When you schedule a vacation, you have two main options – booking everything yourself or working with a travel agent. Although many think that they can save money if they do the work solo, you can often get special deals if you work with a travel agent. However, keep in mind that your vacation can be much improved if you ask the right questions. Here are the top questions you should ask your travel agent while making vacation arrangements:
Question #1: Can I get a better deal if I travel on different dates?
If your vacation time is somewhat flexible, you might be able to get a better deal. Originally, your travel agent will put together a package based on the exact departure and return dates your give him or her. However, if that total price still seems a bit high to you, inquire about changing your dates of travel, even if it is only by a day or two. You can usually get a better deal on flights, for example, if you travel on off-peak days, which are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Hotels may have similar mid-week rates, and some tourist attractions even have different rates for weekdays rather than weekends. Before you cut your vacation short, ask about moving the entire schedule by a day or two – you might be pleasantly surprised at the recalculated price.
Question #2: Are the tickets refundable?
When you work with a travel agent, you will probably be booking your vacation months in advance. In that time, circumstances in your life can change. But often your tickets are not refundable if you choose to cancel the trip, nor can they be exchanged if you want to alter some details of your vacation plans. Sometimes, even if the airlines, hotels, etc. allow you to change or cancel, your travel agent requires a cancellation fee for the time she put into planning your vacation. Make sure you discuss these potential charges before you begin working together. Also, if reservations can be exchanged, note whether deadlines are from the date of ticket issue or the date of travel. Policies vary from company to company.
Question #3: How much is your fee?
It is not impolite to ask about the surcharges. While you may feel weird asking upfront about money, this is the best way to find a travel agent who will stick to your budget while still getting you a great vacation. If Travel Agent A charges 10% while Travel Agent B charges just 5%, you will get a much nicer $5,000 vacation with the second agent because less of your total budget is being paid for fees. Also, it is important to review pricing policies before you start working together so that you are both clear on your overall budget. If you do not specify that your total budget amount includes the travel agent’s fee, you could find hundreds of dollars tacked onto the end when it is all said and done.
Question #4: Where can I find more information about my destination?
Travel agents will usually give you some brochures and other information about your vacation location. However, if you want to do even more research, ask your travel agent where you can get started. He or she might have some excellent books you can borrow or know other great websites chock full of travel information for people unfamiliar with a particular destination.
Question #5: Do I need a passport or visa?
Laws regarding travel documents are changing all of the time. If you are traveling anywhere outside of the United States, even if it is just through international waters, make sure that you understand what documents or permissions you need to travel legally. Although many travel agents will give you the information you need when you first begin working together, some assume that you are taking care of this yourself. “What do I need to travel to my destination?” should be one of the first questions out of your mouth when booking a vacation and it is a good idea to continuously double check this information, as laws may change. Remember, you should apply for travel documentation at least three months before leaving – and in some cases, even earlier. If you do not have the proper documentation, you will be stuck in the United States, and you likely will not be refunded for the vacation you missed.
Your travel agent should be willing to answer all of the above-listed questions and more. That is their job – making your vacation go as smoothly as possible. When choosing a travel agent, make sure that you find one who is friendly, knowledgeable, and able to answer whatever questions you might have about your vacation and travel plans.
Lisa Parker
http://www.articlesbase.com/Travel-tips-articles/ask-your-travel-agent-these-questions-626812.html
March 10th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
I need a nice way to say "I'm not your travel agent"?
Since I joined a music group online, Americans keep asking me to plan their trip to Europe, and telling me they want to hire somewhere to stay that’s "inexpensive" and "comfortable". If I suggest some links, they are then ungrateful if the place didn’t meet their needs/sounds too cheap/too pricey. I can’t do all this or check it out personally for them! How would I know what they need? They expect me to guess how much they care to spend. I wish there was a nice way to tell them that they should figure out what they want first, how much they can spend, make their own bookings, do their own research, and question their travel agent. Telling them they are "off topic" seems unfriendly. I don’t know why they feel they can expect this? I just don’t have the time to recommend places to stay to strangers who don’t know what they want.
Please help me to find a friendly explanation why I can’t look into all this for them, I’m here to chat about music?
Thanks to you first six answerers, for your wonderful and understanding replies!
I also so appreciate that you realize I’m not singling out the fact that all these strangers happen to be from the US – trying to figure out how this could be tho’?
I guess it’s a cultural difference – or they are so relieved to see that someone they "know" actually lives there, that I get all these odd questions they have been saving up? (For example, I’ve worked in IT for 15 years, yet some people ask me if there are computers in Ireland!) This is so weird to me! I guess I don’t pick up from their style whether they are a student or well-off, I’m too polite to ask, and then I point them towards the wrong (for them) type of holiday. I still don’t get how my being from Europe creates such an expectation. I’m enjoying reading your helpful and useful suggestions : )
March 10th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
you may want to find a better person that could answer to your needs better than I could do. In order todo that, you may consider consoulting another travel agent! is that good for you? hope so!
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March 10th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
Just say, "I’m sorry — I don’t know anything about planning trips." If they don’t take the hint, simply don’t reply to their messages. I don’t know what the deal is with people, sometimes. I was a secretary for a foreign language department, and people would call us and ask us to book flights to Italy and France! When I told them I couldn’t do that, they’d say, "Well, one of your duties IS travel," and when I’d reply that I was responsible for the travel reimbursements for faculty only, they’d call me an elitist. Heh. I’d just wish them a good day, and hang up. Stupid folks don’t learn, but we sure don’t need to waste our time with them.
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March 10th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
I would just tell them to come to yahoo ask .. there are a lot of people here that will give them tips who enjoy doing that and have the time. I don;t think its rude to tell them they are off topic as you are in a music forum.
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March 10th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
i appreciate the fact that you want to be tactful and helpful. but i must say (and i am an american, btw) that i don’t find it unfriendly to tell travel seekers that you are working for a music group. actually, what you just said in your question (that they need to figure out what they want, how much they’re budgeting, etc.) should be enough. if i were you, i would simply say that while you’re flattered they chose to ask you, you don’t feel quite qualified to give them an educated and accurate opinion. if the receiver is put off by your response, that truly isn’t your fault. you can gently remind them that if they have any music questions, you’re more than happy to answer those.
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March 10th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Why not just say," I’m here to chat about music". Why does it have to be friendly. You don’t know these people, when are you ever gonna see them. Typically I’m not a rude person but if you’re in a music group on line, don’t they get it’s about music. No patience for stupid people.
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March 10th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
If they are from the U.S.tell them to go to http://www.love.allabouthoneymoons.com they can plan any type of trip not just honeymoons and destination weddings. If you tell them what you like and your budget they will plan the perfect trip for you.Best of all if you use there service to book your trip there service is free b/c the fee is paid by the hotel or resort.
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http://www.love.allabouthoneymoons.com
March 10th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
I’m sorry to hear your online friends are taking advantage of you like that. I would just suggest that they do some research online or call a travel agent to look into their trip – tell them you are not a professional and that you don’t feel comfortable suggesting a hotel you haven’t been to before. Each person has a different idea of a budget hotel and what you might like someone else might hate! If you haven’t been to that place – I would just say I haven’t travelled there so I can’t really help you. Tell them to try tripadvisor.com for some good feedback and suggestions on great hotels. If they are really friends, they will understand. Good luck! I hope you can figure a way out of being the local tour guide LOL
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March 10th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
American’s like me often can’t read between the lines. I think your original statement is a good one. Tell them that you are not their travel agent and please do not ask me to help plan your trip.
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March 10th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
I would just say something like this "wow..I never looked into it. I don’t book hotels in my home city/country, so have never needed to know that. How about looking online and if you find something useful, let me know so we can share" LOL..this way, they feel empowered and you get off scott free.
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