How to Find Travel Agents
When navigating the choppy waters of planning a vacation, utilizing a travel agent can prove to be invaluable. Travel agents are trained to get you the best deals possible for your vacation. It is easy to find a travel agent to work with for your next vacation.
- Look in your phone book for travel agency advertisements. A large metropolitan area will have more agents than a small rural town.
- Call a few agents from the advertisements in the phone book. If it is possible, try to pick different type of agents. Agency-based agents and private agents have different styles of working with clients, and some agents may specialize in a particular area, such as European tours or family cruises.
- Ask the agents what their fees are for their services. Also ask the agents what type of discounts they can offer you on your vacation.
- Do research on each of the agents. Look online for any reviews that have been posted about them. Talk to past clients to find out what their personal experience was.
- Make a list of the pros and cons of each agent. You might find that the cheapest agent has the lowest discount rate. You also might find that the agent who is the most expensive has the highest customer complaints. Putting everything in writing helps to narrow down your choices.
- Book a small weekend vacation with the new agent before booking a two week long vacation. Think of the small weekend vacation as a trial run with the agent. An added bonus is the agent may give you a discount on future bookings.
- Book the long vacation with the agent. After the small weekend vacation goes smoothly, book the longer vacation.
- Ask about any discounts for future travel if you refer friends to the travel agency.