When traveling for business or pleasure, many people use the Internet to book flights and accommodations for themselves. It is convenient and requires a minimal investment of time. But some travelers miss out on great deals because they don’t know the inside information the big travel agents have.
Certified travel professionals have an advantage over the digital world. They work for you to make sure you get the best deal and book their reservations with personal service that can’t be achieved when you book online yourself.
Travel agents are professionals who know every trick in the book when it comes to ensuring a trip goes smoothly. For a fee, these agents will plan every aspect of your trip, leaving you to relax. Best of all, if something goes wrong, your agent will be a phone call away with a fix.
Here’s how to find a good travel agent:
What to know
Eleven states require travel agents to be licensed by the state. Many of these states only require the agency to have a license and pay a fee. These provisions provide no real protection for travelers. There are several other ways you can find out if a travel agent is competent, knowledgeable and honest.
First of all, find out if the agency is a member of the American Association of Travel Agents or the Association of Retail Travel Agents. Then, ask if the agent is a member of a travel consortium. Members of a consortium have strong bargaining power and will often have access to better travel deals.
Then ask for references from customers and wholesale suppliers. When contacting these suppliers, talk to the sales manager. That person should be happy to answer questions about their relationship with the agency.
Of course, a travel agency should have emergency contact information that is good 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The agency should also have a toll-free phone number. If you plan to travel abroad, choose an agency that allows you to contact them for free if problems arise.
It’s usually best to work with just one agent. That person must have a phone extension and email. Reputable agencies have specialized email addresses. Do not trust agencies that have email from free services, such as Yahoo, Hotmail, AOL or Gmail.
Specialized travel
Anyone traveling overseas should have up-to-date information on political conditions. Good agents provide their clients with such information.
High-end and specialized vacations require specific knowledge and reputable vendors. Good travel agents will offer many options. They will also have information about travel warnings from the US State Department.
Cruise passengers can also get great deals when they use a travel agent. Members of the Cruise Line Society of Travel Agents can offer significant savings or deals.
But no matter what type of travel you’re doing, a skilled travel agent will have access to information about safety standards and industry reputation. They can help you avoid fraudulent sellers and scams.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing vacation or adventurous getaway, your time away can be a wonderful experience. Talented travel agents can provide the necessary guidance and support. They will take care of the details so you can kick back and enjoy your time away.
