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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Travel Lodge - Accommodation at a Reasonable Price

If you are planning to go on a vacation, then the very first thing which comes to our mind is the accommodation. And, at several times we have to limit our destination choices because the lodging expenses are too expensive and most of us look for the comfort as we find in our home.

The travel lodge can provide you the accommodation with lot of facilities and which can give you a home like feeling. You may find several travel lodges in the UK which can suit your requirements and will be in your budget too.

The travel lodge can be defined as a chain of hotels which can provide you the budgeted rooms with no any frills. There are several travel lodges where the maintenance and cleanliness are above average. The travel lodge offers consistent level of products with the modern facilities.

With a price range of £60 to £110, you can get quality accommodation with spacious bed rooms, TVs in each and every room and with tea and coffee making facilities. Apart from this, there are some cheap travel lodge where you can save a significant amount of money as well. But, a cheap travel lodge doesnÕt mean that you have to compromise on hygiene and cleanliness. It only means that you only have to cut down your comfort and luxuries part. So, if you donÕt want to avail luxuries then cheap travel lodges would be suitable for you.

There are travel lodges which can even be booked at a price as low as £26. Some of the travel lodges in the UK can even give you the flexibility to book 12 months in advance. You can do online booking into these lodges. It is advisable to check out the rates offered by the different travel lodge and then go for the lodge which offers a reasonable price.

By Adam Jaylin.

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