| Getting the Most from Your Travel Agent |
Imagine arriving at a "first class" European hotel only to find it's actually very ordinary and not at all luxurious. Most consumers, especially those booking via the hotel's Web site, would be unaware that in the rest of the world, a first class rating actually means average. Or, what about booking a second honeymoon, only to discover that your fellow cruise passengers are actually 2,000 boisterous salesmen being rewarded for exceeding their quotas.
Had you been privy to this information prior to booking your trip, you probably would have selected a different category of hotel or changed your cruise dates. A seasoned travel professional can provide this insider information. But, most importantly, she can be the key in making sure your expensive vacation turns into a personalized and positive experience.
The Travel Institute provides the following tips to help ensure a personalized vacation planning experience and great service from a travel professional:
1. Check your agent's background. Check for the CTC (Certified Travel Counselor), CTA (Certified Travel Associate) or DS (Destination Specialist) professional certifications. Typically, certified agents proudly display their credentials on business cards, advertisements, in storefront windows or the yellow pages. Otherwise, just call and ask. The CTC certification is the travel industry's highest level of professional achievement. It is granted to professionals with at least five years of travel experience and who have completed a rigorous academic study program and exam, assuring travelers they are dealing with the travel industry's most knowledgeable and reputable professional. Travelers can also visit www.thetravelinstitute.com and click on "Find a Travel Professional" to locate a certified professional in their area.
2. Think of your agent as an "information sifter." Become an educated consumer by reading guidebooks, travel magazines and surfing travel Web sites. A good place to start is the Web site of the destination's convention and visitor's bureau. Present your findings to your travel agent, and she'll use her knowledge and experience to help you sift through the information to locate options that are best suited to your budget and taste. Many times, especially if they are certified Destination Specialists, travel professionals can make invaluable recommendations based on their own personal experiences.
3. Plan ahead. When booking airline tickets, cruise packages and hotel accommodations, the earlier you start, the better. Especially if you are planning a vacation during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holiday seasons. Booking holiday travel 4-6 months out will better your chances of choosing from the best options and price selections.
4. Describe the people you would most like to meet while traveling. This may sound a little silly, but think about it. The other travelers on a cruise or tour, or even the other guests staying at a hotel could have a major impact on your vacation. After all, a young honeymooning couple would probably be disappointed staying at a family resort or one that caters to mature travelers and vice versa. A travel agent can provide the "insider" knowledge (i.e. a general profile) of other travelers you are most likely to encounter on your trip and can match your personal interests to a vacation where you will feel most comfortable. And, thanks to their industry contacts, travel agents might be able to find out if a particular cruise or hotel might be hosting a special group or corporate gathering during your stay.
5. Openly discuss your vacation budget. Are luxury accommodations or excursions and fine dining a priority? To help you arrange a truly great vacation, your agent needs to know what you can and cannot afford. Best of all, they can help you get the biggest bang for your buck with accommodations and activitiesuited your style and price range.
6. Provid details on travel partners. Your idea of a vacation is relaxing by the beach, while your significant other would rather be exploring all the hottest attraction------nonstop! Sound like a travel planning nightmare? It shouldn't be. If you clue in your agent on the likes, dislikes, personality and style of each member of your traveling party, she can suggest destinations, options and activities to suit everyone's liking.
The Travel Institute encourages travelers to work with certified travel professionals when making their travel arrangements. They offer unparalleled destination knowledge, have attained years of experience satisfying their customers needs and work with top travel wholesalers to pass along savings to consumers. |
