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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Golf Travel Case: Travel in Style

A golf travel case is a necessity for any golfer that travels. Not only are golf clubs heavy and awkward to lug around, it is very difficult when carrying other luggage on a trip.

Most golfers like using their own golf clubs so a golf travel case is just the answer. There are a few different kinds of golf travel cases with some better for airline travel and others for automobile travel.

The hard golf travel cases are a little pricier but are the best for airline travel as they can take lots of rough handling. When you fly, you have no idea how they put your golf clubs on or off the plane. A hard golf travel case is the best way to protect your golf clubs when flying.

Soft golf travel cases are more flexible so for traveling by car, they are ideal. They are a little less expensive than the hard golf travel case but are far easier to store when you arrive at your destination as they fold up into a small bundle.

When looking for a golf travel case to buy, here are a few things to look for:

1. Whether it is a hard or soft case, make sure they have a fully padded interior from bottom to top, as you do not want your golf clubs damaged.

2. Golf travel cases with a padlock and an I.D. window are very handy.

3. Make sure the stitching is double on the soft golf travel cases.

4. Double latches or zippers opening from top to bottom will make the case more accessible.

Golf travel cases with lots of pockets give you extra storage for your golf items. Locked recessed golf shoe pockets, expandable outside pockets and padlocks for all zippers is something to look into.

Golf travel cases need wheels, preferable inline skate wheels as your do not want them to break down. Handles along the side, top and bottom help in carrying the golf travel case. Lastly, a golf travel case should be waterproof.

By Michelle Sharpe.

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