Travel Agent or Book Your Own Flights

[spike.t]

I honestly couldn't be arsed doing it myself....after many years of flying all over I pick.up the phone speak to my travel agent...who when moves to another company so do I....and say this is where I want to go and when....I then get email with options...and if I need to question can do on phone or her WhatsApp....just now had to change flights and hotel 3 times in 4 days...it was sorted....

 

[Ridge Runner]

It all depends on how and why you are traveling.

If you are simply traveling from point A to point B, spending your holiday/vacation/ weekend get away, in 1 place, and you know where and how you will be lodging. A DIY can be done rather easily.

If you are planning on a more robust trip; multiple flights, multiple lodgings, layovers, etc. then I strongly recommend using a travel agency to assist with your travel plans.

If your planning an overseas trip, (especially with weapon(s)), traveling through different countries. I would definitely want a travel agency to assist in travel plans. I would also want agencies like (example: Henry Rifle Premits (RSA) to assist with preapproval of weapons permits (SAPS 520) and (example: Global Rescue) for travel, medical, trip, evacuation, etc. insurance.

Regardless of how or why everyone plans their trip, whether it's a last minute romantic get away weekend or a well planned family trip around the world:

Always!, Always!, Always!, Spend the extra money needed for trip insurance and Make Sure Your Existing health insurance or if needed purchase temporary extended healthcare insurance, and Especially when traveling into Remote Areas the Evacuation Insurance. And Only Purchases These Services From Reputable Companies.

I have several friends who have lost lots (1000.00 of dollar's) of money, for various reasons, their trips were canceled, delayed, changed or interrupted and they didn't have the entire cost of their trip fully covered.

Airline Tickets are by far the greatest cost loss on trips!

Airlines Companies sell tickets that are No Longer Refundable, Transferable, or Exchangeable. A person misses their flight, a flight transfer, or any other reason doesnt make their flight, (Not Caused by the airline), Tough Sh't!!. Airline keeps your previously purchase ticket money and is more than willing to sell you another ticket on another flight to your (same) destination.

Hotel/Lodging establishments generally retain minimum 20%+ (of course charging 100% to the next customer for Your Room) should you cancel (or No Show) your hotel/lodging accommodations within a specific time period. [OUTFITTERS ARE A DIFFERENT SUBJECT!!! REPUTABLE OUTFITTERS WORK WITH THEIR PERSPECTIVE CLIENTS!!!!]

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Frank375]

Anybody use Travel with Guns?

 

[375Fox]

Anybody use Travel with Guns?

I was using them to handle my travel to Cameroon this year (it ended up falling through over the visa application/covid). I was really impressed with their attention to detail and responsiveness and ability to get answers. I’m surprised at all the recommendations for Gracy, I used them 3 times based on their reputation and was less than impressed each time over a couple different things. Travel express or travel with guns will get my business in the future depending on where I’m traveling to.

 

[Andrew62]

On my last 10 trips to Africa I have purchased my own tickets and I have had zero issues. Having said that, this past April I was to go to Africa again, and I booked with a travel agent. I quickly saw where she knew all the ins and outs of traveling with a firearm, changes in laws regarding guns, etc. After booking that particular trip I immediately felt a lot less stress. Unfortunately, because of the china virus, my trip was canceled. I will be booking a flight to South Africa very soon for a hopeful hunt this coming September and I will definitely use a travel agent!!

 

[Art Lambart II]

Without a question, @TRAVEL EXPRESS is the way to go.

 

[SETH RINGER]

UNDERSTAND THE PROS OF USING A TRAVEL AGENT BUT I HAVE ALWAYS BOOKED MYSELF. LIKE HAVING CONTROL OF MY TICKET AND OVERALL THE RESEARCH AND BOOKINGS ARE PART OF MY OVERALL EXPERIENCE THAT I ENJOY.

 

[MMAL]

I traveled to Namibia this past October. Three reasons why I would definitely use @TRAVEL EXPRESS again. I bear in mind I am a platinum travel member on United. I book 20 trips a year myself.

1) I flight got cancelled three times and they also found me another way.
2) they forwarded forms to me I did not know I needed.

Granted both of these are due to covid but you never know. Bear in mind I have been to Africa 4 times. Not a lot but no 1st timer.

3). The majority of the time they are cheaper than I could get online. No clue how but they are.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

Maybe another way of asking the question is, have you changed travel agencies and why? I know that I have, why? Lack of a timely or no response from a particular agent working for one of the many travel agencies.

Another problem arises when you have a small "kitchen table travel agency" and there are several of those that really should not be in the business.

We as a safari company always feel more comfortable when the client is using a first rate travel agency. They seem to show up on the correct flight and almost always their luggage including firearms arrive.

Unless the "agency" has a emergency after hours contact number I will not use or recommend that agency to clients.

 

[jacques smith]

@TRAVEL EXPRESS over and over and over. I can’t count the times flights were canceled or late. Lori is my fix it wizard and wouldn’t think of not using her. During early lockdown she managed to get my not so happy ass out of Zim and back to USA with nothing but a phone call. Amazing

 

[spike.t]

@TRAVEL EXPRESS over and over and over. I can’t count the times flights were canceled or late. Lori is my fix it wizard and wouldn’t think of not using her. During early lockdown she managed to get my not so happy ass out of Zim and back to USA with nothing but a phone call. Amazing

What you wanted to leave.....

 

[Still alive]

I’m flying to Africa for the first time with my 13 year old son June 2021. I used @TRAVEL EXPRESS to book my trip. Los Angeles to Port Elizabeth. Then to Cape Town. Then back to LA. All I can say is WOW. What a great outfit and people to work with. I’m not traveling with guns on this trip, but all my traveling for hunting will be will @TRAVEL EXPRESS.

 

[jacques smith]

Hi Mike
Would have been there from March to? Planned on 1 month not 6 or more

 

[spike.t]

Hi Mike
Would have been there from March to? Planned on 1 month not 6 or more

Sounds ok....

 

[Shootist43]

I've only been to Africa twice, traveling with guns both times. We used Lori at @TRAVEL EXPRESS for the second trip. We used Rifle Permits for both African trips, including their VIP Service. For our planned then later canceled trip to Argentina last Spring we used @TRAVEL EXPRESS. We all know what happened next i.e. a hard time from the airlines. But in the end Lori was able to get a full refund for us. If I ever travel internationally again, Lori will be making the reservations.

 

[Philip Glass]

I see that some people research and book your own flights and others use a travel agent. Is using a travel agent cheaper or just more convenient? has anyone tried both and compared the two?

Spend a little time reading the travel horror stories here on AH and you will understand why the $200 that most travel agents charge is nothing. There are scores of stories (maybe a hundred) and they have caused many guys to choose to go on safaris without their own guns because “it’s too much trouble”! One had his custom gun confiscated in an Arab country he should never have been in.
I recommend those traveling with guns to use a travel agent. That said there are MANY experienced hunters here on AH that do their own air tickets. They have been many times and know the ropes. This is ok for them and bad for the newbies.
What you get with a travel agent may not be apparent. For one, if on multiple airlines, they can book it all one one ticket which helps you if there are delays or cancellations you don’t lose the other tickets. Another thing is that they put your rifle on your electronic ticket so there are no surprises anywhere along the way.
How much does your safari cost? How much does it cost to be away from home and work? What is $200 in comparison?
Philip

 

[Chukar]

For domestic I would probably book myself.

Foreign, I have only gone commercial once. I used @TRAVEL EXPRESS and wouldn't hesitate to use them again. Price was as good as I would have gotten had I used the interweb.

I would also use them in any future non-hunting international travel.

 

[Newboomer]

Always use an agent, Lori at @TRAVEL EXPRESS specifically, for any foriegn travel. Book as early as you can and she will get you the best deal and keep you informed of any changes. She has changed flights for me because she found a better price, route, schedule, etc. Just tell her where you're going and when you have to be there. Then sit back and relax, everything is handled..

 

[Jeff75]

I book all my own travel domestically and for international non-hunting trips. But using a travel agent (@TRAVEL EXPRESS) for a planned hunting trip to RSA turned out great. In addition to being on top of all the info for traveling with rifles with a connection in Europe, they secured a timely cash refund for the tickets when flights were canceled because of Covid - from one the the carriers who have been notoriously slow/reluctant to process those refunds. Highly recommended.