DIY holiday planning… This is why you should do it!

Do you do DIY holidays, or do you rely on a travel agent to know what you want?  It is so often the case that we think our travel agent knows better about where we could go than we do… but do they really?

I’m currently sitting on the banks of the Mekong River at a small Thai village called Chiang Khong. I’m wondering what the accommodation is like. We need a good bed and a hearty breakfast before heading off in a Laotian long boat on an overnight trip to Luang Prabang in Central Laos.

Well! That’s exactly where I am on my draft itinerary.  And after spending all day in front of the computer seeking out travel options, my head is all but done in. And I ask myself why and how I became my own travel agent.

I’m quickly reminded of my experiences with travel agents. It started with a trip to the Cook Islands. I left it to an agent to select a beachfront resort and that he did. And we shared the unit with cock roaches, silverfish and a very smelly bed. Mind you, it had its good points, but I expected better.

Then, there was Sabah, Borneo.  We needed a base in Kota Kinabalu where we could extend out from with a hire car and some overnight trips. “What!”  Says a rather shocked Travel Agent. “Why on earth would you want to do that?”

“So we can see the country at our own leisure.” I replied.

“It’s extremely hot in Borneo.” Says the Agent.  “And a lot of people outside the resorts don’t speak English.”

“It’s all part of the adventure!” I replied.  I go on.  “What are your options?”

“Well!  I suggest you do like most people do when they visit Borneo. They book into a resort and sit around the pool and drink beer.”

With similar reactions from other agencies, we decided to go it alone. And in doing so, I found the website www.tripadvisor.com.au.  With the motto: ‘Plan Your Perfect Trip’. The site is jam-packed full of individual travellers reviews on everything to accommodation to dining out.

And so far, I have not been disappointed. We have travelled to many places around the world and some in quite remote regions. In every case, our selection in accommodation, tours and eateries has been top notch.

And have we ever stuffed up?  The answer is a definite No.  But there was one occasion, on out second trip back to Borneo. We were in quite a remote area. We had travelled all day to get there only to find a mix up in our bookings. The staff couldn’t be more apologetic.  Nor could they be more helpful. Upgraded accommodation was quickly found. And for the duration of our stay all meals and tours were complimentary.

Over the years our confidence in planning and booking our own trips has grown. With a DIY attitude and time and effort, anyone can have a five star holiday on a three star budget with lots of adventure thrown in.

I know our trip to Laos with be no different to all our other self-designed and booked holidays and become another adventure of a lifetime etched forever in our memories.

Have you ever planned your own holiday? How did you find the experience? What tips and tricks can you share with us?