vacation planners?

[jakeeib]

Has anyone used any of the online scuba travel agents?
If so, did it work out ok? any problems?

[RonFrank]

Originally Posted by jakeeib

Has anyone used any of the online scuba travel agents?
If so, did it work out ok? any problems?

You may want to ask for exact references. I have booked a lot of airfare and hotels via Expedia, and others without issue. I am picky about my DiveOps, so I book those outside of the airfare/hotel~resort/car rental agent.

I have friends that have booked through FunJet without issues. Not sure if that included the dives or not however.

[diversteve]

I've used Dani at Aquadreams in the past. She's a diver so knows what to look for. Also she has first hand knowledge of most of the locations she books. She did a great job on a trip to Cayman for us several years back.

Now I just do it myself. I find it's cheaper to book flights via the airlines websites and most resorts either have their own booking website or direct you to their agent.

[Athena2c]

We've used both Caradonna and Bay Adventures (you can just search them on yahoo or google) with no problems, although IMO Bay Adventures had better customer service.

[bversteegh]

I have used both Funjet and MLT from Dallas to Coz (for airfare and hotel only). Islandreams in Houston is a pretty good op for specials all over the world (used them once and was satisfied). But usually, just make my own arrangements online directly.

[jakeeib]

So no real deals through most of them? Just the ease of one stop shop?

[Scubakraut]

Originally Posted by jakeeib

So no real deals through most of them? Just the ease of one stop shop?

You'll be better off research your own based on your budget and location. Join a few forums, ask questions. You'll save a ton if you do your own research and you'll be happier at the end probably and more educated about your destination. Good luck! Besides its part of the fun and excitement to book and research your trip.

[kyfriedchipper]

Larry has posted a response to this - he even says that its more economical to book it yourself

[WV Diver]

Originally Posted by Scubakraut

You'll be better off research your own based on your budget and location. Join a few forums, ask questions. You'll save a ton if you do your own research and you'll be happier at the end probably and more educated about your destination. Good luck! Besides its part of the fun and excitement to book and research your trip.

I agree with this Sk, I always do ALL of my own leg work and I do a lot of it. I ask a lot of questions and speak to the owners several times before I decide. I actually enjoy it (but it is work). And I usually book way in advance.

I think in the end I have a better time, enjoy and remember the vacations a lot better because of it.

I was only fooled once and that ended up working out. I am a good judge of people, even over the phone, and usually do very well in the vacation planning department. No one knows more about what we want then me and we make and change the schedule.