up to email enquiries than my telephone provider.
Enter a stroll into Flight Centre Unley Rd. In the last 2 years I have dealt with 2 travel agents (Alice and Andrew) who have helped book flights and insurance, offered for me to go away and find better prices that they will match and come up with itinerary suggestions within a week of visiting their store. It wasn't until this experience that I realised that travel agencies like this realise they have to compete with online by offering a quick and easy service and they do it bloody well.
It wasn't until our flights were changed mid-South America trip when we had limited phone and email connectivity that I realised the benefit of having a travel agent as they were in contact immediately and ensured we wouldn't miss our flights as a result.
When booking a non-standard holiday I would always use Flight Centre on Unley Rd because I know I can get the best price (even compared to online deals) for a quicker and hassle free experience. read more