It really depends on where you are planning to go. If you are only wanting to do something like a hotel, I would just go to the hotels site directly or call them. If you are wanting air, go with the airline direclty. It is easier, safer and usually less expensive than some of the online sites.
If you read online you can see lots of people that have had nightmares using these sites. Rooms were cancelled without their knowing it, people tried to cancel vacations but weren't able to because they booked with these sites, etc. It can be difficult to change or cancel when using these sites, most companies won't work with reservations if they have booked with online discounters.
If you are wanting to travel out of country, take a cruise, go to Disney, etc. These are all places that require some knowledge about the booking and trip before you go. Especially if this is your first trip for this type travel, I would stay away from sites like Expedia, Orbitz, etc. They don't provide you with any information and you will need to find out all these details yourself. I would find an agent that specializes in your area of travel . They will be able to help you plan the trip, get good deals, find nice places to stay, answer questions, and inform you of anything you need to know, like documents and such. It is always safer to use a travel agent that knows what they are doing. You may spend a little more for the trip, not always likely alot of times it will be less expensive, but it could save you a lot of money in the long run.
I have found from all my travels that 9 out of 10 times my agent is the exact same price and in some cases lower than these online sites. Most of the time they are higher. I know for a fact that the sites are higher for my Disney Vacations. And for cruises the sites usually don't offer any saves.
But as far as the online sites like Expedia, Orbitz, etc. They are all pretty much the same as far as price and such. Just look around to see where you can find the best deal.
Hope this helps!
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