| Your travel agent can be an integral part of planning | | | | travel suppliers? |
| your vacation, especially when used wisely. A travel | | | | Many times, your travel agent will be able to get you a |
| agent is an invaluable resource when you have | | | | great deal, which may not be available to the general |
| decided to plan a trip. They can help prevent travel | | | | public. Cruise lines, tour companies, and hotels often |
| complications while at the same time getting you the | | | | offer perks such as upgrades, free parking, and other |
| best value. However, it is important to remember that | | | | deals to travel agents who have worked with them |
| each travel agent is different. So, to ensure that your | | | | before. If your agent has this type of influence, take |
| travel agent is a good match for your needs, here are | | | | advantage of it! |
| some common questions to ask. | | | | Question 7 – Have you traveled to my destination? |
| Question 1 – What is your specialty? | | | | There is nothing like first-hand knowledge. If your travel |
| It is important to know what your travel agent’s | | | | agent has traveled to your destination, he or she will |
| specialty is. He or she may specialize in certain | | | | be able to speak from experience. A well-traveled |
| destinations or products, such as cruises or adventure | | | | agent will be able to make informed recommendations |
| tours. You will also want to ask what types of travel | | | | and provide sound advice as opposed to one who has |
| your agent specializes in. For example, you would not | | | | not visited the areas you are considering. |
| want to book a trip for a large group with an agent | | | | Question 8 – Can I get a better deal if I travel on a |
| who is not experienced in such services. | | | | different day? |
| Question 2 – What are your fees? | | | | This question is integral to establishing a better deal if |
| Obviously, you know that you will be compensating | | | | your travel dates are somewhat flexible. Remember, |
| your travel agent for his or her time, planning expertise, | | | | even when working with a travel agent, peak travel |
| work, and advice, but knowing the fees upfront is | | | | times and seasons still apply. Let your travel agent |
| always a good idea. Some travel agents work on | | | | know that while your original itinerary is ideal, if there is |
| commission, some charge a flat rate, and some | | | | a better deal to be had, you may consider traveling at |
| charge per service. It is also best to be upfront about | | | | a later date. |
| your travel budget and be clear that your total budget | | | | Question 9 – Where can I learn more about my |
| includes travel agent fees. | | | | destination? |
| Question 3 – What are your hours of operation? | | | | In many cases, travel agents will provide customers |
| You will need to know when your travel agency or | | | | with information, such as brochures, about your |
| agent operates. Be sure to get the toll-free number in | | | | destination. If the brochures are not sufficient enough |
| case of an emergency as well as an alternate number | | | | for you, ask your travel agent where you could do a |
| for after-hours necessities. If your travel agent has | | | | little more research. He or she should be able to easily |
| email or a website, you will also want to note that | | | | point you in the right direction. |
| information as well. | | | | Question 10 – Will I need a passport or visa? |
| Question 4 – What happens if something goes | | | | If you are not sure if you will need a passport or |
| wrong? | | | | special visa to travel to your destination, ask your |
| Sometimes, it is impossible to avoid inconveniences | | | | travel agent. If you do need a passport or visa, he or |
| while traveling. Such inconveniences may include a | | | | she will also be able to instruct you on how to obtain |
| delayed or cancelled flight because of poor weather. | | | | one. |
| Discuss with your travel agent what happens in such | | | | Question 11 – What questions do you have for me? |
| circumstances and how he or she responds to these | | | | Always ask your travel agent if he or she has any |
| problems. Always be clear on your travel agent’s | | | | questions for you. Travel agents should always ask |
| policies. | | | | you a few questions about what you are looking for in |
| Question 5 – Are tickets refundable? | | | | a vacation. This is necessary so that they will be able |
| If you’re working with a travel agent, it is likely that | | | | to come up with the best itinerary for your interests |
| you are planning this trip well in advance. In addition to | | | | and budget. |
| last minute inconveniences that may occur, such as | | | | The best travel agent for the job is one who is willing |
| poor weather cancelling a flight, things in your life may | | | | to work with you, has extensive knowledge, and is |
| change as well. Find out if your trip is refundable, | | | | receptive to your priorities as a traveler. However, you |
| partially refundable, or if a cancellation fee applies. It is | | | | will need to ask the questions outlined above to get |
| also a good idea to check if reservations can be | | | | started. Remember, your agent should be more than |
| exchanged. | | | | willing to answer any of these questions, or any others |
| Question 6 – Do you have special relationships with | | | | that you may have. |