Where can I turn for help planning a complicated trip?
June 17, 2019 9:34 AM Subscribe
I'm planning a family reunion and there are just so many variables that it's making my head spin. I need to find a place in the Caribbean that has reasonable airfares and reasonable rates for the specific types of lodging we need. But rather than going island by island, searching airfares and then lodging, I'd love to know if there's a service or a site that can do some of the heavy lifting for me. Is this what a travel agent can help with? If so, how do I choose a good travel agent?
I'm pretty sure Costco Travel can do this, if you're a member. You can't on the website (their search is, annoyingly, geography by geography) but you should be able to if you get on the phone with a customer service rep.
posted by emkelley at 11:35 AM on June 17, 2019
posted by emkelley at 11:35 AM on June 17, 2019
The Google Flight explore feature can tell you all the cheapest flights in the area. You can use that to pick a few of the cheapest, best flights and then look for hotels fitting your specifications.
https://www.google.com/flights/?f=0#search;mc=m
posted by Penguin48 at 4:39 PM on June 17, 2019
https://www.google.com/flights/?f=0#search;mc=m
posted by Penguin48 at 4:39 PM on June 17, 2019
AAA has travel agents who do this.
posted by Sukey Says at 3:14 AM on June 18, 2019
posted by Sukey Says at 3:14 AM on June 18, 2019
I would ask around to see if anyone has planned this sort of reunion using an agent. I bet you've seen Facebook posts about it! It does depend a lot on what type of group and what type of needs. Some people can handle everything themselves if you just give a destination, while other people need help getting to and from the airport, and someone to call if things go wrong. Are you going to be taxi distance from a major airport or heading off into the jungle? I would not underestimate the number of requests you will have to handle during this reunion if you don't have an agent to make the point person.
posted by wnissen at 9:07 AM on June 18, 2019
posted by wnissen at 9:07 AM on June 18, 2019
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They have access to more comprehensive databases and because they're (well good ones anyway) more familiar with the market, they know of options you might not.
PM me if you'd like the name of mine. Caveat, she's a family friend.
posted by TravellingCari at 10:46 AM on June 17, 2019 [2 favorites]