| Travel agents are indispensable resources for planning | | | | surprises. |
| complicated trips, finding out the ins and outs of a | | | | 4. Does the agent have special relationships with travel |
| destination, saving time, preventing travel headaches | | | | suppliers? |
| and getting the best value. However, each agent is | | | | Travel agents can often get you perks that are not |
| different. Be sure that your travel agent is a good | | | | available to the general public or published on the |
| match for you by asking these questions. | | | | Internet. Hotels, car rental agencies and tour companies |
| 1. What is the agent's specialty? | | | | often make perks such as upgrades, discounted |
| An agent who narrowly specializes in a destination or | | | | parking, and express check-in available only to agents |
| certain products, such as cruises, can provide solid | | | | who have negotiated them or to agents who have |
| advice that will be crucial to booking a rewarding, | | | | elite status. Find out if your agent is one of them. |
| problem-free trip. | | | | 5. What happens if something goes wrong? |
| Does the agent specialize in adventure tours or | | | | Inconveniences are sometimes unavoidable. A flight |
| culinary trips? Does he or she frequently book groups? | | | | may be canceled; the weather may be uncooperative. |
| Is the agent a cruise expert? You wouldn't go to a | | | | Find out how your agent responds to problems when |
| podiatrist to treat a toothache. The same concept | | | | they occur and what his or her policies are. It is also |
| goes for travel agents. If you're traveling to the | | | | helpful to pay attention to how the agent interacts with |
| Caribbean, work with a Caribbean travel specialist. | | | | you. Is he or she easy to reach? Does the agent get |
| 2. Has the agent traveled to your destination? | | | | back to you promptly when you call or email? An |
| There's no substitute for first-hand knowledge. An | | | | agent should be there for you even after the trip is |
| agent who has actually traveled to the place where | | | | booked. |
| you want to go will know first-hand about the activities | | | | 6. What questions does the agent have for you? |
| in which you plan to participate and the hotels in which | | | | Make sure that your travel agent has the right |
| you plan to stay. An agent who has been to the | | | | information about you to make the best |
| destination can make informed recommendations to | | | | recommendations. Also, choose an agent who is |
| steer you in the right direction. | | | | receptive to your priorities. |
| 3. What are the agent's fees? | | | | Even if you request something as simple as a |
| Agents may charge a fee for each service, such as a | | | | four-day trip to Rome, you should be asked a number |
| flight, charge a flat rate, or earn a commission. Expect | | | | of questions from whether you prefer fine dining |
| to compensate the agent for his or her time, advice, | | | | establishments or street vendors to what type of |
| planning expertise and work. Still, it is a good idea to | | | | hotels you like best. In the end, you will be offered a |
| find out the fees and deposits up front so there are no | | | | trip that is the best match for you. |