I know I speak for many when I say that there is nothing more annoying on a hot summer's day than having to sit for hours in a crowded, noisy travel shop with a lack of air conditioning, while waiting for someone - anyone - to help you book that last minute deal. By the time you are finally served, you immediately begin to feel the pressure to choose your destination so that the next hopeful holidaymaker can get some attention.

For one, I feel that the travel agents these days don’t actually listen to what the customer wants. It's as if they simply want to close the deal and get more money out of you - followed, of course, by the next potential holidaymaker in line; we become numbers in chairs rather than individuals with unique needs. I explain I want to go somewhere with culture, far from the tourist trap of strips featuring Big Ben pubs and McDonalds, and what does she suggest? Cavos! I then finally end up taking a deal to Zante which seems like the best option out of the only four offers available, and what does she do? She starts trying to up-sell by offering me insurance I can get cheaper elsewhere and wasting more of my precious weekend.

As a result, I decided to take a stand and book my summer holiday online this year. After all, some of my friends have been doing this for years and have never had any concerns. I approached my laptop and searched through some of the travel sites that were recently found by Hitwise to be in the top ten; I was able to find a fantastic deal with Excel Airways. Not only does this site have some impressive bargain flights and last minute holidays, it features a range of excellent travel guides with some really useful tips. Having the freedom to book my trip in the comfort of my own home and with a nice glass of wine in my hand was such a treat. There was no pressure to make a rushed decision, and I took time to read over the various reviews about the different locations on offer. In the end, I opted for a two week trip to Barbados at a very reasonable price.

Instead of having to go through various brochures, I also had the option to search for my chosen hotel online; I was even presented with a step by step tour of the pool area, the style of the rooms and the nearest beach.

Feeling like I was on a roll, I decided to skip the usual trip to my nearest bookstore; instead, I went onto Dorling Kindersley where I ordered one of their Caribbean travel guides on offer at the time.

I used to think the Internet was overrated; now I know differently and will be sure to recommend the method of online search to others who, like me, have been reluctant to give it a try. In fact I might even have another search tonight and see what Christmas offers are available. As the autumn weather is soon to kick in, we all need something to look forward to!

Andrew Regan
http://www.no1no1street.co.uk/