10 Reasons Travel Agents Are Better Than the Internet

While you might put travel agent right up there with VCR repair man and video store clerk on the list of jobs that have gone the way of the Yellow Pages, there's a reason you still see them wedged into strip malls between your dry cleaner and the new VaporZone. Turns out that -- even in a world where everybody coordinates their own vacation plans -- travel agents account for about one-third of the travel industry's revenue. Seriously, in 2014. Who knew.

Not only can they do things the Internet can't, but they also still collect a lot of their fees from vendors, which means... best part, they don't even charge you! Which is why we've compiled these 10 reasons you might want to go old-school and let a travel agent plan your next trip.

1. They know whether you're actually getting a good deal.
Since 90 percent of the airline tickets you buy are for a domestic flight to see your parents, your knowledge of the relative value of a flight to London is, how shall we say, limited. A travel agent, however, books, like, 74 of those a day and will know immediately if the $600 whatever website told you is a "smoldering price" is actually reasonable.

2. Travel agents know where to go in a city, or know someone who does.
If you don't happen to be headed to one of Thrillist's 30 cities, it helps to have a reputable resource available who knows the best restaurants, dive bars, or cockfighting arenas without having to sift through a thousand ridiculous reviews about how the waitress didn't bring the table enough bread. Since they book trips all the time, TA's know this stuff like the back of their hands. And if they don't, they're one call away from getting you an answer.

3. They've got your back when it comes to flight delays/cancellations.
Try calling a website when your flight gets cancelled and the line to rebook stretches through the terminal. Even if you get through to the airline directly, they still don't have a clue who you are. Call your travel agent, though, and they'll get you squared away on another flight while you get squared away at the airport bar.

4. They can actually get you seats together, on the same flight, for the same price.
Rather than spend a week on a group text trying to coordinate your big Splashin' Safari Water Park Summer vacay, only to book your flights separately online and find you're all sitting next to different people who clip their toenails (and paid different fares), a travel agent can get your entire group the same ticket price, with seats together, on the same flight.

5. They can get you VIP status without being a VIP.
Restaurant supposedly booked for months? Yeah, that's no issue for a travel agent. Need a table at the hottest club in Sioux Falls? They've got more promoters on speed dial than a South Beach swimsuit model. Thanks to the relationships they maintain across the tourism industry, they can also score you tix to special tours, private tastings, and other events the Internet doesn't even know about. Or, if it does, has hidden so deep it'll take you hours to find out about them.

6. And speaking of hours on the Internet, TAs do all the research for you.
Websites don't seem to understand that when you say "search nearby airports," it doesn't mean "I'm totally fine with being the guy who asks my roommate for a ride to an airport 75 miles away so I can save $45". Travel Agents know your airport preferences, and won't tease you with cheap flights that involve leaving and returning to airports that're in different states. Unless you want them to.

7. They get better prices, first
That $49 one-way flight your email update indicated was a "fresh new deal" was actually available to your travel agent last week, because they have better relationships with airlines and wholesalers. Which also means their prices are... ready for this... usually better than online. Especially for complicated or premium fares.

8. They do more than book flights.
That African safari looks like a great time, but you do realize it requires a lot more legwork than just pressing "Buy Now" on the roundtrip ticket to Kinshasa, right? In addition to visas, you'll likely require a series of semi-crippling inoculations before you go, too. Unsure where to go for either visas or shots? Well, lo and behold, guess who can set both of those up for you?

9. They have Southwest's prices too.
Fun as it is planning your flight, calculating baggage, seat selection, and water fees, then repeating the whole process on Southwest.com to seeing if it's cheaper, a travel agent can do the comparison shopping for you. And he or she can do it with any other airline that doesn't play the online search engine game.

10. No-hassle 24-hour changes 
"Non-refundable" on your online reservation -- be it a flight, hotel reservation, Duck Tour, whatever -- usually means you have 24 hours to make changes without penalty. Most people don't realize this. Yes, even a "non-refundable" airline ticket can be changed. The only catch, you have to actually call and deal directly with the airline. Or, instead of spending hours on hold listening to "all agents are currently busy", you can let your travel agent happily fix the ticket. Your call.

Read More:
Matt Meltzer with Thrillist & Huffington Post

You Don't Have to Spend a Penny to Enjoy Beautiful San Diego.

Travel And See The World: 10 Fun and Free Things to Do in San Diego: Source: google.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

You Don't Have to Spend a Penny to Enjoy Beautiful San Diego.

There is no place quite like San Diego, California. Blessed with wonderful year-round weather, visitors can enjoy many of the same favorite free attractions that are well-known to the Locals. While you should probably take your wallet with you because it contains your Driver's License and you may want to grab some lunch, for most of the day, you can keep your wallet in your pocket.
10 Great Ways to Spend the Day in SD that will not Cost you a Penny

1. A Day at the Beach

Whether you like to swim, surf or sail, head west until you see one of the many magnificent beaches. Bring your blanket and soak up some rays. Beaches are family friendly and also a great place to check out the local scenery.
2. Balboa Park

When in SD, be sure to make your way to the Nation's largest urban cultural park. Park admission to the 1,200 acre property is always free and it will cost you nothing to hike on some of the 65 miles of scenic trails. There are about 20 carefully tended gardens, some of which can be enjoyed for free. While tourists will have to pay a small admission fee to tour 1 of the 15 museums, daily tours of the park are free. On Sundays, everyone is treated to free organ music concerts.
3. Old Town

Stroll through the district and see the historical buildings that date back several hundred years. The oldest school house in San Diego is among the many interesting and historic sights.
4. Torrey Pines State Reserve

Nature lovers can catch a glimpse of the rare Torrey Pine as well as many other birds that call the area home. Situated in a protected preserve, this quiet and very scenic area is a great place for enjoying the fresh ocean air while doing a little bird watching.

5. San Diego Public Libraries

At last count, there were 38 public libraries in San Diego. All are always welcome to escape the heat and relax while reading a book or browsing the internet. Most libraries have regular free film screenings and other special events.
6. North Port Art Walk

On the second Saturday of each month, from 6:00pm-9:00pm, thousands of people walk up and down Ray Street taking in a vast array of all types of art. Go from gallery to gallery, enjoy some complimentary wine and cheese and maybe, pick up an original oil painting.
7. Museum of Contemporary Art

This downtown museum features minimalism, pop art, sculpture, photography and other genres of art from the 1950s to the present. Free admission is offered on the third Thursday of every month from 5:00pm-7:00pm.
8. Mission Bay Park

Get some exercise at this 4,600 acre park. You can fly a kite, practice your jump shot, play volleyball or maybe just sit back and watch the local skateboarders do their thing.
9. The Gaslamp Quarter

Turn back the clock and tour the boutiques, art galleries and small shops in this restored part of downtown San Diego. The Gaslamp Quarter features some classic Victorian buildings and intricate period architecture.

10. Mt. Soledad
This La Jolla mountain top affords spectacular panoramic views of the City of San Diego, the coastline and Mission Bay. You can see for miles in all directions.
These are just a few of the many things you can enjoy for free in San Diego. There are many more free attractions that might pique your interest. If you are thinking about a vacation, why not come to San Diego. Escape the frigid winter and stay in style at the Mission Valley Resort, the ultimate in destination hotels and resorts.

For more information about the great cities of San Diego please visit AskAboutSanDiego.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6806570

FOOD NETWORK GUIDED VACATIONS

Take a culinary vacation with Food Network Travel! Travel to Italy, France or Northern California with Food Network as your guide and experience our stars’ favorite restaurants, hands-on cooking classes, exclusive culinary experiences and explore the world’s most delicious food destinations.

For an exclusive look at our Food Network Vacations CLICK HERE

You can take Segway rides through paradise in Hawaii

You can take Segway rides through paradise It’s as easy as walking—and more fun.

You can now tour many places on Oahu on a Segway.

Segway of Hawaii offers tours of Waikiki, Kapiolani Park, Diamond Head, historic Honolulu, Kailua (pictured, right) and Lanikai.

Heard of Segways, but never ridden one? Every tour begins with a 20- to 30-minute orientation course. With no special skills, we found riding one immensely easy. The self-balancing personal transports zipped us along, and were friendly to both pedestrians and the environment, running along at 2 mph on about a dime’s worth of power an hour.

Each tour comes with a guide, usually born and raised in Hawaii. It may turn out to be the coolest thing you do on Oahu. Click here for more!

[Segway of Hawaii has two locations on Oahu: Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kalia Road, Waikiki (808) 941-3151; Kailua Beach Center, 130 Kailua Road, Kailua (808) 262-5511). Find them on the web at www.segwayofhawaii.com ]

All you need is.... Aperitivo

In Italian culture, a very important part of the social life includes gathering with friends for an aperitivo, a pre dinner drink and snack. Usually between the hours of six and eight, most bars set up lots of little appetizers for people who buy a cocktail. You can sit, socialize, relax, drink, and eat as much as you want! Aperitivo has become much more popular recently and now the bars offer a much nicer, broader selection of snacks. It used to be that people would go to aperitivo on their way home from work for a casual meet up with friends, but now many people actually get dressed up before they go!

Many bars set up the appetizers in a buffet style on the bar, and you can eat as much food as you would like! The only thing is that you have to buy at least one cocktail, usually around 8-10 Euros. The food usually includes meats, cheeses, pastas, mini sandwiches, crostini, mini pizzas, fruit, and sometimes-mini pastries.

            There are many great places to go for aperitivo in Florence.... more

New York is filled with amazing restaurants on every corner, in every hotel, in every city. However, there are many hidden gems that most people never try.  This post is for the true foodie who doesn’t care about the fancy restaurant, but just cares about plain good food.

One of the best places in all of Manhattan to grab a great burger is The Burger Joint located inside Le Parker Meriden Hotel. This laid back restaurant serves only burgers, drinks, and incredible brownies. A burger is around 5 dollars, and a brownie only $1.50. Talk about a good deal, especially for such a pricey hotel! Also, located inside of the Trump Soho Hotel is new Italian restaurant Quattro. If you want some great wine and fabulous Italian food, this is the place to go.... more 

Kick Start the New Year: The Perfect Post-Holiday Getaway

If you’re like the average working parent, student, significant other, or all of the above, the holidays are a stressful time. From finding the perfect Christmas present, to planning a special New Years Eve, to starting off the New Year on the right foot, it seems as though the holiday season always proves to be a hectic couple of weeks. So rather than using your vacation days off from work to hide from the holidays, salvage those much needed days off during the holiday season and kick start the New Year letting askabouttravel.com plan the perfect post-holiday getaway.

For those of you looking to travel to exotic, world-renowned destinations, Jamaica’s exclusive Rock Resorts, Half Moon Rose Hall location offers the perfect destination to shake that post-holiday stress. This paradise, located on the northern coast of Jamaica’s island, is settled between enchanting botanical gardens and the enticing Caribbean Sea.

This charming and elegant location offers 197 guest rooms and suites, multiple private villas, and a multitude of accompanying amenities. Start your day off in the great outdoors teeing off on the challenging signature golf course. If you’re looking for a more unique experience, venture over to the Dolphin Lagoon for an exotic wildlife encounter or experience the equestrian center for a horseback tour of the island. Finally, you can settle in at the Fern Tree Spa for an evening of pampering, and finish up by dining at one of the many world-class restaurants.

With its spectacular seaside location, rich Caribbean heritage, warm and attentive staff and exceptional array of amenities, it’s no wonder that this iconic Jamaican destination has set the standard for luxury Caribbean resorts for more than 50 years.

If you are looking for a quicker, easier getaway, venture to the Rancho Las Palmas resort in Palm Spring, California. Known for its renowned golf courses and customizable spa experiences, this resort is the perfect holiday de-stressor. Enjoy an evening under the stars at Spa Las Palmas by cozying up by the outside fire and relax while listening to live music in the secluded desert.

The Rancho Las Palmas resort also offers something no other Palm Spring Resort offers – Splashtopia – thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and exciting activity pools. More than a thrilling water park, the resort also offers tranquility pools to melt away the day in an adults-only oasis.

Rancho Las Palmas offers a luxury travel destination that is in close enough proximity to make a quick post-holiday getaway, yet far enough away to make you forget those holiday blunders.

So no matter where you decide to go to kick off a stress-less New Year and forget the pressures of the holiday season (until next year), let askabouttravel.com plan your post-holiday getaway.