It may come as a surprise to some, but online technologies are not completely adequate to take over the role of human beings just yet. Human beings have a very important role that computers can't quite manage, that is the ability to negotiate.

This is particularly evident with specialized travel agencies. There are often large ethnic communities in certain areas that can negotiate particularly cheap deals to their native homelands due to the large number of flights they can sell to that destination.

So if you are planning a trip to a particular location and know of an indigenous community that resides in your locality, it is well worth calling some agents up from that area to see if they can offer some bargains.

For example, in the multi-ethnic community of London, you have a large Caribbean population in Shepherds Bush, a very large Indian population in Southall, and a large Jewish community in Golders Green.

Each of the travel agents in these communities will be highly likely to point you in the right direction for really cheap flights to their native destinations due to their specialty in dealing with those localities..

When booking flights over the phone with an agent we recommend you ask the following important questions –

• Ask if there is a surcharge for booking on the phone rather than online?

• Find out about cancellation fees or if you want to change your booking?

• Ask if you can save money by booking your accommodation alongside your flights?

• Ask about whether the flight is direct or there are stops? Sometimes a direct flight doesn't mean you fly directly to your destination; it just means you don't change planes.

• Ask if you can choose the allocation of your seat? And specify any meal preferences you may have.

• Make sure you mention your frequent flyer number so the miles can be credited to your account.

• If you are traveling in a group, with children or the elderly ask if any discounts are available.

In Conclusion. –

A specialized agent can give you that personal touch that computers can't quite manage. Also, humans are much better at finding deals and organizing itineraries which are quite complex by nature.

There is no harm in searching for the cheapest possible price you can find on the internet and then seeing whether a specialized travel agent can beat it or not.