CONVENIENCE Utilising the services of a travel agent represents the best of both worlds — you enjoy the benefits of a bricks and mortar physical presence that you can pop into whenever you have the time or the inclination but with the near 24/7 accessibility that comes from the constant communication that ensues between travel agent and client via email, website, e-newsletter and/or SMS text message. An increasing number of travel agents are going online and engaging on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter and although their efforts in this regard leave something to be desired at times, it is getting better all the time and a far cry from what it was just a few short years ago. Also bear in mind that some travel agents are just better than others in respect of certain destinations or travel activities. In much the same way as doctors or solicitors tend to specialise in certain aspects of law or medicine, so too is it the case when it comes to travel. Whilst some may specialise in family and couples holidays; others may specialise in long haul, honeymoons or sports tourism. Don’t be afraid to engage in a little research and seek out the advice of others before committing to any single agent.
RELATIONSHIPS In addition to the relationships that can develop between travel agents and their regular clients, there are also the business relationships (and