It is strange how some people do not like to travel too far from home on their vacation while others like to travel as far as possible. Fortunately, there isn't a corner of the earth that doesn't have a travel site dedicated to it so it is easy obtaining information on the internet. It is now true that increasing numbers of people carry out all their travel arrangements using internet web sites. Gone are the days when travel agents were popular and sought after as websites have popped up everywhere and promise all of their customer's extraordinary savings.

It may seem strange but I do not fully trust using the internet to arrange my vacation. However, I am still of the old school and prefer to sit down with a cup of coffee and plan my vacation with a professional, face to face. I find it difficult explaining what I am looking for to a machine whereas it is easier to ask for details from a travel agent. The problem I find with travel sites is there is no-one to speak to and I find this very impersonal; if you are fortunate enough to find someone to speak with they may be in another country for all you know.

How do you know what they are telling you is the truth because it won't be until you actually go away that you will find out. There are too many factors that can go wrong and that's why I love having a travel agent because although I may spend a bit more than if purchasing from a website, the peace of mind is priceless. I have a good friend who would never use a travel agent as she books all her last minute vacations using travel sites because she can save a packet of money. There are always huge savings to be had by waiting until the last possible moment to book but you have to be flexible with your travel arrangements to do this.

It would be nice to do this but my career does not allow for impulsive travel arrangements. Using a travel site does have other advantages as well because while you can save money on the vacation itself, there are also savings to be made on additional excursions and trips as well if pre-booked. Knowing a little about what you want and information about the location you want to travel too can be useful so I still research as much of this as I can online before I pay my travel agent a visit. I take that information and then see a travel agent because at least I know that if my vacation turns out to be a nightmare, I have someone to come back and yell at.