Smart Travel Tip: 7 Things To Look Out For When Dealing With A Travel Agency

Many people are looking at price when searching for a discount travel agency, however, there are some other things you need to watch out for that can save you time, money and headaches when using a travel agency to plan your trip.
1) Check to see if the agency is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents). Agencies who are members must follow strict rules of conduct. If you should have a problem with your agency, it will be easier for you to file a complaint.
2) Make sure their offer isn’t too good to be true. The travel industry is very competitive and some agencies will promise you the moon. Make sure they can deliver what they promise before signing up.
3) The agency should disclose their full contact information. You should easily be able to find their name, address, phone number and email address. Call the phone number and see if a real person answers. If their contact information isn’t readily available, you should take your business elsewhere.
4) Some discount agencies will promise you low rates to get your business, then hit you with hidden fees. Since you are budgeting for your trip, you don’t want to be hit with a larger bill than you planned on. Be sure to get all agency rates and fees on paper to avoid surprises.
5) Respectable travel agencies will bend over backwards to make sure you are well taken care of, especially if you have medical needs while traveling. An agency out for a quick buck will not provide you with great customer service, so ask questions about how they will accommodate your special requests before signing.
6) A good travel agency will be there to help you during and after your trip to make sure everything is going smoothly. If you have a problem during your trip, the agency will be available to assist you. Fly by night services will disappear after you’ve handed over your money. Check out the agency’s reputation before you commit to a deal.
7) A good travel agency will have access to all kinds of information about the city and/or country you are visiting. They are one of the best insider travel tip resources around whether you need a business travel tip, family travel tip, an air travel tip, or a travel packing tip.

From:responsible-travel-i-see

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How To Choose A Travel Agent You Won't Regret

When it comes to making travel arrangements a travel agent can either make the process a dream or a nightmare. If you travel on a frequent basis finding a good travel agent that is reliable and trustworthy can be as important as a financial planner or a dentist. Here are a few tips to help you find a good one that won?t have you pulling your hair out while you are trying to plan a relaxing vacation.

One of the reasons for enlisting the services of is the fact that they can generally get better deals than the public due to the relationships they have formed with travel related companies such as airlines, hotels, and rental car companies. Their ability to get better deals is a great reason to use them but I like to use a travel agent just for the convenience. I can just call them up and tell them where I want to go and they will call me back with three or four choices to consider.

Like anything else, the key to finding a travel agent you can rely on is research. You can start out by asking friends and family for referrals of travel agents that they have enlisted the services of. Another excellent tool at your disposal of course, is the internet. With the internet you can find a list of agencies in your area and peruse their sites along with reviews and testimonials of their service. Look for forums and message boards where travelers talk about traveling and their experiences with travel agents. Even though everyone will have different opinions you can rest assured that a travel agent that gest good remarks from most people will be someone you can work with.

Another key indicator that can help in your search to find a good travel agent is whether they belong to the American Society of Travel Agents. The reason this is important is that allows the travel agents the ability to network with other members of the group such as cruise lines, airlines, hotels, and many other travel related companies. There are also certain minimum qualifications that must be met and maintained which means that the person involved will be more conscientious than one that is not a member.

It is perfectly right and acceptable for you to interview the prospective agent and ask questions of their qualifications and experience in order to make up your mind if they are the right agency for you and that they will be able to satisfy your travel needs. You should also ask them for references of clients who have used their services so you can get a third part?s take on them. By doing these things as you look for a travel agent it should help you to find one that will be good for you.

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