Mayan Gateway vs. DIY

One of the greatest adventures you can embark upon is a trip through all of the countries in Central America. Between the eight countries, the distinct cultures, traditions, and environments create a whirlwind experience for even the most seasoned traveler. Before you start your trip, make sure to take a look at our stripped-down guide to all the practical information you may need when traveling abroad.

Travel Agency vs. do it yourself

Why should I use Mayan Gateway?

Benefits of booking with Mayan Gateway

How much does a travel agency cost?

Mayan Gateway Vs. D.I.Y.

The internet has made it easier for everyone to do the jobs that professionals have done for years. Nowadays you can find a YouTube video for just about anything you can think of. Do-it-yourself has become a worldwide trademark. However, when it comes to traveling to Central America, should you do it yourself?

Travel Agency – benefits:

→ Knowledge. Travel agents are very knowledgeable about all things concerning travel in Central America & Mexico. Besides having a University degree, they have a lot of experience with hospitality. Local guides are certified by the Institute of Tourism. We are the experts in our field. Our team can also customize your itinerary to fit your desires. You will have information about the destinations and we will help you create an itinerary based on your needs, interests, and budget. If you travel with us, there will be things you may not know to consider.

→ Budget. To confirm your trip we will ask you to pay a deposit of the total, you will be able to pay a payment plan with us. If you are unable to prepay for your tour in full at once, having a travel agency like ours will greatly benefit you.

→ Personal Service. The human connection makes the planning and travel experience pleasant and meaningful. Professional travel agents tailor the itinerary to suit specific requests and put together packages and tours that suit your unique wants. Let’s take care of all the planning to ensure your trip is as seamless, stressless, and hassle-free as possible. Do not worry about logistics, and instead enjoy the sights and travels to the fullest. It will be your holiday after all!

→ Time-Saving. A world of travel information about Central America is at our fingertips. This will save you countless hours of online searching and frustration. We will ask you specific questions which will help you with decision-making.

→ Customer advocacy. If you experience a problem while traveling, we will act on your behalf and are there to rectify any travel-related issues you encounter. What if you feel overwhelmed because your flight was canceled, delayed or something happens that you have no control over?. Call us and a representative will handle everything on your behalf. Staff will be available during your trip for you. There are ins and outs of traveling in Central America. So, we can help in ways you may not know.

→ Expert guidance. Travel agents and guides are trained destination and product experts and know how to sort through the myriad of travel information available. Knowledge and our network mean we also have access to the best deals.

Local insight into the Mayan Culture
A local travel agency that attempts to make a low impact on the environment and Mayan culture, while contributing to generating future employment for locals. We create your holiday alongside the Mayan people who live and work in the places that you will be visiting. Due to this, guides working with us care about giving you an exceptional experience.

Safety and safe experiences.
Tour guides understand this part very well: being far away from home may seem scary not knowing how safe it is here. In general when you travel to another country you need to be careful especially when you are not familiar with the country or language. However, in most places in Central America, there is relatively little crime and it generally occurs away from the areas that tourists explore.

Just as in many other tourist cities of the world, tourists will occasionally be targeted, but there have been very few violent crimes against tourists here. For this reason, we recommend that you travel with an expert because it will be much safer. The most important part of our job is ensuring that you have a safe and fun time. For more information visit our Travel Safety in Central America page.

Do it yourself – PROS and CONS

PROS – Do it yourself
Booking holidays DIY could work out cheaper.
Researching and booking your trip abroad gives you the flexibility to browse lots of options at your leisure. Being in control instead of needing to trust someone else. However, by checking customers’ reviews online, it is possible to find a good travel agency. Check our reviews on TripAdvisor here.

By independent travel, get to experience the pre-departure fun of planning and researching all the little details.

CONS – Do it yourself
You may be able to find a cheaper deal on your own, but cheaper does not necessarily mean better. While experiencing a problem while traveling, there will not be an agent to contact who can rectify any issues you may encounter.

The more complex, long, or luxurious the trip is, the more useful an agent can be. You may have to solve problems or change plans while you are on your trip.

Advice while traveling in Central America
There is a risk when booking on your own. Our advice when booking a trip to Central America is to contact us and then compare it with what you have found online. You don’t have to book with us but it never hurts to have a second opinion.

Choosing between a Travel agency vs. Do it yourself may just come down to your appetite for research and need for control. At Mayan Gateway our travel agents work closely with you when putting together your travel package. Participate with us in the planning and respond with questions and feedback. Let’s customize the trip to your wishes, needs, and interests.

Why should I use Mayan Gateway?
Planning the best itinerary. Deciding where to go can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Luckily, Mayan Gateway is here to provide information about various destinations and make you a personalized itinerary.

Contact us with your wishes and we will be happy to help you create your dream vacation. In addition to the holiday offers, which you can find on our website, our team can customize your itinerary to fit your desires.

As local experts, we provide you with information about the destinations and help you create an itinerary based on your needs and interests.

What are the benefits of booking a trip with Mayan Gateway?

 → Experience, Network, and Happy Customers:
Mayan Gateway was founded in 2001 and the meantime we have built an extensive database of contacts and resources. We have had hundreds of happy clients and many Certified Reviews online.

→ Multi-Country Tours:
Central America is so big yet so small! Two important steps our staff work with you:

  1. Offer A wide variety of destinations and an unparalleled number of choices of trip styles and countries. 
  2. Work with you to design a trip that will meet your tastes, age, and budget.

We are certain that all your travel needs will be met when you combine our trips and tours with a customized itinerary from our friendly agents at Mayan Gateway.

Accommodations:
From unique hotels, B&B’s, private homes, and apartments to sleeping in a camping tent under the stars in a tranquil bay. Many options will provide you with the best and most authentic travel experience possible. Accommodations will always reflect the local character and spirit of your adventure or preferences. They will be very well located considering the places to visit on your itinerary.

Is there a difference in cost?

We believe an unforgettable trip does not have to be too expensive. It is the reason why we keep on striving to offer the most competitive prices around.

Contracts from local suppliers provide a more affordable way to travel therefore giving us the ability to deliver a travel experience of a lifetime at a great price and value. Our travel agency fee is around 10% – 20% which covers the salaries of the agents who work on your tour before arrival and during the duration of your trip, among other office and fixed costs.

We have great deals with suppliers. So, most of the time we can at least match the total price you would have to book everything online on your own.