How Travel Agents Can Help You Get a Discount

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure a travel agent can be extremely helpful when it comes to getting deals and discounts. But, if you aren't careful you may find yourself feeling duped. It's easy to be taken advantage of especially if you don't know what questions to ask and you skim over the fine print. Before making reservations or booking any travel accommodations with an agent there are several things you should be clear on first. To avoid being tricked, stranded, or just plain ripped off here are some tips on dealing with travel agents.

Before signing any forms, agreeing to reservations, or paying a single cent make sure the travel agent you are working with understands your needs and budget guidelines. Not only should your travel agent understand what you want, but they should be prepared to provide you with the proper travel accommodations, flights, and rentals within reason. For instance, traveling with children is going to be much different than traveling for business and your needs will be different. Your travel agent should be able to recommend a variety of choices when it comes to travel and your related needs.

The Number One Question You Should Ask Any Travel Agent
Before working with any travel agent you should find out who will be planning your travel. When working with a travel agency, ask if you will have a personal agent or if any company representative will be allowed to handle your travel arrangements. It is best to have a single agent working on your travel plans. When possible request a travel agent who knows the area you are traveling to well and can be contacted in the case of an emergency, day or night.

Beware of travel agencies and agents that are hard to get in contact with, seem like they don't really want or care for your business, and those travel agencies that do not provide you with a personal travel planner. Simply knowing who is making your arrangements could mean the difference between the trip of a lifetime and the trip that turned into the nightmare of a lifetime. If there are any emergencies, delays, or cancellations during your trip you want to be sure you have a reliable agent that can take care of any issues immediately. There's nothing worse than being hundreds or thousands of miles away from home and not knowing what's going on or how to get in contact with your travel agent.

Booking Online vs Booking in Person with an Agent
For simple trips you may be able to book online, through a travel agent using sites like Priceline or Orbitz. If your travel agent suggests booking your flight, hotel, or rentals using an independent travel site make sure they will be closely monitoring your reservations and available at all times to remedy any problems that may arise. Many times it is better to actually go into your travel agency, sit down with your personal travel agent, and make your travel plans in person. Planning your trip in this manner will also help you get better deals and discounts, especially when working with a seasoned professional.

Many travel agents and the agencies they work for also have their own websites where you can research your travel options, pricing, and sometimes make reservations. As with independent travel sites it is best to make sure your personal travel agent is closely monitoring your activity should any problems arise or you have any questions. Although websites can be a great source of information, when booking a detailed trip it is best to sit down with your agent in person to work out the fine points.

Understand the Terms and Conditions of Travel and Payment
Before signing any contracts or handing over any money, make sure you fully comprehend the terms and conditions of your travel arrangements. You don't want to book a detailed trip, only later to find out that there are cancellation fees, non refundable tickets, or any other surprises. Always read the fine print and if you don't understand don't be afraid to ask questions. Your travel agent should be more than willing to help you with any of the details.

Many travel agents and the agencies they work for attach fees to reservations, flights, and rentals. Generally speaking, fees are incurred for each transaction. Make sure you understand the terms of payment and the fees associated with each transaction. Often, booking a complete trip is considered one transaction. But, if you fail to read the fine print you may discover you have paid separate fees for booking a flight, reserving a hotel, renting a car, etc. Be aware that travel agents usually charge cancellation fees and once a reservation is paid for it is often non refundable.

Does the Travel Agent Have Connections with Airlines, Hotels, and Rental Companies?
Another reason you should request a seasoned, professional travel agent is the fact they should be well connected in the world of travel. Often travel agents tend to use the same airlines, hotels, and rental companies repeatedly which means they can get good deals when booking your trip. Don't be afraid to ask if you can get a discount, a free night stay, or other amenities at a discounted rate.

Many travel agents also partake in trip rewards and/or frequent traveler programs. By booking with a professional travel agent you may be entitled to flyer miles, hotel and rental car discounts, free food, VIP entertainment and nightlife, discount parking or free shuttles, and express check in/ check out.

Working with a travel agent when booking your next trip may not only save you money, but time and headache should anything go wrong. Before departing for your trip make sure you have valid contact information for your travel agent should any problems, cancellations, or delays arise. It is best to also get a copy of your full itinerary before leaving so you can make all the correct transfers when flying or traveling by train or bus. By asking a few simple questions before booking or making reservations with your travel agent you can avoid running into any problems once your trip has begun.