With countless booking websites at your fingertips, planning a trip has never been easier. But is booking online really the cheapest option, or do South African travel agencies still offer better deals?
The truth is, it depends on the type of trip, your budget and what you value most: convenience; expert advice; or strictly the lowest price possible. That said, there are definite benefits to online booking, but with this comes proven downsides, as well as a higher risk of travel scams.
Price Comparisons: Aggregator websites like Skyscanner, Booking.com and Expedia let you compare multiple airlines, hotels and car rental options at once.
Access to Deals & Discounts: Many platforms offer flash sales, promo codes and loyalty discounts for frequent users.
Flexibility: You can mix and match airlines for cheaper multi-city flights and book last-minute deals.
Dynamic Pricing: Prices fluctuate based on demand, cookies and your search history. So, you may see one price today and a much higher one tomorrow.
Extra Fees/Hidden Costs: Some airlines charge extra for luggage, seat selection and cancellations, and these extra add-ons are not always clear when you make that “super cheap” flight booking.
No Personal Assistance: If something goes wrong (flight cancellations, visa issues, or hotel disputes), you’re on your own; and it’s unlikely you’ll get any useful help from an online chatbot or immediate assistance from a call centre agent, especially if it’s after hours.
While many people assume that booking through a travel agent is more expensive, that’s not always the case. In fact, travel agencies have access to bulk discounts and exclusive deals that aren’t available online, these include:
Negotiated Rates & Package Deals: Travel agencies get discounted rates from airlines, hotels and tour operators, so when all the costs are included a travel agency’s the final price is usually on par – if not cheaper – than booking online.
Bundled Savings: Booking a flight, hotel and car rental together can be cheaper than booking separately online.
Booking online can be useful for simple, short trips (like domestic flights or a weekend getaway), but a travel agent is usually the better choice for complex and/or high-value trips.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For budget-conscious South African travellers, a smart approach is to:
Do Your Research: Find out what the online price is compared to what the travel agent’s price is.
Compare Prices Fairly: Be sure to get the full and final online price (check the Ts and Cs!) for flights, hotels, car hire, tours, activities, etc. and compare this with the travel agent’s all-inclusive quote.
Ask for Package Deals: Add up the individual costs of booking flights, airport/hotel transfers, meals, activities, tours, entertainment, etc. direct online. Then ask a travel agent to provide a semi- or all-inclusive travel package that includes all of your requirements. Chances are that the trusted travel agent – due to their preferred partnerships with travel suppliers – will be able to offer you a package deal that is far more cost effective and/or adds more value to the deal.
Look at the overall value, not just the price: Consider the value you get from booking via a travel agent (expert advice, direct support, guaranteed rates, etc.) versus the straightforward purchase (often with risks) you get when booking online.
Weigh up which option is safer: Travel scams are on the rise, and scamsters are targeting customers booking online like never before (educate yourself on how to avoid travel scams here). In contrast, accredited travel agents offer peace of mind via their affiliation with industry regulating associations, such as the Association of South African Travel Agents (ASATA).
Ultimately, it's up to you to consider your requirements, do your research and weigh up the pros and cons to decide whether to go it alone or book your travel with a trusted professional.
The Sure Travel group has been in operation since the 1970s and has member agencies across southern Africa. Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency to find out how they can help you save time, money and keep you safe from the time of booking to your return.
