 If you are looking forward to a vacation in the near or distant future, and wish to use a travel agent to help you plan your trip, it’s important to find a reputable agent who can save you money and make sure things run smoothly.
Here are some useful tips to consider when shopping around for a great travel agent you can really count on:
Certification: Good travel agents are generally members of The American Society of Travel Agents. If you visit their website, you can narrow your search down right at the very start. http://www.asta.org/ . This site also provides a lot of helpful information for travelers, and you can keep up to date on deals and fare changes through this website.
Quotes: Make sure you shop around a little bit when choosing an agent. Don’t be shy about asking for quotes from a few agents based on your trip and budget specifications. A helpful agent will be happy to provide you with the information you need to make the right choice for your holiday.
Travel Bureaus: Local Travel Bureaus provide a wealth of information. Once you’ve decided on a destination, check out local travel bureau websites, and they’ll likely provide you with a lot of information about travel agents they are familiar with, and who have a good reputation in the community. It’s helpful to find a travel agent in your own area, so look at your own, local travel bureau first, before checking out the bureaus related to your destination place. You can really educate yourself by taking advantage of these websites: they’ve done the work for you, and they will give you good advice free of charge. Here is an example of a local bureau website in Hawaii: http://www.gohawaii.com/
Charges: There are a few different ways that travel agents charge for their services. Most agents don’t charge you (the traveler) directly; they instead gain a commission from airlines and hotels that they book through. Some travel agents may charge a nominal fee (anywhere from 15 to 150 dollars, usually, depending on your trip requirements) to make your travel plans for you.
It’s important that you ask a lot of questions before entering into an agreement with a travel agent, so that you are aware of any hidden costs or charges from the outset. A reputable agent will welcome your questions: beware of any agent that is unwilling to be straight with you about their fee structure.
Changing Business Practices: With so many Internet booking sites, allowing people to cut out the middleman and book their own holiday accommodations and airfares, it is more competitive than ever for travel agents.
Some analysts predict a future where airlines and hotels will no longer pay commissions to travel agents at all! This new model for travel arrangements is still in the future, but you can utilize direct booking if you wish, without a travel agent. Agents know this, and they strive to provide you with the best service and attention to detail they can, in order to justify their charges and their services.
Take advantage of these business changes to get optimum service from a travel agent, and always be sure they are going the extra mile to get you the best possible deal for your travel dollar.
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