How to benefit from travel agents to assist in planning your trip Cheon Bo Young

And often considered the easiest way to book a flight, online travel options are numerous and compelling that people are turning to travel agencies for the convenience of one stop shopping.

Agents and simplify your life

The travel agent is not the job for you, from booking trains, flights and hotels to find the best deals and security updates. You can get tickets for the show, making dinner reservations, and recommend options that have not yet thought of. That saves time, to sift through the options and propose only those that meet your preferences and budget.
Best of all, you can avoid headaches and travel agent. The cancellation policies, and hidden costs not be a surprise. If you have a problem during the trip (ie cancellations of flight), which can serve as an advocate on their part to solve any problem.
In short, travel agents help you get the best value. Not always about getting a deal less, but the existence of travel to the expectations that the key is finding the right agent for you, and help them understand their needs.

What to Look For

Travel experience - and the agent who has traveled to the place you want to go from first hand knowledge of things to see and do, and the best places to stay at your destination.

Expertise - you may want an agent who specializes in certain types of flights. No travel agent specializing in luxury travel or adventure? Not that he or she is working with families? Cruz, an expert is the agent?

Not required to travel agents under the law has certain certificates - the certificates. However, a number of organizations to provide guidelines to help you select and reputable agencies. Y (International Air Transport Association) IATA requires certification bodies to meet strict criteria of the company. CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) to see a specialist Cruz. In addition, some states offer a license for the seller of travel.
Affiliation - although some agents work as employees in the travel agency and the contractors with their own independent agencies often operate under the auspices of the travel agency or the host partner for the distribution of resources and contacts and experiences. Could it be that both types of agents are equally good. If you are working with an independent agent, and find out who they are and agencies traveling companion.
Philosophy - What is the philosophy of a travel agent? Add this ensures that the agent is a good match for you. For example, if you cringe at the idea of ??roughing it in just under four-star hotel, an agent believes a hotel room for no more than a place to sleep may not be the best for you.

What is your role?

Travel Agents in an attempt to avoid buyers who seek freedom of information, then go to another place in the book. For an agent to work hard to offer the options that may not be able to find anywhere else, I assure you that you are serious about giving their business. Additionally, the agent needs your input in order to provide informed recommendations. Let the customer know what kind of experience you expect, what type of hotel you prefer and your budget. I tell you what you liked and did not their previous trips. In this way will be clear to the agent and its priorities.

Understanding your needs

A good travel agent and ask many questions. Fulfilled until the request is clear and simple as a trip to Paris with a lot of questions from the airport and you prefer, if you prefer shopping or museums.
How can workers respond to their concerns? Make sure he or she accepts what she wants, and makes suggestions based on your expectations - and not on the basis of what an agent wants you sell.
Warning signs
Sometimes an agent can not be worth the effort or money. Consider whether an agent is not any of the following.

1. Would not return calls or respond to emails in a timely manner. Call back within 24 hours is reasonable. Invitation to a few hours or immediately, is even better.
2. Try to steer you to some travel service providers, not aligned with their priorities.
3. To run through meetings or calls. Must be able to spend as much time as necessary to discuss your trip and ask as many questions as you wish for How to benefit from travel agents to assist in planning your trip Cheon Bo Young.
4. Claims to be an expert in every product and every place in the world. This is unrealistic. The large number of destinations and options available means must be focused and experienced travel agent to have real value. The best agents specialize in a particular product, such as cruises, or destination countries, such as the Caribbean.

Fee It's a good idea to know upfront fees. Agents can be a commission for each product, such as aviation, and I was responsible for a flat fee, or to be paid only on request. But if there is a great vacation is more important for you to get a cheaper deal, and we expect an agent to compensate for his or her time and advice, work y. In the end, and usually charge a small price to pay compared to the value obtained.