Don't choose your next traveling agency by the cleverness of the sales call or the glossiness of the ad. The travel agency is still the easiest and most utilized way to book travel of any kind. Even with the internet and all of the discount travel websites, people and businesses still prefer to make their travel arrangements through a traveling agency. Why? Not only does it save time, it may also save you money, and the traveling agency can walk you through the process to get you the best possible travel package no matter where and when you are traveling. The ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) is the organization that provides training and continuing education for agents from any traveling agency that displays their logo. This logo can also be displayed by any traveling agency online or any individual travel agent that has gone through the certification and training. Why is all of this information important? It is important because you have a greater assurance of quality service and product delivery from this type of traveling agency. The agents who work in such an agency often have specialized training in business travel, cruises, Caribbean vacations, ski trips, or some other area of travel expertise. Have you ever received a letter or a phone call from a traveling agency telling you that you have "won" a trip to some exotic location in a fabulous resort and all you have to do is to give them your credit card number for a small processing fee? You may have recognized this as a travel scam. But not all scams are this obvious. Sometimes the agency or agent will promise you a beautiful travel package and you will not find out until you get there that your luxury hotel is a better home to roaches than people. You can check out these agents and agencies through the BBB or BBB Online and also through the ASTA. Just exercise extra caution when it sounds like a deal that is too good to be true. Don't be surprised when you are charged a small fee by your travel agency. This is a necessary adaptation in the industry to make up for the loss of airline commission and other expenses. But the convenience and expertise may just be worth the added cost. |
