All About Traveling and More

Summary:   A great deal of trust is placed in your chosen travel agency, so how do you go about making that choice?

Booking any kind of travel can be a complicated process; you want to ensure that all of your needs are met, have some idea of what to expect when you reach your destination, and take advantage of any discounts or value-added packages that may be available. A great deal of trust is placed in your chosen travel agency, so how do you go about making that choice?

Many agencies proudly display affiliations with domestic and international travel associations, such as CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation), and IATA (International Air Transportation Association. While these affiliations are not entirely meaningless, keep in mind that almost any travel agency can apply for and be accredited memberships. The designations simply mean that the travel agency is approved to sell the products and services represented by these organizations. The exceptions are ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) and ARTA (Association of Retail Travel Agents). Both of these groups have strict membership requirements, and represent a very large number of accredited travel agencies in the US.

Large travel agencies, like American Express Travel and Uniglobe, benefit from a large presence in the industry and can therefore negotiate better prices and deeper discounts, which are then passed along to the customer. If you’re comfortable with “big box” travel agencies, you can be assured that the agents working there will be able to get you some of the best rates available. Franchises of this type of travel agencies will have the same rates available, but may not run the same promotions or offer the same perks.

Smaller travel agencies and independents may be a bit pricier for basic travel products such as package vacations, car rentals, and hotels, but they usually offer more personalized service and will work hard to make sure you get exactly what you’re looking for.

The main consideration for you as a consumer is the type of travel you need. Business travelers generally benefit from the quick service and lower price points of a travel agency chain. Corporate travel relies on a fast turnaround, so discounts for early bookings are discarded in favor of standard agency pricing. Since the agencies belonging to a chain outfit can negotiate with large hotel and car rental chains, the savings can be substantial when a company has a large number of business travelers.

For personal or vacation travel, consumers can benefit from smaller travel agencies that specialize in package deals, cruises, adventure travel, or resort hotels. When an agency specializes in this way, they usually work closely with their preferred companies to promote discounted, time-sensitive package deals, and will go the extra mile to ensure that you get exactly the vacation that you desire.

Most travel agencies charge fees. In the past, agents were able to work on commission, so the need to charge upfront fees wasn’t necessary. Commercial airlines have eliminated agent commissions completely, and other travel-based products now offer a much lower commission to agents. Therefore, in order to make a profit, agencies must charge a fee for their time and hard work. Fees vary widely from agency to agency, however, so comparison shopping comes in handy in this case.

Finally, check with the agency you want to work with to see what basic services they offer to clients. A toll-free emergency telephone number is imperative, in case you need help either en route to or at your destination. Also check the hours that your agent will be available to you. Some are off the clock at 5 pm, while others will take calls around the clock. Staff members should have their own extension or phone number, as well as an e-mail address where you can reach them or leave messages. Find the business that suits your needs the best.

Since you’re placing your trust, time, and money in the hands of your travel agency, it makes sense to take your time and do some research before deciding on an agency to handle your travel plans. If you have trust and confidence in the agency, you’ll have more peace of mind that your vacation or business trip will go off without a hitch.