On-line Travel, Is It On It's Way Out?

The New York Times has a great article on the frustrations of using online travel agencies. A new report, to be released Tuesday by Forrester Research found that far from embracing the do-it-yourself era, many consumers were fed up with the complicated process of planning and booking travel. "What we've seen is growing frustration," said Henry H. Harteveldt, a Forrester travel analyst. "Consumers see other Web sites becoming easier to use retail Web sites, banking Web sites, media Web sites. But travel is treading water as a category. There are very few travel companies that are really looking to improve the planning and booking process." Read the story at http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/08/04/business/04frustrate.html?scp=2&sq=airlines&st=nyt

I'm still mistified that some folks want to book their own travel. It's time consuming and as research shows, can be very frustrating. Possibly they think they are saving money?? Chances are they are spending MORE then they would have, if they'd just called a travel professional. We have access to more low pricing, more special offers and more destination information, and can compare options from hundreds of hotel properties, resorts, airfares, etc. all in a matter of minutes.

Martinique

I've fallen in love with the Caribbean - again! After so many dissapointments with many of the islands (great beaches and nice resorts - but you can't leave the resort!) I found Martinique to be clean, prosperous and ready for tourism. We were there a few weeks ago, and I cannot wait to go back. If you want more on Martinique, let me know!