Travel Agency Tips

Often travel through a travel agency can eliminate some headaches. Not only do they offer fares that are NOT more expensive when traveling from smaller cities, but also it gives someone to be accountable in the event something goes wrong with the flight. For example, in June, Aero Continente, one of the major airlines flying to Cusco , was suspected of involvement with drug trafficking; the US government made it a crime to fly on them. If you had bought tickets via a travel website, you'd have been responsible for paying for a new ticket and se curing a refund on your own. If you go with a travel agent, they assume such accountability instead.

Below find some "sample" prices for fall for San Jose, Lima, and Bangkok.  These are priced from Houston, Raleigh,  DC, and NYC, however, THIS IS NOT LIKE A REGULAR TICKET THAT MANY TIMES IT'S CHEAPER TO LEAVE FROM A BIGGER AIRPORT--IT GOES BY "ZONES"--NOT AIRPORTS.

These prices include all taxes and fees--prices are the same for all dates given on the website.

To Lima:
Houston --$744
Raleigh -$677
DC-$635.50

NYC:
Newark -$723
JFK-$703

San Jose:
Newark -$515
Raleigh -$540.50
DC-$547.50 with UA direct or  $512 with CO

Bangkok:
$919 from Houston
$997 from Raleigh

Again, these are just a sampling of fares.  Remember, when booked through a travel agency you have someone to help you and been your lifesaver if there's a problem with airlines, etc such as what happened with Aero Continente.  If booked through Travelocity or Expedia etc there is no recourse--you're out.

Jane Becker is the travel agent we use with our volunteer coordinators. If interested, feel free to contact her directly at 800-801-4195 beckerj@netins.net.