What to Expect
From a Travel Agent
Finding the right travel agent can be as hard as finding the
right doctor. You want someone you can trust to get you the
best deal. Someone you who is knowledgeable about the area you
are wanting to visit and has the resources to provide you with
all the information you need. Travel agents book about 75% of
all air travel, 30% of all hotel reservations, and 95% of all
cruises. Even with all the information online most people still
prefer to avoid all the hassle and use travel agents.
The first step to finding a good travel agent
is to check their credentials. Check to make sure they are
a certified travel counselor. To be a certified travel counselor
a travel agent with at least five years experience must complete
a two year graduate level program offered by the Institute
of Certified Travel Agents. For the travel agency itself you
have to look for membership in one of two associations. The
American Society of Travel Agents and The Association of Retail
Travel Agents are the two travel agency associations.
One of the easiest ways to find a travel
agent is by word of mouth. Ask your friends and family who
they use. Try to pick friends and family who have similar
interests as you , that way you can find a travel agent who
will understand your needs. Most people use a certain agent
and not a certain agency. Not all agents in a travel agency
are the same. One might specialize in cruises while another
specializes in low cost travel plans. Make sure you get the
name of a specific agent when talking to your friends and
family.
A good travel agent will keep a portfolio
of all your travel needs and preferences. Things like frequent
flyer miles, credit card details, hotel or airline favorites,
and any other personal requirements should be kept by the
travel agent in a specific folder. This saves you time when
you go in to book a trip, by having everything already filed
out you won't have to do it each time.
A good travel agent will also find out your
preferences, like places you enjoy visiting. This way if they
come across an unpublished bargain for a place that is of
interest to you they can contact you with the information.
A good travel agent is always looking for the best deal for
their client. This includes informing you if changing the
dates of your vacation or changing your itinerary can lower
the price for you.
Finding a good travel agent can be frustrating
and time consuming. When you find a good travel agent you
should use them for all your travel needs and refer them to
any one who is looking for a travel agent.
Another place to look is online. Search for
one near you. Don't always go with the cheapest. Ask them
their credentials upfront. If they try to avoid the question,
move on. Do they provide phone contact information on their
website and give office hours? This is a good way to tell
if it's an agent you may want to deal with.
Resource: http://www.articlecircle.com/recreation-and-leisure/travel/destinations/what-to-expect-from-a-travel-agent.html |
