Bypassing holiday packages and travel agents

An increasing number of holidaymakers are opting for self-made travel plans, using the internet and budget airlines to create a low-cost holiday on their own.

With big bargains offered by budget carriers and greater access to the internet, consumers are more capable now than ever before to search for the best deals without the help of a tour operator.

Kevin Potter, who is in charge of the Costa del Sol DIY holiday website, said booking your own flights and apartments can save a bundle of money over making arrangements through a travel agent.

"Ryanair and Aer Lingus have very reasonable flights at the moment and even in the summertime they are very reasonable," Potter said.

"You are cutting out the agents' commission fees and the agents' insurance as well," he added. "Agents have their own travel insurance, which is very expensive. You can get cheap travel insurance at probably only 25% of the cost."

But Clem Walshe, head of marketing for Budget Travel, expressed the downside of self-constructed holidays.

"The reasons for that are if you go it alone, you've got to ask yourself, what happens if your low-cost flight is cancelled or delayed?" Walshe said. "What happens if your accommodation is cancelled or overbooked? What happens if you have an accident or emergency at home or overseas?"

Mary Power, managing director of a DIY holiday firm called Self Catering Ireland, said consumers are more savvy nowadays, and are able to create cost-effective holidays with no problems.

"I think at the end of the day, people are very travel wise now," Power said.

 


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Zoe Westof Editorial


15/01/2008



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