In the travel industry, the more knowledgeable your travel agent, the better your vacation will be. Knowledgeable travel agents know tips and tricks for making the most of your destination, such as how to get the most exclusive tickets to activities and events, when to travel for the best weather, and best of all, how to save the most money on your vacation. If you are interested in booking a vacation, work with a travel agent who knows the ropes. Though, how do you find the most knowledgeable travel agent out there? Here are some tips for choosing your agent:
Tip #1: Look at past experience.
Someone who has spent ten or more years in any industry is usually more knowledgeable than someone who has only been in the industry for just a few months. There’s something to be said about working with a travel agent who has a fresh approach to vacations, and age is not always a good indication of knowledge, but this is a start.
More so than time in the travel industry, however, you want to look at the volume of work that they do. Some travel agents only book a few trips every year. Others work with dozens or even hundreds of travelers every year. So, as far as “experience” goes, look at both time in the industry and number of trips they’ve booked.
Tip #2: Work with someone who has booked trips to your destination in the past.
Most travel agents have booked trips to Disney World and Hawaii, but what about somewhere more obscure? Travel agents can schedule trips to anywhere you’d like to go, but that does not mean that they are knowledgeable about the area. If you want to take a ski vacation to somewhere in the Eastern United States, for example, it is not enough that your travel agent has booked trips to the Rockies. Before hiring a travel agent, find out where they have had success booking vacations in the past. For the best experience, work with an agent who has actually traveled to this destination as well.
Tip #3: “Interview” your travel agent.
When you first talk to a travel agent about your trip, don’t let them begin booking your trip right away. It’s really easy, and not uncommon, to just stop by an office wanting some information and leave with a signed contract in hand. Remember, though, when you talk to a travel agent for the first time, you are essentially interviewing them for the job.
As part of your initial meeting, you should talk about the travel agent’s experience, understanding of the location, commission rate, and more. Do not be afraid to ask questions to find out if your travel agent really is knowledgeable about the trip you want to take.
Tip #4: Get recommendations from your friends and family members.
While it is important to get recommendations, you can’t always believe what you read or hear. That is why you should stick to travel agents who are recommended by your friends and family members. It is really easy for some travel agencies to pay for good testimonials, but that does not mean that they are actually knowledgeable about your destination.
When talking to your friends and family members about travel agents that they have used, remember to take their compliments and criticisms with a grain of salt. What are these travelers like? If your cousin Jane likes to plan out every last detail herself, her travel agent might not have done more than booking the flight and hotel stay. If your roommate is hard to please, her “terrible” vacation was probably not all that bad.
Tip #5: Test their knowledge.
Lastly, do your own research so that you can test your travel agent’s knowledge. You should not be trying to trick them, but let’s face it, when you are ready to sign that check, no travel agent is going to come out and tell you that they don’t know anything about vacations to China or cruises to Alaska. Travel agents are good at talking their way through situations, so test them out to see how much they really know.
For example, you might do some research to learn about the airport options when you want to visit Southern California. Ask your travel agent about the choices. If he or she quickly says that LAX is the only airport in the area, even though your own research shows that there is another option, that’s not a good sign! Travel agents can’t know everything, but instead of feeding you information that is incorrect or incomplete for the sake of seeming like they are an expert, they should tell you that they are not sure and offer to find out for you. The most knowledgeable travel agents are always willing to keep learning.
Archive for the Category »Travel Agent «
The travel industry is a seven trillion dollar industry expected to double to fourteen trillion dollars within the next decade. This lucrative industry is currently growing 23% faster than the global economy.
A key factor in this growth phenomenon is the steady stream of baby boomers who are retiring, or getting ready to retire. In fact, baby boomers are retiring at a rate of one every eight seconds. Travel was rated the number one thing these baby boomers intend to do when they do retire.
There is now an increased demand for qualified travel agents, due to the explosive growth of the industry as a whole. To become a certified travel agent, your options are not limited to the traditional brick and mortar setting.
Many reputable travel agencies are now offering attractive options for the individual looking for a legitimate home based business.
If your goal is to work as an independent travel agent from the comfort of your own home, you may want to consider working as an online travel agent.
Here are some companies that you can research, that offer excellent income opportunities and complete training. Please note, that many travel companies that actively recruit agents to work from home, will hire their agents as employees.
There are also travel companies that recruit independent agents. This option will offer the agent the freedom of being self-employed, and the ability to set their own hours.
To take advantage of this option, be aware that there will be an investment required. The ability to make money will be solely at the discretion of the agent who chooses to invest in this business model.
On a positive note, many agents who have invested in this business model are making a very nice income, so be sure to research this option before ruling it out.
Travel companies that currently offer the independent agent business model include TraVerus Travel Network, Global Resorts Network, and Your Travel Business, also known as YTB.
Make sure to do your due diligence! Be sure to research each company carefully, and make it a priority to fully understand the compensation plan. You will also need to know what training is available, and whether the company will offer you the opportunity to become certified.
Don’t be afraid to ask important questions, such as whether the company has IATA(International Air Transport Association), IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network), and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Credentials. This is important information to know, especially if you intend to take advantage of the travel perks and benefits available to those in the travel industry.
Here are some questions to ask – What is the initial investment, if any? Are there any additional costs or fees associated with obtaining licensing, or becoming certified? And finally, if you are considering a work at home position, what kind of support and training is offered?
Next, determine whether you a right fit for the travel industry. Lets break down the qualifications that will determine whether you are suited for this challenging, but rewarding career.
Travel agents should have a minimum of a high school diploma. Agents should have a true love for travel,as well as a sincere enthusiasm and love for working with people, because these traits are crucial elements for success in this industry.
Travel agents should also possess excellent multi-tasking and organization skills. Attention to detail and accuracy are very important, along with great communication skills. In addition, good computer skills will be needed.
Travel agents should possess a professional, courteous demeanor when working with suppliers, and the general public. Sales ability and great interpersonal skills are an added plus.
The benefits of becoming a travel agent are many. I have listed the top three.
Travel agents save up to 80% on travel to many of the worlds exclusive resorts and destinations. These discounts include, but are not limited to:
a. Complimentary upgrades
b. Hotel room upgrades and discounts
c. Car rental discounts and upgrades
d. Cruises
e. Theme park discounts
f. Vacation Packages
FAM trips, also known as familiarization trips. Suppliers will offer access to their facilities at substantial discounts so that travel agents will have first hand knowledge of their facilities. The travel agent will then be able to make recommendations and book travel for their clients based on their personal knowledge and first hand experience.
The supplier will roll out the red carpet for the travel agent to ensure the travel professional has an outstanding time.
There are also tax benefits for individuals who chose to do this profession as an independent travel agent. You should consult with your CPA or tax professional for more information regarding this benefit.
So, how do I become a travel agent? In summary, becoming a travel agent can be a lucrative and rewarding career. Should you decide that you possess the skills and abilities needed for success, you can look forward to a promising career.
In addition to the companies named in this article, you can do further research online at Google or Yahoo using the following keywords – become a travel agent, how do I become a travel agent, travel agent careers, or online travel agent.
In this day of online trip booking and lowest price airfare searches, do you still need a travel agent? According to the ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) and most travelers, the answer is a resounding yes. Travel agents still book nearly 90% of all cruises and over 80% of all tours and packages. A consumer-conscious travel agent will work hard to find you the best possible combination of price and features to make your tour a dream vacation. Here are some questions to ask that will help you evaluate travel agents and be sure that you find the best one for your booking and travel needs.
1. Do you know a good travel agent?
Yes, start by asking around. A good travel agent will build a good reputation. If you have friends and associates who travel often, ask them for their recommendations. Those will be a good starting point for your own search.
2. How long have you been doing this?
Look for an agent that has been in business for five years or longer. While length of time in business is no guarantee of commitment or knowledge, experience is a great teacher.
3. What are your qualifications as a travel agent?
There are a number of professional training courses that your agent may have taken. The highest certification for a travel agent is a Certified Travel Consultant, which requires five years of full time travel industry experience and the completion of twelve courses. Other certificates include Certified Travel Associate, and Destination Specialist. While it is not necessary for a travel agent to hold any of these qualifications, they do provide proof of commitment and knowledge in the industry.
4. Are you affiliated with an agency?
On the other hand, even a younger, newer agent who is affiliated with an established agency has access to the resources and information of the entire agency. That’s not to say that outside agents – those who work outside an agency – are not as good. An outside agent has the advantage of flexibility in booking trips that are not part of their agency’s offered products.
5. Are you affiliated with any professional organizations?
U.S. travel agents are not generally regulated or held to uniform standards, but there are two major professional bodies to which they may belong, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and the Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA).
6. What questions is the agent asking me?
One of the most important qualifications for a travel agent is an awareness of and sensitivity to your needs. The agent you’re working with should be full of questions aimed at learning as much as possible about your needs. A good travel agent will be focused on you and your needs, not just on the products they are selling you.
7. Do you have any specialist knowledge?
Some agencies and agents specialize in a particular type of trip. If you have special needs or are seeking a unique type of vacation – like the new and very popular eco-tours – you may do far better with an agent who is experienced in that special field. Other specialties may include booking tours and trips for people with limitations and/or disabilities, booking adventure tours, or booking trips to a specific destination.
8. How do you find me the best deals?
You can ask more specific questions, but you’re really trying to find out how well-connected your travel agent is within the industry, and how current they are with the latest technologies and developments. You’re looking for answers like, “we have preferred supplier arrangements with these travel companies” and “I subscribe to these databases of travel offers” – answers that make it clear your travel agent uses all the resources available to find you the best possible trip.
9. What will happen if I have an overseas emergency while your agency is closed?
Your travel agent can and should be your strongest advocate before, during and after your trip. Being able to contact your agency during their off hours can mean the difference between sitting in a hotel lobby waiting until the office reopens. The answer you want is: “There is always an agent on call to resolve problems that might arise even when we’re closed.”
10. Do I like this person and feel comfortable with them?
While it’s not necessary to like someone in order to do business with them, it’s a very good gauge of how well they’re relating to you. You’ll get the best service and vacation experience from a travel agent who is focused on you, your companions and helping you arrange the vacation of a lifetime. After all, a good agent isn’t looking for a sale – they’re looking for a long-term relationship.