There’s a travel agent for that
By Diane Bair and Pamela Wright GLOBE CORRESPONDENT
ISABEL ESPANOL
According to recent surveys, the number of travelers using a travel agent is on the rise. No wonder: In a time of information overload and complexity, travel advisors can save you time, money, and aggravation, and provide first-hand insight into destinations around the world. But how do you find an advisor who will best manage your valuable vacation time? Here are five tips from the experts.
Check for credentials
The American Society of Travel Agents provides a list of agents by geographic regions or by specialty on its consumer website, www.TravelSense.org. These agents have received the ASTA seal of approval, meaning that they are abiding by an industry code of ethics. Also, check to see if an agent is a Certified Travel Counselor, a certification process managed by The Travel Institute, signaling that the agent has been through at least five years of full-time work in the industry. Finally, ask your friends and acquaintances. “You’d be surprised to learn how many people you know use a travel agent,” says Erika Richter, ASTA Senior Manager, Communications & Government Affairs. “Many of the best travel agents can be found by recommendation.”
Ask the right questions
Do a little research, and then ask specific questions about the destination. “It’s always worthwhile to have a basic knowledge of the location before you call a travel agent,” says Steve Jermanok, a longtime Boston Globe travel contributor and co-owner, with wife Lisa Leavitt, of ActiveTravels, a boutique, full-service travel agency in Newton. “For example, if you say you’re going to Cape Cod and they say, ‘You have to visit Arnold’s in Eastham to try the lobster rolls,’ you know they have the scoop.”
You should ask about overall travel budgets, specific service fees, and references. And, “A good agent will provide background and resource information and suggest books to read to enhance your itinerary,” says Richter.
No comments:
Post a Comment