When booking a holiday, whether you use a travel agency or not depends on how comfortable you are doing your own research and planning the itinerary. In many cases, doing it yourself will be time-consuming, but will also save you some money. However, there are certain instances when professional help is more valuable, or even necessary.
Best Holidays to Book Through a Travel Agency:
Find out which holidays are best booked through a travel agency for added convenience, peace of mind, and value.
1. Camino De Santiago Walking Holidays:
Camino de Santiago is a network of historic walking routes, traditionally used by pilgrims. Today, thousands of people use these routes for their walking holidays, experiencing the benefits of pilgrimage.
Planning such a trip for the first time can be tricky, though. It involves researching the right routes for you, based on difficulty levels and the things you prefer to see, booking accommodation at a different hotel each night, organising airport pick-ups and drop-offs, as well as getting luggage transfer services between stops.
This is where a specialist agency can be incredibly valuable. Orbis Ways, for instance, have been assisting pilgrims with their Camino’s for years now, adapting to the individual needs of each person. This agency will not only take care of all logistics for you, but also offer the local expertise and support (including 24/7 emergency assistance) that you would otherwise not have.
2. Safari Holidays:
African safaris are another type of holiday where careful planning and extensive knowledge of the local area is a must. A professional travel agency will select the best parks and reserves for you, based on the time of the year, maximising your chances to see as many wild animals as possible. They will also book appropriate accommodation for your budget, whether that’s a luxury lodge or a tended camp.
In addition to your experience at the safari holiday, considering your safety is of paramount importance too. An agency will provide you all the information needed, such as permits that must be received and vaccinations that you should get prior to your trip. They will arrange reliable transportation and reputable guided tours, safeguarding you from potential scams.
3. Northern Lights Chasing Holidays:
Seeing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a bucket-list item for many, which is why countries like Iceland and Northern Norway see large numbers of tourism every winter. However, it is never guaranteed that you will come out of your trip having experienced it…
Travel agencies can, therefore, help maximise your chances by picking the right viewing locations and expedition tours based on the current Aurora activity. They have access to specialist systems, which provide them a lot more information regarding the best spots. A lot of the times these places are in the middle of nowhere, in freezing cold, which is why having an organised tour is also the safest bet.
Conclusion:
Using a travel agency is not a complete must for many types of holidays. But, recognising when it is the smart option will be key. For some trips, it may simply be the case of having the local expertise and improving your experience, while in others it could become a matter of safety.
