4 Strategies for Finding a Good Travel Agent

The travel industry is a cut-throat one. Facing stiff competition, low profit margins and competition from online travel portals, travel agents is not an occupation for the faint-hearted.

With cut-throat competition abound in the industry; itÕs no wonder that rip-off stories and bad service by travel agents has rocked the confidence of holiday-makers. So are you still wondering if it is still possible to find a travel agent that is good enough for you? Here's how you can find a creditable travel agent for yourself.

Travel objectives

Know what you want first before you approach a travel agent. Write them down if necessary. No point finding a travel agent that can only offer you a land-based package when you are interested in a cruise instead. It's simply wasting their time and yours.

Flexibility in pricing

A good travel agent should be one that you can negotiate with. Airlines are offering travel agents lower commission than before. Hence, there is every chance that they want to earn what they have lost from from you instead. Be brave and ask for discounts if you feel you are not getting what you are paying for.

Network

Word of mouth is powerful. Usually the best way to know if a travel agent is good is to use your network of contacts to find them. Check out who has use who. Find out what is the service level these travel agents have been providing, and the ratings the received from your contacts. This can gives you a very good idea of the competency of the travel agent.

Long term relationship

Unless you are planning to use the travel agent service only once, it is good for you to let them know you are seeking a long term relationship with them. If the travel agent knows he can expect repeat business from you, chances are, they will work harder to earn your respect. Shape their behavior and reward them if they improving. Refer him to others if you like. This can create some goodwill the next time you book a package with them.

Last of all, the best tip I have for you is, when you have found a travel agent that you like, stick with them!

By Jerrick Foo.

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Cheap Travel Insurance Can Be As Good As The Expensive Kind

Planning a vacation can be fun, but it can also be expensive. Most of us are on a budget when it comes to traveling so we want to get the most for our money. The issue of buying travel insurance is one that often comes up. Some people think of it as an option and others view it is as a necessity. While some people think travel insurance is a good idea they donÕt want to spend the money on it.

Cheap travel insurance is available for a lower cost, but donÕt expect the same coverage in most cases. It is important that you carefully read the information relating to the coverage it offers. In many instances cheap travel insurance will only cover a percentage of your total travel expenses but that is still better than nothing should you have to cancel.

On average you can purchase cheap travel insurance for about 3% of the value of your trip. This is compared to paying 5% of the value for traditional travel insurance. If you are buying a travel package online or through a travel agent you will find that you can get better rates for cheap travel insurance than if you try to get it independently.

Cheap travel insurance does not necessarily mean that it is not the same quality though. Many travel agencies understand that most people do not view travel insurance as a necessity. They also know if they offer it at a lower cost than their competition it can be a deciding factor for some people to purchase their trip from them.

Take the time to compare prices when it comes to cheap travel insurance. Make sure you compare the price as well as the coverage it offers. You want to make sure you use an apples to apples approach when you are trying to get the best deal for your money. If you are not getting clear information about the coverage offered then make sure you ask before you make the purchase.

It is also important for you to understand that many last minute travel deals or discounted travel packages do not offer you any type of travel insurance. If you have saved substantially on your travel arrangements then you need to use some of that savings to purchase some cheap travel insurance from an independent resource.

You really never know when an unexpected emergency or illness will cause you to cancel your travel plans. While that can be disappointing having travel insurance will help ensure you can reschedule it or get a refund. Even if you can only afford cheap travel insurance you will get a portion refunded and you can use that money towards rescheduling your travel plans.

By Chris Jonas.

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