Personally I do not like the idea of the inspection trip. If you are thinking of buying a proeprty here then do your homework on the internet, visit different areas and speak to the locals!
If you are coming to live permenantly, you would be well advised to rent for a while first until you decide on the area you want and that way you will give yourself time to suss out the price you should be paying, although for the dream property you way have to pay what the owner asks - bearing in mind somehting is worth what someone else is prepared to pay for it!
You do not need an agent if you are confident enough to find your way - a good lawyer or gestor is vital for the legals -but in many cases the professionals will save you money by negotiating a lower price or finding you a suitable finacial deal that can save you thousands.
Holiday home is different, look for the obvious such as ease to the beach to local amenities - I advise clients to make a wish list and as long as the proeprty ticks most of the boxes then go for it.
I cant remember the last time I had a client in the car with me - I have a 2 seater sports car (calm down boys, its old and battered but I love it! not a posh thing) usually I meet them somewhee they know and we go to the proeprty together, view and I contact them later for an update.
Too busy to spend the whole day trying to force someone to buy something they dont want or need!
So - however you do it as long as you are comfortable and you stay in control and ultimately acheive your goal then good luck with it!