There are more than five reasons an online travel agency can save you money but the top five is a great start. Global statistics are pointing to the trend that online shopping for travel deals is way ahead of online shopping for books, electronics and clothing. For example, in Canada, about 45% of Canadians in 2007 looked for an online travel agency to book their travel, that’s a 9% increase from 2005 reports.

Here are the top five reasons why an online travel agency can save you money:

1. No overhead – many online travel agencies don’t have a physical location where they have to purchase furniture, supplies, and hire staff. In fact, many online travel agents operate from the comfort of their homes. All they need is a high speed Internet connection and access to global reservations systems. So the money they save on rent, utilities, personnel and other logistics constitute savings they can pass on to their customers. By booking online, you also save on trips to and from a travel agency in your area. You not only save money, you save precious time and gas.

2. Comparison shopping – by searching for travel deals online, you have the luxury of comparing prices provided by various online travel agencies. The idea is to read the fine print. You can compare them on the basis of:

· Actual fares and discounts

· Package deals

· Coupons and freebies

· Travel insurance

· Group discounts

· Last minute bookings

· Variety of travel deals (do they specialize in a particular country or to a particular age group?)

· Senior citizens’ deals

· Hotels and meals and transportation

· Tour guides

· Penalties for cancellations

That’s the beauty of online shopping. You’re not scampering from one travel office to another just to get an idea on prices. You can compare online deals and then narrow down your choices to three, ten or fifteen. If you have time on your hands, you can really save yourself some money by doing diligent research.

3. Ticket consolidation – many online travel agencies have access to a database of discounted tickets. Sometimes when they have excess inventory, they are forced to get rid of as many tickets to make way for the next travel season where they can purchase in bulk. Travel agents usually share information on discount tickets that are still available for sale, and prices are reduced on these tickets for “selloff.”

Air travel consolidators allow customers to compare airfares from as many airlines as possible for a specific route and for a specific time period. Not only can you save money on your ticket, but you can also find the best flight that suits your schedule best.

4. Wide network of travel-related services – online travel agents, through frequent bookings and constant research have a wealth of information that some travel agents with no online presence don’t have. Because of their ability to network rapidly with various people who work in hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, railway and restaurants, online travel agents are able to find the best deals for you.

The name of the game is called “relationship building.” Through frequent contact, online travel agents can squeeze out more discounts and free coupons from tour operators and hospitality establishments like hotels and restaurants. Instead of spending $10.00 for your lunch while travelling, your agent can offer you a meal ticket in exchange for your business, not to mention the fare discounts they are also able to offer.

5. One-stop shopping – travel writers know about the “clout” of travel agents. When it comes to flight arrangements, rental cars, tour excursions, cruise information and accommodation, and hotels, travel agents have a lot of clout. They can provide a complete travel package, including shuttle service to and from the airport and even the services of a personal tour guide if requested. By doing all your travel and travel-related shopping with a reputable online travel agency, there is no telling how much you can get done within a short amount of time.

Note that your online travel agent has more buying power than individual passengers when it comes to airline seats, hotel accommodation or cabin space in the yacht.

It used to be that travelling last minute was expensive. Not anymore with online travel agents! In many cases, unsold seats on flights or unsold rooms in hotels are offered to travel agents a few weeks before departure date at considerably discounted rates so they can be sold immediately. If you are travelling last minute, ask your online travel agent for last minute budget deals. Chances are you might get what you want, provided your travel dates don’t fall within peak travel times. But you have to ask, not assume that it will be offered automatically!

 

If your vacation plans call for visiting one of the largest National Parks in the world, you’re going to need a place to sleep. If your idea of a hotel room is a 10 x 10 box with cheap carpet on the floor and a bed stuck in the middle of the room, prepare to be impressed. With 122 places to put your head down at night, spread across seven different facilities, there’s a room type and price to suit every taste and budget.

What the lodge owners like to call facilities, I think of as neighborhoods. And just like neighborhoods the world over, each facility has its own unique charm and style. From rustic rooms that bring back the frontier days of old Montana, to upscale and luxurious, it’s all there at the St. Mary Lodge & Resort.

Let’s See Which St. Mary Lodge & Resort “Neighborhood” Is Right For You

Great Bear Lodge



The Great Bear Lodge joined the St. Mary Lodge & Resort family of neighborhoods in 2001, making it the newest member of the family. The building features 48 individual guest rooms as well as 13 suites. You can choose from sleeping accommodations that include one king bed or two queen beds. All rooms are air conditioned and feature satellite TVs, beautiful granite counters, mini wet-bars and private decks affording breathtaking views of Glacier National Park! As an added bonus, the suites include a fireplace, luxurious leather couch and a soothing Jacuzzi tub offering the perfect end to an exciting day exploring the park.

Pinnacle Cottages

For that home-away-from home feeling, the Pinnacle Cottage is the perfect choice. Great for families or small groups traveling together, each self-contained cottage includes two bedrooms, a full kitchen, large deck area complete with gas BBQ grill, beautiful living room complimented by a river rock fireplace, satellite television and, of course, a breathtaking view of Glacier National Park.

The Pinnacle Cottages draw their name from the fact that they are perched atop a hill that overlooks the main lodge.

West Lodge



A great choice for couples, this single-story building features 24 guest rooms. Choose between a king bed and one or two queen-sized beds. All rooms were recently upgraded and include TV, air conditioning, a desk and chair, granite countertops as well as the traditional furnishings the lodge is known for.

East Lodge



For a rustic experience without sacrificing quality, the East Lodge, a single-story building featuring 10 lodge-styled guestrooms, is a great choice. Choose between one or two queen beds. All rooms include air conditioning and a desk and chair. Televisions are not available in the East Lodge.

Glacier Cabins



Looking to get up close and personal with Glacier National Park? The Glacier Cabins are the closest you can get without sleeping on the ground inside the Park. But that amazing proximity doesn’t mean you’ll be isolated. The Glacier Cabins are immediately adjacent to the Lodge’s dining and shopping area.

A great choice for vacationing families and small groups of travelling companions, each room features a kitchen table and four chairs, microwave, mini fridge, sink, and bath. There’s one sleeping area in the main room and a separate bedroom that can be closed off if desired.

Sun Cabin

Now if you really want to experience a vacation that gets you “away from it all” check out the Sun Cabin. Located on the East side of the Lodge, many guests say it offers the most spectacular views found anywhere at St. Mary Lodge & Resort.

This stand-alone two-story cabin features a cozy loft-style bedroom as well as a full kitchen and a large deck that’s perfect for whiling away the cool summer nights.

Tipis

If you’re looking for a truly unique lodging experience, it’s hard to beat the Tipis. These 700 square foot rooms with 27 foot ceilings include a bath house with Jacuzzi, cedar wood floors, a special “Cloud Nine” queen bed, a queen sofa bed for family or friends, flat screen TV, fire pit and a table with chairs.

Guest House



The preferred choice for many families and small groups of travelling companions, the Guest House is equipped with two bedrooms, a sleeper sofa, living room, kitchenette, satellite TV and air-conditioning.

Main Lodge

The Main Lodge provides 22 guestrooms spread between the first floor below the main lobby and the floor above the lobby. Every room includes either one or two beds, a desk, table and chair. You’ll especially enjoy the recently renovated main lobby featuring a group seating area, traditional Montana lodge décor, interesting upscale artwork, and a fireplace area that’s perfect for sharing with old friends and for meeting new.

Now you can see why I said “there’s a room type and price to suit every taste and budget” when your vacation plans include a trip to Glacier National Park and the St. Mary Lodge & Resort!