Travel agents use their specialized knowledge and skills to help you plan a smooth trip, especially when it’s your first time at a destination. Travel agents take on all the stress that comes with creating travel requirements and combating obstacles that inevitably arise. There are a few things you need to do in order to make your experience with a travel agent as simple as possible.
This blog post discusses the different tips that will help you work with your travel agent!
1. What Does A Good Travel Agent Look Like?
Good travel agents are preoccupied with the experience they give their customers. Part of a great experience with a travel agent includes excellent communication, friendly service and detailed responses to your inquiry. The best travel agents are prompt, personable and willing to go the extra mile to create an all-star itinerary for your trip.
If you’re having trouble getting your agent on the phone or find them slow in returning your calls, then you should stay away. You want to look for a travel agent who wants to be genuinely involved with your trip planning experience. In short, finding the best travel agent has very little to do with price a lot to do with attitude.
2. Being Prepared Helps Your Travel Agent Help You
Although you’re paying your agent for a service to help you plan your trip, you’ll have a much better experience if you’re involved in the process. If you can give your travel agent a bunch of information to work with, they can come back to you with an itinerary that meets your needs. Clients who keep agents guessing are often unhappy with the result of the travel agent experience.
In order to serve you properly, your travel agents need the dates, place and price range for your trip. They also need to know how long you plan to stay, what your travel budget is and if you have any “must-sees” on your trip. Being detailed with the information you provide your travel agent allows them to plan your mode of transportation and other amenities ahead of time.
3. Make Sure They’re Certified
Choosing a certified travel agent helps you ensure a professional experience. When travel agent has a few certifications from different professional organizations, you know you’re dealing with a professional who takes their craft seriously.
When your agent provides you with their certifications, look up the governing bodies and ensure they are accepted in your state. Certifications won’t ensure a 100% smooth experience, however, it’s an excellent indicator of a professional who isn’t interested in wasting your time or money.
4. Look For Regional Specialization
It’s unlikely you’ll find a travel agent who specializes in booking trips throughout the entire world. If your agent mostly deals with the Caribbean and you want to go to Europe, there’s a good chance you can get a better deal with an agent who specializes in Europe. Agents who specialize in an area are well versed on the travel restrictions, accommodations and culture in your destination.
Travel agents who know your destination area well can provide a more streamlined itinerary that’s in line with the type of experience you’re hoping to have. It’s worth it to spend a little extra time searching for an agent who specializes in your destination area.
5. Questions To Ask Your Travel Agent
- What’s the total travel time on this trip?
- Are all flight transfer fees included in the price?
- Should I convert my currency before leaving? Are there any places near the hotel I can exchange currency safely?
- What type of power supply is used in the hotel? Do I need an adapter?
- What’s the procedure for health care in emergency situations in my destination?
