Australia To Usa Or Uk

[james_t]

hi
in regards to travelling from oz to usa or uk, has anyone been able to save cash by:
1/ using an agent from another country (i.e instead of sydney travel/freighter travel.com.au).  i have nothing against sydney travel - just want to explore all options!
2/ being able to book late (cheaper) fares.
i know the cheap late fares are rare but just figured there may be someone out there with some advice - the more feedback i get the easier it will be to make plans!
might head off around late nov 05.
thanks
james

[Steve]

James

Firstly, you can book with any agent, anywhere in the world - the whole booking process can take place via email/phone/fax/mail etc - but this will probably not save you any money, the price should be the same whoever you book with (although there could be minor differences due to the different ways that agents handle currency exchange).

Secondly, cheap last minute bookings are not available on regular freighters - the only way you can get anything like this is to find a passage on a tramp voyage - any agent will be happy to advise you.

Steve

[bruca]

hi james ..

you will have a lot of trouble getting *cheaper* fares - i've done a few trips now, and while you can book w/ the company direct (which i have always done), it is unlikely you will get a *cheapie* - not often that these companies give away anything! ..

the great disadvantage for people like us in non-US or EU countries is the exchange rate - sterling,euro or us $ it can be a bit exy for many, - unless you are lucky, get a special,  a trip on an Oldendorff tramp (great bargain) or are able to pay in aus. $ (or sth. african rand as i did once) it can add up ..

us $ rate is better for people in australia than euro or sterling, as i am sure you realise; good luck - where in aus. are you?? ..

bruce ..