Booking a honeymoon

Jen1029

Is it better to work through an agent? Any advice?

My fiancee travels for work a lot and we have a ton of points to use on airfare and lodging, just trying to decide if it's worth working through a third party. We're goign to spend about two weeks in Europe - currently thinking Ireland, Scotland, London and Paris.

corinne2010

I personally liked using a travel agent. I have booked trips online before and used a travel agency and I just like knowing that if I have questions about our trip, there is someone I can call. Plus the travel agency was able to get us a better flight schedule than what was offered online. If you are looking for a travel agency, I highly recommend using Brookside Travel in Novi. Shelly is/was my agent and she has been awesome to work with. In the beginning, we really had no idea where we wanted to go so she was able to help us decide that. Plus, if you're going to Europe, you may want to have a travel agent just to make sure all the T's are crossed and I's are dotted.

July032011

I agree. Using a Travel Agent was for the sure the way to go. The flight schedules were way better and they were able to get better rates.  I used Karen Hintze with Complete Travel Services out of Troy and she was wonderful.   I was able to set the entire thing up with her through phone calls and emails! Completely easy and stress free. Her number is 2486491234 email karenh@completetravel.biz!

zantster

Hey Corinne,

I am looking for a travel agent too but when I googled Brookside I was alarmed by the reviews that came up.  They seem so contrary to your experience.  Did you work with your agent from a distance or actually go to the place?

corinne2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_booking-honeymoon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:88Discussion:67685e33-3f75-4fd8-a735-a39f1fa6ca76Post:186c8bf0-7a44-45ae-8edc-a6de7717578c">Re: Booking a honeymoon</a>:
[QUOTE]Hey Corinne, I am looking for a travel agent too but when I googled Brookside I was alarmed by the reviews that came up.  They seem so contrary to your experience.  Did you work with your agent from a distance or actually go to the place?
Posted by zantster[/QUOTE]

I never stepped foot in the office. Shelly was awesome to work with as were the other people in the office. We just paid everything off and they asked for an invitation for the wedding so they can hook us up with all kinds of honeymoon extras. I can give you Shelly's e-mail if you would like. E-mail me at cnpouch at gmail dot com.

abbeylynne06

We used a travel agent as well.  It's definitely at least worth looking into, and they don't charge for their services (which I didn't know before using one).  It was nice to have their knowledge and expertise and to know we had someone to contact if something were to go wrong.

rak123

We used a travel agent to book our European cruise.  However, we are finding cheaper airline prices on Priceline than we were quoted through a travel agent. 

MrsBarstool2011

I used Shelly at Brookside too and she was wonderful to work with.  She actually works from home for this not out of the office.  I liked it because we had no clue where to start and she helped us immensely in figuring out places that fit our interest. 

One thing she did mention was that travel agents don't always get better rates for airfare just because it is still limited to what the airlines are offering to everyone else.  She did however spend the time to find us a better flight than what I was seeing.  Almost all the flights I found had 2+ layovers.

MMRoberts11

I plan on just doing everything myself.  I've traveled all over and have done everything on my own (expedia is where I usually end up booking flights) and have never had a problem.

I would say it all depends on what exactly you want to do.  If you are willing to put the effort into finding the best deals and booking everything go on your own.  Also, it depends on what you want to do while there (besides the obvious).  Sometimes travel agents can get good rates on museums and other stuff.  Maybe call a few and see what they can do for you and then weigh out your options about which route is better for you.

zantster

Thanks!  I will email you.

Milsey32

It was already mentioned but the great thing about travel agents is that they may be able to get you some cool upgrades or whatnot since it's your honeymoon!