Guide to choosing the best travel agent
Travel agents have become somewhat obsolete since the increase in internet travel bookings, but if you would like to use a travel agent, make sure you choose the right one. This guide explains what to look for in a good travel agent, and the top 10 questions you should ask.
Choosing a travel agent
What should you look for in a good travel agent?
Financial Security
A travel agent should be AFTA bonded; ensuring recompense if an airline or tour operator goes bust. If you are not AFTA recognised how do you protect me financially should anything go wrong?
Expert Knowledge
A travel agent has access to information you don't. They should be able to tell you if that quaint fishing village in the brochure is now a building site full of high-rise apartments.
That Personal Touch
Ok so you're looking for a holiday, not a relationship. But once you find a good agent, try to develop a working relationship with them. They can be a great source of special offers tailored to your needs.
What you DON'T want in a travel agent
Poor Product knowledge
A bad travel agent might as well be selling you a used car as a holiday. To them it's a question of shifting a product, not providing you with a service.
Selling you a Product they want to sell, not the one that's best for you
Travel Agents can be offered many incentives to move an airline or tour operator's product. Travel insurance is a wonderful case in point, you will frequently be told you need to purchase travel insurance, which makes sense, but you don't need to purchase the travel insurance offered by the Agent. Often you can obtain insurance far cheaper elsewhere.
Untrained Staff
How do you sort out the experienced travel agent from the agent who doesn't have a clue? One way is word of mouth, if your friends or relatives have had a good experience with a particular agency then that might be sufficient for you.
Top 10 Questions to ask your travel agent
- How and where do I get a passport? How long does it take to process your passport and what factors can stop you from getting one? How much does it cost?
- Are you an AFTA Travel Agent? These agents are bound by a code of ethics and also have avenues to seek compensation should anything go wrong with your flight.
- When is the best time to travel? Depending on the time of year you wish to travel, you can save money. Also, you'll want to visit your holiday destination at the right time of year to get the best experience
- What do I need to know about currency conversion? What are the processes when transferring money overseas, how to avoid unscrupulous operators
- Are there any particularly dangerous areas I should avoid in my chosen travel destination? Do I need to be aware of any hot zones in the country? Eg. Several parts of South Africa should be avoided due to theft, looting and murders occurring frequently
- Should I buy travel insurance? Ask for a few packages, not just the one they suggest, because travel agents can be sponsored by insurance providers and will promote a certain product
- Are there any flight/hotel/insurance package deals available? Big savings are to be had with these deals.
- What vaccinations do I need? Before flying to some countries, you may be required to have a vaccination, so find out which ones apply, or ask the agent for the name of a good travel doctor in your area.
- What are my flight options? Can I fly direct or do I need a connecting flight? Which is cheaper and who are the better carriers?
- What facilities are available for disabled customers? If you need a wheelchair or other device, what steps are taken to ensure I am looked after throughout my entire journey?