In Reply to: Do lots of research BEFORE you book posted by jono on Saturday, 2. April 2005 at 10:34 Bali Time:
We got a good TA last time we went, but she was honest enough to admit that she had only ever been to Bali once (probably courtesy of the wholesaler or airline she was associated with) and that the hotel she stayed at was "5 star"... I wonder if the agencies try to place customers in hotels from where they get the best commissions?
The sensible thing to do is stay clear of the TA's UNTIL you have done your homework here, then go and tell them what you want. It may be better to do it via the web, but agency packages always seem to be cheaper or better value.