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Using a travel agency VS travelling independently: what’s the right choice?

travel agency vs independent travel

There are two main options people have when it comes to going on a holiday: using a travel agency or booking everything independently. The former is far more convenient, with someone else sorting all logistics out for you, while the latter tends to be cheaper and offer more room for spontaneity. But, which is the right choice?

The truth is, both of these options have their own time and place, depending on the type of holiday or experience you’re looking for. Here are some examples.

When is a travel agency a game-changer?

For certain types of trips, an agent’s expertise and knowledge in the industry is indispensable. Planning a complex, multi-destination journey, for example, can be overwhelming, especially if it’s a bigger group of people. Someone has to organise the hotel rooms and airport pick ups, making sure there’s enough availability. There’s also the budget side of things, where splitting the costs as a group can become confusing and frustrating. An agent can streamline all of this process – they have more experience with group holidays as well as a well-established network of accommodation options at better rates. 

travel agency vs independent travel

Similarly, niche travel is another scenario in which a travel agency is a game-changer. For instance, if you’re planning a walking holiday in Italy, a specialised agency like Orbis Ways curates self-guided tours all across the country. They will provide a detailed itinerary for each day and pre-book accommodation for each night (this can otherwise be a complex process independently). They will even sort out luggage transfers between stops, if you require such a service, and 24/7 emergency support over phone. This allows you to immerse yourself in the journey without the logistical headaches.

travel agency vs independent travel

When should you go independent?

The biggest advantage of independent travel is the absolute freedom and flexibility that it offers. You are in complete control of your itinerary and able to make spontaneous decisions at your own pace. Want to linger an extra day in a city you love? No problem. Prefer to stay in a charming B&B rather than a large all-inclusive hotel? Go for it! Nothing is pre-planned, so you can organise the perfect holiday for yourself. 

This kind of approach is particularly great when you are doing a weekend city break or visiting a destination that you’re familiar with or researched well. For example, a campervan trip to Iceland can be easily done independently, as you spend your week driving around different attractions. In this scenario, flexibility is a must, enabling you to make last-minute decisions depending on the weather and your personal preferences. The same can be applied for a city break in Prague – with hundreds of hotels and so much to do and see within the city, there really is no need for an agent. 

So, what’s the verdict?

Ultimately, the choice is not whether or not to use a travel agency for every holiday. It’s about understanding when the right time to use one is. If your trip is complex or niche, a specialist service will always be beneficial or even essential for a smooth experience. Otherwise, booking everything by yourself might be just fine or even better!

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