Be Kind To Your Travel Agent
Copyright 2008 by Worldwide Travel Auctions.com
I sometimes wonder if our friendly travel agents get the recognition from their clients that they truly deserve.
It is a profession which carries with it a huge responsibility when planning a complicated travel itinerary for a client.
We always see them with eyes glued to the computer monitor, tapping away putting all the pieces together in the hope that the whole thing is about to click neatly into place any second now.
If one piece of the puzzle is not fitting correctly after the client's departure it can be disastrous, resulting in missed connections and disruption all over the place and in the end - one unhappy client!
These professionals really are worth their weight in gold and deserve the total respect of those who entrust this work to them.
Usually your travel agent receives his fee from the wholesaler from whom he is purchasing the travel on your behalf.
Sometimes though you may be charged a booking and administration fee to handle your trip and reservation depending on the specific arrangements the agent has with his suppliers.
It pays to check before you get too far down the track on this just to keep everything ‘crystal’ clear from the start.
If a fee is charged it can lead to the misconception that using a travel agency is expensive. This simply is not the case. Sometimes the opposite can be true.
A good agency is able to provide you with valuable information regarding special offers, and the availability of significantly reduced special rates.
They also offer advice about destination travel, travel advisories, entry requirements and travel documentation. This is worthwhile considering if you want to maximize your travel dollar and have a dream destination or exotic vacation to remember.
If you feel confident making your own arrangements by all means do so, but using an experienced travel agent certainly has advantages and minimises the possibility of having travel problems occurring while you are away.
If they do a good job for you remember to tell them so and maybe bring home an inexpensive gratuity for them - a thoughtful gesture (which they don’t expect) but they will appreciate it, and you will be well taken care of next time - guaranteed!
Konrad Carlson