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I have a couple of timeshares I use for shore accomodations. I book my own flights. And I research diving excursions online before I go. I also like cruises and dive during those trips. Otherwise I just see what the LDS is offering.
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In some cases, travel agents can set up packages slightly cheaper than one might find on the net. But, doing the research yourself can often help you locate feedback about a particular place that isn`t travel agency biased.
For instance: I took my girlfriend on a Blackbeard`s cruise in the Bahamas in January and did the research myself. We stayed in a little out-of-the-way place on Blackbeard`s website. We heard several horror stories about folks who stayed in up-scale hotels for up-scale prices. Even though we didn`t stay up-scale, the service was beyond fist rate. It influenced both of our attitudes toward the trip immensely.
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I do it on my own. Some consider all the research to be a "hassle" but I consider it part of the fun. Let`s me daydream more. Plus when I arrive I feel much better informed and aware than if I had simply turned it over to someone else.
I tried to use a travel agent once on a more complex itinerary but it appeared they were only interested in booking the pre-packaged stuff that involves little actual "work".
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I think the big mistake made by most travel agents is that they assume that everybody have a lot of money! They are therefore inclined to advertise and promote the most expensive accommodation and dive packages available only.
You will therefore find that most serious divers, who want to do as much diving with their hard earned cash as possible, arrange their own dive trips.
So, if you want to be a successful dive travel agent, you must also give your clients the choice of budget accommodation at reputable dive operators offering discount dive packages.
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Usually go through my dive shop. It does take all the "hassle" out of the planning. They plan several trips a year and I can pick and choose among them. Another advantage is that I will usually know a few people in the group they put together, and I get to meet a few new local divers. Also, if the place sucks, it is always nicer to have people you know to help you laugh at the situation. I think they use PADI Travel or go through the resort directly. Depends where we are going. All in, it really isn`t cheaper for me to do the planning, I`ve tried.
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My buddies and I plan the upcoming season ourselves. We try for 1 big dive trip a month, with smaller local trips here and there. I`ve found that while travel agents may know how to book flights, cruises, etc., they have little understanding of diving. Also, by planning the dives ourselves we can rent the boat we want, dive the sites we want and do the profles we want. On organized dive trips there seems to be some resprt DM telling everyone what they can and cannot do.
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