Adopting a nine month old from guatemala and wanted to know if anbody used expedia.com for adoption travel?

Question

What is the best way, travel agent or expedia.com?

Answer 1

We used Federal Travel out of Florida (we don't live in FL & didn't fly through FL, btw, that's just where they're located).

We were referred to them by other adoptive families who had used them.  Our experience was very positive!  Go to:

http://federaltravel.vacation.com/custom...

to get a quote.

I know others who went directly through the airline and got a good deal.  

The important thing is that the return dates be flexible and that you're able to get the round trip tickets (yours) in seats next to the one way tickets (the child's ticket).  Sometimes the aggregate websites (travelocity, expedia, etc) either don't allow for changes or "different' needs like keeping the seats together when some are round trip & some are one way...the airline or a travel agency will be able to accommodate those needs.

We put together a spreadsheet & investigated the price going through the airline & going through Federal (got quotes each way) with a best case scenario (no change in dates) and a worst case scenario (with a change in dates) and figured out the best way to go from there.  It worked for us & saved us several hundred dollars.

Answer 2

We used travelocity for the pick up trip for our first son.  They made a huge mistake on our reservations.  When I recieved the e-mail confirmation of our reservation and was able to show them my copy of the reservation I made - it was obvious they made a mistake - they agreed, yet would not help us with the mistake.  We ended up spending over 1500 in EXTRA  fees to get the tickets I originally purchased.  In my opinion - I did not need that extra stress at the time and it was a nightmare.

For our second and third adoption - I found the tickets I wanted via travelocity or orbitz, etc...  - then I called the airlines direct and was able to get the same price I found on the travel websites and never had any other issues.

That being said - I also recommend Federal Travel - they have a great reputation.

Here is another site with great resources for adoption travel.

http://www.adoptiontravel.com/internatio...

Congrats on your adoption from Guatemala.  I have three children from Guatemala.  :)

Answer 3

Depends on where you are staying.   We stayed at the Westin and we found the best price was had by calling them directly.  Also - if you leave near a sprint airline hub - they have insanely cheap (like $9 each way) trips to Guatemala City - just sign up to receive their mailings.

Congrats and wishing you a quick pink :)

Julie

Mom to a 2 year old Guatemalan sweetheart!

Answer 4

use expedia or hotwire --- they will be cheaper --- also take a look at priceline.com .....

Good luck and Congrats!!!!

Answer 5

I would talk to your adoption agency about travel plans and take their advice into consideration.