as far as i know most Travel agens do allow you to do this. if anything they have a lot to gain form this as sometimes alot of people even lose there deposit because something came up are they are unable to pay the rest.

Thanks callis my Aunty has just put a deposit down on our family trip to New Zealand and they are allowing her to pay it off in small installments each week.

I didn't even know this was possible. Usually I plan my trips far ahead and I start saving well ahead of time. I think you can get better deals if you pay in full and if you think about it, there is no difference between paying in installments or saving in installments (except you may get a better deal since you can book online). 

Andre

Travel Photos

My travel agent let me pay in installments, but that could be because she's a friend of mine.  I never really thought about whether or not all travel agents do this,

I believe most travel agents let you pay in installments. I know the ones around me do. I have done it before and it worked out really well for me.

Don't you always pay more due to interest they charge?

I always try to pay everything in full right away. In the end thats cheaper.

I don't think they always charge interest.  They may only have to make a deposit with the providers, and may not need all the money at once.  And if it's a big sale, the commisions would be substantial.

Sometimes trips have a schedule that is dictated by circumstances.  In planning a trip for an extended family, just setting dates that everyone could fit in their schedules is hard enough.  Expecting everyone to have the money way in advance could mean that some people couldn't go.

I have looked into this because really the only way that I can afford the vacation I want to go on I would have to make payments. Alot of the places will allow you to do this but I am finding that they want a debit or credit card number I guess so they can bill it monthly?

Many travel agents will hold a ticket for 24 hours without a deposit, after which a deposit (usually of about $100) is required.  Cheaper charter airlines, like Transat, will lock you in to those dates.  Their tickets are non-refundable  and dates cannot be changed after a certain period of time.

I am not entirely sure since I have never done this, but hotels always require a credit card for reservations so they can either charge you a cancellation fee, or they can hold the room for you and if you don't show up charge you anyways (so they don't lose out by holding the room for you).

I guess it may be for similar reasons, as well as a monthly payment I guess.

Cindy: I have never heard about anyone getting a credit for free. Sure the travel agent will make a sale (and commission) and that might be worth giving the credit, but at the same time they run a risk. I guess you will only get these things without a interest rate if you have a stellar credit history, and then again, whats the point of doing it if you are in such good standing.

Andre

Travel Photos

My father is--VERY kindly--taking the entire family on an Alaskan cruise this summer. There are twelve of us, counting grandkids. He said he paid on installments because the cruise line didn't charge interest, and because he'd just as soon keep his money in his savings account drawing interest for as long as he could. Rather a smart way of looking at it, I thought.

I never knew you could book trips on installment plans.  We've been wanting to go on a trip to Hawaii, but could never save up enough money at one time to pay for the tickets.  An installment plan might be just the thing.  A payment each month would be an easier way to save for it for us.  I'd be willing to pay the interest for the convenience of this. 

Wow, you are extremely lucky to have a father willing to do this for such a big family!  But, the family memories to him is probably worth more than the money.  Enjoy your trip!

I agree, it is cheaper to pay in full right from the beginning.  But, sometimes with other monthly bill priorities, paying in full isn't always an option.  There's just so much paycheck to spread around to so many bills.  That's when paying on time with interest works best. 

That is indeed a smart way of looking at things and all things being equal the right thing to do in that case. Its all about the interest. If you have to pay any then don't do it, otherwise it may be a good idea, even if you have the money in the bank, since you can earn interest.

It is really nice of your dad to do this for you !!

Well, thats why a portion of every paycheck is kept for such items, its called savings and the concept is rather alien to many people

Andre

Travel Photos 

The woman my brother married is a travel agent. Her company has plenty of people who pay in installments. I have a savings account just for travel and I put a large portion of my income into it every month. That way I always have plenty if I want to schedule a trip suddenly.

I don't think it is unusual for a travel agent to do credit for free.  If you are booking a cruise way in advance, you must pay a deposit, and then the balance is due on a certaine date.  If the travel agent takes installments, the agent can hold that money and make interest on it.

Commissions on cruises are high.  Even a non-professional can get one free room for every ten rooms booked as a group.  

It is much easier for some people to make a payment on something than to save, because savings tend to come out of what is left over after the middle of the month.  Setting up a trip where you must make a monthly payment, especially if the interest-free.

I know the ones around me you payin installments. I always do it  that way. It makes it a lot easier for me. I would check around I am sure you will find that they will let you do it that way.

I just booked an hotel online. It's a very usefully way to make a reservation. I paid 30% when I booked .