3 minute read
How To Choose a Professional Travel Advisor
It’s no secret there are far fewer travel agents around now than 20 or even 10 years ago and although the popularity of booking travel online had tried to decimate this career field, using a professional travel designer is now the hottest new thing that never went away! In early 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic forced the closures of international borders and stayat-home orders became the norm, many travelers were left scrambling. Along with expensive rebooking and cancellation fees, travelers were faced with long lines at airports and even longer wait times with customer service representatives. But for consumers who had employed a travel agent, or travel advisor/designer, to book their trips, it was a different story. They were busy securing flights without change fees; negotiating future travel credits; doing the legwork on behalf of their clients to avoid them having to pay anything more. This unfortunately was not always the case for those who had booked with popular on-line travel companies, some even shut their phones off or their clients were left for hours on hold fending for themselves. It was proven that during the COVID—19 pandemic, having the backing of a professional travel designer was a must.
Here’s how to find a good travel agent:
Eleven states require travel agents to be state-licensed. Many of these states only require the agency to have a license and pay a fee. These stipulations offer no real protection for travelers. There are some other ways you can discover if a travel agent is competent, knowledgeable, and honest. First of all, find out if the agency is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents or the Association of Retail Travel Agents. Using an ASTA-affiliated member means you are working with someone who has been vetted and follows the organization’s code of ethics, which can be important should you need a dispute or complaint resolved.
Many are also certified through the Travel Institute, which accredits agents based on their expertise. With many consumers turning to social media, finding a professional travel designer can still be a confusing maze.
Always take care when handing over your hard-earned cash, just because you see a travel company’s Facebook page and pretty pictures, does not mean that they are a professional travel agency or advisor. So many options nowadays; you have on-line agencies, home based agencies, store front agencies. As a rule, most travel agents are well-trained, competent professionals who work hard for you. But taking the time to look at or ask about their credentials, certifications or ask whether the agent or agency is licensed, can save you a headache down the line
A competent travel designer can be a great asset. Certified travel professionals have an edge over the digital world. They work for you to ensure you have the best deal and back up their bookings with personal service that can’t be achieved when booking online by yourself. Travel designers are professionals who know every trick in the book when it comes to ensuring a trip will go smoothly. For a fee, these agents will plan every aspect of your vacation, leaving it up to you only to relax. Best of all, if something goes wrong your agent will be a phone call away with a fix...
Choosing one is no different than choosing a doctor or lawyer. Get advice from friends and relatives who use an advisor they trust. Since travel choices are personal decisions that reflect individual desires and lifestyles, you will want to visit or call several travel agencies to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider everything from the appearance of the office to the travel advisor’s willingness to listen and answer questions. The best advisors want to establish a long-term relationship with a client, not just make one sale.
Destinations Travel Services have ALL the above listed credentials and licenses, and this is why you should always book with a Professional Travel Advisor. They are not a call center - they are your personal travel advocate. They don’t work for the cruise lines, resorts, or airlines, they work for you!
When you find a great travel agent.
If you have found the world’s best travel agent right in your neighborhood, throw her all your business. You will not do better anywhere else. She can see everything the booking engines can see, and sometimes more. She will make a living, you’ll become a preferred customer and the world will be a better place
Using a professional travel advisor will make any good vacation GREAT!
