How do you know if a travel agent is good?


How do you know if a travel agent is good?

Here are a few tips:
  1. Look for the right certification. If the agent is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) (www.asta.org), that's a promising sign. ...
  2. If at all possible, stay local. There's no substitute for the personal touch. ...
  3. Interview the agent. ...
  4. Find out how they react under pressure.


When should you talk to a travel agent?

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail. If you have a complicated itinerary or faraway destination, you can benefit from an agent's advice. And if you hate sweating the details or become overwhelmed by all the information online, a travel agent can save you time and money.


What is to look out for in a travel agency?

Value for Money A good travel agency will break down the costs so that you know exactly what you're paying for at every stage. You should be worried when the travel agency is trying to push you into booking an extremely cheap deal. There could be hidden costs or the deal might not be worth it.


What questions should I ask as a travel agent?

Questions about Past Travel Likes and Dislikes
  • How are you used to traveling?
  • What are some of your past vacation likes and dislikes?
  • What is the best travel experience you've ever had? Why?
  • Tell me about your last three vacations. ...
  • How do you want this vacation to be different from others you have been on?


Why is it better to use a travel agent?

Because travel agents are often working with airlines, hotels, cruises, tour companies, and more on multiple clients over multiple years, they're able to negotiate better deals and access better discounts than you'd be able to on your own. Think of it as bulk buying.


How do you trust a travel agent?

Word of mouth is still a good way to find out about a travel agent. Personal recommendations from friends and family are a good source. But you can also look at what other people think about them online. Get a pretty clear idea, and in particular see what previous customers say, see if they are satisfied.


Why are travel agents high risk?

Find a Credit Card Processor But travel agencies also typically fall under “high risk.” One reason for that is the higher-than-average chargeback rates that can come from bookings for a future trip that a client later wants to cancel. Not to worry.


Do you save any money using a travel agent?

You can actually save money when you book a trip with a travel agent. You also save time because travel agents are likely to be more experienced in finding the deals that are available. This way everyone benefits from booking a trip with a travel agent.


How do you know if a travel agent is bad?

Does not follow up: A bad agent promises trip options and rates, but fails to deliver in a timely manner to the client, who then moves on to another agent. A bad agent also fails to follow up with the client after a trip that has been booked to see how it went.


Is it better to book flights directly with airline or travel agent?

When you book directly on an airline's website you have more leverage when it comes to delays, booking changes, and cancellations. If you call the airline after having booked through an OTA, there's a chance you'll be directed back to the OTA when service can be subpar and confusing.


Is it better to book through travel agent or online?

Why use a travel agent instead of booking online? Simply put, you'll have a better trip, without the stress of planning your trip alone. A travel agent can accommodate your interests, budget and time frame with their wealth of knowledge and expertise to make sure that you get the most out of your trip.


When would someone decide not to use a travel agent?

Travel Circumstances When You Cannot Use a Travel Agent You might have online bonuses or credits, like Expedia+ Rewards or Orbitz Orbucks. A hotel may offer extra loyalty points when you book directly through their website. It might be easier for you to arrange rentals cars from an independent agency.


How do travel agents get paid?

Generally, leisure travel agencies' main revenue is from commissions vendors pay on vacation packages, cruises, air, and other add-ons. However, consultation fees and service fees are becoming more common as agencies try to diversify income sources to become less dependent on supplier commissions.


Does a trip cost more when you use a travel agent?

It's a myth that working with a travel agent will automatically cost you more; most get paid via commissions from the hotel or outfitter. Sure, some travel agents do charge a fee for putting together an itinerary, but most will credit you that fee if you end up booking the trip through them.


Do people still use travel agents?

National Geographic looks into whether or not people still use travel advisors, and the answer is a resounding yes!


What is the most important of a travel agent?

The primary role of a travel agent is to help people make travel arrangements, which might include booking flights, hotels, sightseeing tours, and making dining recommendations. A travel agent assesses each customer's unique needs, preferences, and budget to ensure their trip goes as smoothly as possible.


Why use a travel agent 2023?

With close connections to airlines, hotels, and tour guides, travel agents often have access to special deals and preferential pricing you won't find on your own. They know about seasonal deals, low-cost specials, and unique experiences that would be hard for you to find building your trip online yourself.


Why not to book with a travel agent?

Cons of using a travel agent Less convenient - Many travel agents only offer services during certain limited office hours. On the other hand, by booking online, you can make your bookings any time you want. Some travel booking sites also offer 24/7 customer support.


Is AAA travel agency worth it?

While you could spend hours scouring the internet, reading questionable reviews and looking for deals, a AAA Travel Agent's hard-won relationships could be benefitting you. Studies have shown working with a travel agent saves travelers over three hours of time spent planning per trip.


Is it smart to book with a travel agent?

A Travel Agent Can Handle the Unexpected. Between weather delays, natural disasters, flight cancellations, lost luggage and much more, a lot can happen on vacation. Travel agents act as the traveler's advocate in the event something goes wrong, helping navigate the challenge of making any necessary itinerary changes.


What are the disadvantages of using a travel agent?

  • You're Not The One Planning Your Travel. While not planning your travel is a pro to some, for other travelers, it's a major con. ...
  • You Add Another Person To The Equation. ...
  • You Actually Have To Find The Agent. ...
  • They're Not Great For Spur-Of-The-Moment Changes.