How to Choose a Travel Agent Are you craving an escape to an exotic location? Or are you searching for an exciting adventure? Then it is time to find a travel agency.
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Travel agents are trained in finding the best deals on the market. These professionals can also help you navigate your way out of a tight jam. One family discovered the importance of a travel agent during their vacation. They parked their car in a motel parking lot, locked the doors and went inside for a good night’s rest. But they left their plane tickets in their car so they could be prepared for their early morning flight. Arising early the next morning, the family returned to the parking lot only to discover that the car and their tickets were gone. A quick phone call to the airline confirmed that the family could not get on the plane without their tickets. In a panic, they called the travel agency. The agent luckily left her cell phone number on the outgoing message at the office. After one more hasty call, the agent obtained the numbers the airline needed so the family could still make the flight. The moral of the story? Travel agents aren’t just for booking tickets.
What to Know When Hiring a Travel Agent
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Eleven states require travel agents to be statelicensed. Many of these states only require the agency to have a license and pay a fee. These stipulations offer no real protection for travelers. There are some other ways you can discover if a travel agent is competent, knowledgeable and honest. First of all, find out if the agency is a member of the American Society 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 negotiating power and will often have access to better travel deals. Then ask for references from clients and wholesale suppliers. When you contact 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 on traveling internationally, choose an agency that allows you to contact them for free if problems arise. It is usually best to work with only one agent. That person should have a phone extension and email. Reputable agencies have specialized email addresses.
Specialized Travel
Anyone traveling overseas should have up-to-theminute information about political conditions. Good agents provide their clients with such information. Since September 11, 2011, regulations for entry into other countries have become increasingly complex. This is where a travel agent can be a blessing. High-rise and specialized vacations require specific knowledge and reputable vendors. Good travel agents will provide plenty of options. They will also have information about travel warnings from the U.S. State Department. Cruise passengers can also receive great deals when using a travel agent. Members of the Cruise Line Society of Travel Agents can offer substantial savings or deals. But no matter what kind of travel you are doing, a skilled travel agent will have access to information about safety standards and industry reputations. They can help you steer clear of fraudulent vendors and scams. Whether you are planning a relaxing vacation or adventurous escape, your time away can be an amazing experience. Talented travel agents can provide needed guidance and support. They will take care of the details so you can kick back and enjoy your time away.
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