| people are looking at price when searching for a | | | | you planned on. Be sure to get all agency rates and |
| discount travel agency, however, there are some | | | | fees on paper to avoid surprises. |
| other things you need to watch out for that can | | | | 5) Respectable travel agencies will bend over |
| save you time, money and headaches when using a | | | | backwards to make sure you are well taken care of, |
| travel agency to plan your trip. | | | | especially if you have medical needs while traveling. |
| 1) Check to see if the agency is a member of ASTA | | | | An agency out for a quick buck will not provide you |
| (American Society of Travel Agents). Agencies who | | | | with great customer service, so ask questions about |
| are members must follow strict rules of conduct. If | | | | how they will accommodate your special requests |
| you should have a problem with your agency, it will | | | | before signing. |
| be easier for you to file a complaint. | | | | 6) A good travel agency will be there to help you |
| 2) Make sure their offer isn’t too good to be | | | | during and after your trip to make sure everything is |
| true. The travel industry is very competitive and | | | | going smoothly. If you have a problem during your |
| some agencies will promise you the moon. Make sure | | | | trip, the agency will be available to assist you. Fly by |
| they can deliver what they promise before signing up. | | | | night services will disappear after you’ve |
| 3) The agency should disclose their full contact | | | | handed over your money. Check out the |
| information. You should easily be able to find their | | | | agency’s reputation before you commit to a |
| name, address, phone number and email address. Call | | | | deal. |
| the phone number and see if a real person answers. | | | | 7) A good travel agency will have access to all kinds |
| If their contact information isn’t readily | | | | of information about the city and/or country you are |
| available, you should take your business elsewhere. | | | | visiting. They are one of the best insider travel tip |
| 4) Some discount agencies will promise you low rates | | | | resources around whether you need a business travel |
| to get your business, then hit you with hidden fees. | | | | tip, family travel tip, an air travel tip, or a travel |
| Since you are budgeting for your trip, you | | | | packing tip. |
| don’t want to be hit with a larger bill than | | | | |