In the age of the internet, a lot of travelers have bypassed the traditional travel agent to book their adventure through an online booking engine. It seems like common sense-it is quick, seemingly cheaper, and can be done while sitting in your pajamas after watching Saturday Night Live.

Nowadays, you can pretty much have the best of both worlds, as many travel agents, such as myself, are highly accessible via e-mail for those pressed for time. In fact, e-mail is my preferred method of communication as it gets things down in writing, allows people to reference conversations during their research at all hours of the day, and I can answer clients while I am making my way around the world!  Since you are reading this, you have also figured out that many agents now have websites that allow you to research ideas before making contact and even get to know the agent and their background to see if they are right for your needs.

I'll admit there are a few instances when using an online travel tool is the way to go- such as booking airline tickets without a hotel stay, booking domestic US destinations like Miami or San Diego, or for trips under $1500. However, the traditional travel agent can save a lot of headaches by knowing the ins and outs of international destinations. For example, if you want to go to Cancun, did you know that Travelocity doesn't include transfers in their price? Travel agents often roll all fees and transfers into their packages, so if the price is higher, there is probably a reason for it. Better to pay up front rather than be left stranded at the airport! Did you also know that in almost every instance, travel agents can meet, and even beat, online booking engine prices? What about the fact that most rental cars in French Polynesia have manual transmissions? If you can't drive stick shift, then you probably don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a car (not to mention you can drive an island in under 3 hours!)

Below is an article recently featured on CNN.com that may help you decide if using a travel agent is right for you. No matter what, do a little research beforehand, whether booking online or with an agent to at least narrow down the destinations. I personally feel awful when a client excitedly e-mails me about honeymooning in Tahiti, only to find out that the airfare sucks up their entire budget. It also eliminates the chance of booking a trip to Anguilla to enjoy the shopping, nightlife and bar scene, only to find out it's quiet to maintain its exclusiveness.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/01/15/booking.travel.online/index.html

Both US entertainers, known the world over for their talent, traveled to the Dominican Republic to participate in the resort’s 40th anniversary this past month of November.“It has everything. Beautiful beaches, landscapes, golf courses and it is easy to get to, “said Jay-Z to the British newspaper “The Sun.” His comments appeared in “The Sun’s” January 4 edition.

"It is truly the most impressive place on earth.” These are the words used by famed US rapper Jay-Z to describe the Dominican Republic. He, and his world-famous wife, singer Beyoncé, spent a few days in one of the Caribbean’s most emblematic resorts, “Casa de Campo.”

Visiting Barbados is a great weekend getaway for a couple or a girlfriend trip. I stayed in the St. Lawrence Gap area. There are many budget friendly hotels (Rostrevor, Blue Horizon, Time out at the Gap, & Divi South Winds) that are located on the beach or literally across the street from the beach. If you enjoy the sand, salt water and sunshine then you should consider visiting Barbados, the beach is so lovely with its tri color blues through out the day. On a Friday night you can head to Oistins where you can eat, drink, shop for trinkets and enjoy music, which is a short taxi ride away. When you are done at Oistins head back to your room, change and get ready dance the night away in St Lawrence Gap where you will find a lively atmosphere of night clubs to choose from.

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The Easy Escapes Travel Team