John S.

I have done enough traveling to know that you do not, use any of these online sites, whether it be Cheapo Air, Trivago, or which other site it may be. Many of these sites are owned by other sites. What happens is that hotels give a commission or whatever. However, the hotel does not recognize you as on of their guests, and as a result, many times you are not entitled to the same amenities of their other guests. And airlines are the same way, and you will be one of the first to be bumped.

I am a photographer and travel a bit. It is always best to go to a recognized travel agency, one that is big. As hotels and airlines do not want to fool with these agencies, as it can mean their reputation. Spend a bit more money and have a piece of mind. Another piece of advice: Do same homework yourself. Look up flights and hotels and go to the travel agency armed with this info.