Quote Originally Posted by gregandkelly63 View Post
Which is better and why? What are the advantages either way?
I always book my own and then I purchase trip insurance for a really small via thru travel guard which is online. I had a travel agent two times that a hurricane and a tropical storm hit Jamaica when i was there. Wasn't much the agent could do either when flights weren't running. A couple years ago when I got that mosquito bite virus while there and had to have medical assistance to get home fast i did not have agent but made calls myself and was quickly flown to Dallas for treatment as was first flight into USA closest medical facility.
There are the same sites the travel agents use that are now accessible to travelers online. Flight Matrix is what agents use and we now have that available. I have to LOL when I explain this next part. I never ever ever book a hotel for Jamaica with anyone other than direct hotel. Examples of why. Orbitz for Fun Holiday was 125 last Aug for ATI I paid 75 for friends by contacting direct. BarB Barn was +100 when we got for 65 by calling. I compare on all of the sites than contact hotel just in case they try to shoot me high. Never once have I not saved atleast 25 + a night by direct booking on phone or email. My trip next week FH was $115-125 both on their own site and many of the booking sites I booked direct for $60 night 2nd floor oceanview.
My trip insurance is usually 27-40 for a 7-10 day trip. This trip for 10 days for two it was $57. Gives me agents if I need them for helpmedical evac, covers anything lost or stolen etc. I go right online to travelguard and purchase.