SHOPPING AROUND:YOUNGER TRAVELLERS may be losing out because they believe booking online with flight and accommodation providers is always cheaper than going through a travel agency.
Research from online travel firm Ebookers suggests 87 per cent of travellers book their holiday and undertake their research online. A third (34 per cent) feel they get the best rates that way.
Over-55s were found to look more favourably on booking through high-street travel agents, believing they offer a personal touch more likely to meet individual travel needs.
“There is a misperception, particularly among young people, that booking direct through the internet is always easier and cheaper than booking through a travel agent,” says Hugh Staunton, marketing manager at travel agency Trailfinders.
“Ryanair and Aer Lingus have promoted this by driving all their passengers online. But if you take Europe out of the equation it simply isn’t true. The prices a travel agent can get you will be the same as if you book direct, and you’ll get value-added services for free.”
These include information about immunisation and visas. “We can advise on the different visas required for each country,” says Staunton.
“Other than for carriers like Ryanair, who don’t want customers coming via travel agents, we match the best prices available on the internet for flights and accommodation.”
