Community Forum

LisaIpp · 08-06-2009, 07:16 AM

Hi there! Getting ready to book my 5th trip to Aruba in February or March not sure yet. Have stayed at the high rises 3 times, last year tried Divi and I honestly don't think I would go anywhere else but Divi from now on. I have used travel agents each time to book, but I have never used the same agent twice. Last year we went thru Aruba 4u and was not very happy. Please tell me your thoughts on using an agent versus booking online directly with resort, versus using a travel site. Airfares are much higher than last year so I really want to get the best deal I can on the rooms. Thanks!

Bill · 08-06-2009, 07:51 AM

We have used the same agent for 15 years. She has gotten to know what we like at what price. I hope we never have to find a new agent.

Eagle Beach Boy · 08-06-2009, 08:11 AM

Usuusally if you you go through an agent the Airfare and hotel package, for up to 2 weeks, gives you a better rate.

*Arubalisa* · 08-06-2009, 08:39 AM

We've been using MCM for about 9 years and have never had a single issue. Sorry you were not happy.

If you have never found a travel agent that you were comfortable enough with to use more than once, then perhaps not looking for the best price, but booking directly through the resort would be the way to go.

serene56 · 08-06-2009, 08:50 AM

I have used MCM twice now- am very happy with my service.
But the rate they gave me is the same rate offered on the sites for the flights and the hotel.

There really isnt much of a difference to me.
(i just like to know I can all someone in case of a problem- booking direct you have to deal with those people. With an agent I have a middle man)

*Arubalisa* · 08-06-2009, 08:54 AM

Are any travel agents able to get discounted airfares any longer?

*Andrea J.* · 08-06-2009, 09:12 AM

i no longer use mcm aruba 4 u for aruba travel.
reason: i have a timeshare and computer/internet access.
before i felt comfortable booking air on
line i always had mcm do my air and sometimes a tamarijn pkg as well.
always been very happy with their services.

the reason it benefits : have a travel agent that knows you and knows your needs and wants. the agent develops a repoire with you and becomes your advocate.

we have a few travel agents as members here.
i look forward to hearing some discussion

andrea

Quote:

Originally Posted by LisaIpp

Hi there! Getting ready to book my 5th trip to Aruba in February or March not sure yet. Have stayed at the high rises 3 times, last year tried Divi and I honestly don't think I would go anywhere else but Divi from now on. I have used travel agents each time to book, but I have never used the same agent twice. Last year we went thru Aruba 4u and was not very happy. Please tell me your thoughts on using an agent versus booking online directly with resort, versus using a travel site. Airfares are much higher than last year so I really want to get the best deal I can on the rooms. Thanks!

Kenny Maine · 08-06-2009, 09:51 AM

I have done it both ways. I only had one issue with booking airfare on line a few years ago. I had purchase 5 tickets in November for an April trip and then purchase another 2 in February for my brother and sister in law. When we checked in they said my five seats were on standby because they were overbooked??? I asked why and the reason I got was first come first serve and sometimes they oversell. I was confused since I bought the five seats well before the extra two??? We checked in very early so not sure how they determined that the five seats were purchased later. We ended up getting on the plane thanks for some college girls travelling for vacation - they took the voucher and first class seats on the next flight out!!

Sgroi135 · 08-06-2009, 10:03 AM

When I traveled to the Radisson, I used a TA, the price he gave me was much better than the Radisson's website or any other agent I called. The TA is also able to work with airlines to get seats, that would normally not be available.

If you are going to travel with Jet Blue, it does not matter if you use a TA or not, I was told by my TA that it didn't matter cause he didn't make any money on the tickets. I told him ok, book them anyway

.

Next year's trip I am booking on my own. I am renting a timeshare, and going Jet Blue most likely!

LisaIpp · 08-06-2009, 09:25 PM

Thank you all for your quick responses! We always book the air ourselves online, JetBlue. I will most likely just try booking directly with the Divi.

08-06-2009, 07:16 AM	#1 (permalink)
LisaIpp Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 34	Need Advice Hi there! Getting ready to book my 5th trip to Aruba in February or March not sure yet. Have stayed at the high rises 3 times, last year tried Divi and I honestly don't think I would go anywhere else but Divi from now on. I have used travel agents each time to book, but I have never used the same agent twice. Last year we went thru Aruba 4u and was not very happy. Please tell me your thoughts on using an agent versus booking online directly with resort, versus using a travel site. Airfares are much higher than last year so I really want to get the best deal I can on the rooms. Thanks! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

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08-06-2009, 07:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
Bill Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Any beach, party, bar or Casino!!!!!! Posts: 1,030 Images: 3	We have used the same agent for 15 years. She has gotten to know what we like at what price. I hope we never have to find a new agent. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ BW

08-06-2009, 08:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
Eagle Beach Boy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Eagle Beach Posts: 480	Usuusally if you you go through an agent the Airfare and hotel package, for up to 2 weeks, gives you a better rate. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ "El Muchacho De Eagle Beach" *Eagle Beach Boy* *Ontario, Canada*

08-06-2009, 08:39 AM	#4 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Boca Catalina Posts: 10,685 Images: 174	We've been using MCM for about 9 years and have never had a single issue. Sorry you were not happy. If you have never found a travel agent that you were comfortable enough with to use more than once, then perhaps not looking for the best price, but booking directly through the resort would be the way to go. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Blogging to Aruba ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Pictures of Aruba

08-06-2009, 08:50 AM	#5 (permalink)
serene56 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 464	I have used MCM twice now- am very happy with my service. But the rate they gave me is the same rate offered on the sites for the flights and the hotel. There really isnt much of a difference to me. (i just like to know I can all someone in case of a problem- booking direct you have to deal with those people. With an agent I have a middle man) Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

08-06-2009, 08:54 AM	#6 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Boca Catalina Posts: 10,685 Images: 174	Are any travel agents able to get discounted airfares any longer? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Blogging to Aruba ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Pictures of Aruba

08-06-2009, 09:51 AM	#8 (permalink)
Kenny Maine Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Palm Beach,and back side of island Posts: 167	I have done it both ways. I only had one issue with booking airfare on line a few years ago. I had purchase 5 tickets in November for an April trip and then purchase another 2 in February for my brother and sister in law. When we checked in they said my five seats were on standby because they were overbooked??? I asked why and the reason I got was first come first serve and sometimes they oversell. I was confused since I bought the five seats well before the extra two??? We checked in very early so not sure how they determined that the five seats were purchased later. We ended up getting on the plane thanks for some college girls travelling for vacation - they took the voucher and first class seats on the next flight out!! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ [

08-06-2009, 10:03 AM	#9 (permalink)
Sgroi135 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: The Beach! Posts: 494 Images: 6	When I traveled to the Radisson, I used a TA, the price he gave me was much better than the Radisson's website or any other agent I called. The TA is also able to work with airlines to get seats, that would normally not be available. If you are going to travel with Jet Blue, it does not matter if you use a TA or not, I was told by my TA that it didn't matter cause he didn't make any money on the tickets. I told him ok, book them anyway . Next year's trip I am booking on my own. I am renting a timeshare, and going Jet Blue most likely! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Decided to take down my timer!

08-06-2009, 09:25 PM	#10 (permalink)
LisaIpp Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 34	Thank you all for your quick responses! We always book the air ourselves online, JetBlue. I will most likely just try booking directly with the Divi. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook