How to Choose a Travel Agency

Travel is one of the most popular activities and there are a large number of tour packages to choose from. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult to ensure that you have chosen the best travel package. The problem is no so big and can be avoided by simply taking the services of a good, reliable travel agency or travel agent. But, how to make sure that the travel agency you have chosen is good enough? Don’t worry; all you have to do is a little homework before going for a particular travel agency. The travel and tourism industry is on its peak right now and therefore, the market is full of travel agents. Almost, all come with attractive tour packages and offers for the customers. The increasing usage of Internet allows people to know more about different travel agencies and their packages.

A good travel agency can provide you with a wide range of services. An important aspect that makes an agency a good one is their communication and support skill. A professional travel agency will have the ability to explain various choices in detail and if required or help the customer through a problem. Before choosing any travel agency one should look for its “Registration” and enquire whether the government recognizes it. The agents working for the agency must have proper license to do the job. However, registration does not guarantees professionalism or good service, but it only ensures you that the travel agency is not a fraud.

A travel agency is of great help to you in planning out your vacations. Travel is usually split into two parts – business or corporate travel, and leisure or personal travel. Even though, travel agencies will be delighted to serve you all types of travel, but most of them are likely to be stronger in either business travels or leisure travel services. Ask the travel agency about their specialty. If your need is ‘leisure’ then go for the one more focused into arranging personal or leisure trips. Try to find a specialist if you have special rather than general needs.

One more interesting way of knowing the goodwill of a travel agency is to carry out the acid test, i.e. ask the people what they think about the agency and its services. Ask the agency for a list of its customers and clients, and contact them to know about their opinion about the travel agency.

A tourist is munificent if he is attended well. Every travel agency or guide must behave as a representative of the destination because it is through him the tourist gathers impressions and information of that particular place and country. Ask your travel agency if they take care that all the facilities provided to the traveler are comfortable enough? Do they arrange hygienic food that is reasonably priced, offer neat and clean affordable lodging etc.?

These days a travel agency offers a lot of value-added services to tourists to make their vacation a memorable and luxurious one. A travel agent arranges escorted tours, discounts in hotel booking, incentive travel, and so on. A travel agency also arranges transport, hotel accommodation, and car rentals for their clients. They are also the primary source of booking for most cruise liners. Travel agencies know about weather conditions, customs and local ordinances, attractions, and so on. For international travelers, they provide necessary information on custom rules, essential papers like passports, visas, and currency exchange rates. Also, if there is any change in the itinerary in the middle of the journey, then the travel agents make alternate arrangements for the client. Find out if your travel agency offers these services at competitive prices?

Traveling can be of great fun if you take a little care and choose a good travel agency. Do meticulous planning and enjoy a pleasant vacation.

Article written by Mr. Vimal Kumar, owner of Nitin International, – Travel Agency India. Nitin International (a travel agent based in Delhi, Gurgaon) also offers online airline ticket booking and online railway ticket reservation services.

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Planning a Vacation….look for the Right Travel Agency

Formerly a British colony, Belize, the small yet magnificent Central American country, is breathtakingly beautiful with numerous activities to offer to its visitors.

This small land consists of inhabitants coming from diverse backgrounds ranging from Creole, Mayan, Garifuna, Hispanic, Mestizo and Middle Eastern. There is the world-renowned barrier reef, dense rainforests, beaches, mountains, along with island adventures, Mayan ruins, jungles, exotic wildlife and lots more to explore in Belize.

With so much to explore and experience in Belize, you would not want to miss even a single delight. Therefore you need somebody who can guide you throughout this enchanting country.

A travel agency well versed with Belize can easily arrange the accommodation, tours etc. for you. Travel agents can guide you throughout your journey, suggest the most exotic places to see and look after your needs.

But finding a good, reputed travel agency is not that easy. You need to check certain things before you let any travel agency to take care of your travel plans.

The following tips will help you in choosing a travel agency which can make your vacation productive and satisfying:

Check out the certifications

The travel agency should have the licensed certificates of some approved travel authority. Check out whether the agency is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents. An ASTA certified travel agent is reliable, as the world's largest association of travel professionals. There are many stringent rules and requirements to become a member of the ASTA.

Contact Information

A reliable travel agent is the one who can be contacted physically and not just over e-mails. If the address of its office is not mentioned on the website, then it is a cause of worry.

No hidden charges

A reliable travel agency won’t charge you any hidden fees for their services. They would mention right in the beginning the entire expense of your tour and won’t ask extra money for the services they have not delivered.

Personal assistance

If you manage to find a travel agency which can assist you personally at your destination and throughout your journey, then you may have the agency you need. A good travel agency is one which not only provides impeccable services at best prices but also gives advice and adds value to your vacation.

Agents can put you in the right group

The kind of people who are traveling with you in a group make a lot of difference to your trip. For example, if an older couple is made to travel with a group of honeymooners, then quite naturally they would feel a little odd. Hence, tell the agents what your preferences are. They can help you join the people of the same age group and areas of interest.

Recommend according to your budget

Travel agencies typically enjoy a wide network of contacts with hotels, resorts, restaurants, companies offering snorkeling and diving gear and other equipment. They can recommend places and accommodation based upon your budget and requirements. Suppose you want do snorkeling or diving. A travel agent can guide you to the place, such as Ambergris Caye, Hopkins or any other place where you can indulge in your favorite activities set in your budget. Similarly, if offbeat tours such as Belize jungle vacations or adventure tours is what you like, it is always better to let the agency chalk out your itinerary according to your budget.

Plan early

The earlier you start planning, the better. If you wish to visit Belize and its popular islands (called cayes) during the month of Christmas, Thanksgiving or New Year, book as early as possible. The sooner you contact a reliable travel agency, the better accommodation you are likely to get. The peak season to visit Belize is between the months of December to April. Therefore, contact your travel agency and book in advance for your Belize jungle vacations or Belize adventure tours to avoid the rush.

Edward Wilson is a well-known travel journalist based in Belize. He has written extensively on Belize jungle vacations and Belize adventure tours which are a tourist’s delight.

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