Get an agent of practical use
A Draft Correspondent | New Delhi
- An agent knows much more than you about a place and can therefore offer you more than what you are looking for in the same budget.
- They have partnerships and arrangements with restaurants, hotels, transport services providers, etc., so they are a one-stop shop. This also means if something goes wrong at any step of the way, you can always catch the agent by the scruff of the neck.
- In case of trouble also, a travel agency will ensure you get the support and assistance you need as they have local contacts.
- They can make special, on-request arrangements for you, if needed.
- Using agent services will save you on money and time – both of value on a trip.
- They will do all the ground work for you to make your vacation and stay just the way you want and more comfortable. Their recommendations might interest you as well.
- Booking through agents often gets you discounts and offers that you may not get otherwise.
- Travel agents have different packages to suit your requirements whether you are travelling alone or with family.
- Being part of the industry, agents know the intricacies of travel arrangements and documents. Things like terms and conditions, insurance coverage, who all get covered, what gets covered, etc. is clearly known to them. They will help troubleshoot contingencies in a better way.
Now, the more important question is how to identify a good agent and grab the best deal possible.
- The one rule that stays all seasons is that you must make your bookings in advance.
- An authentic travel agency will have a significant online presence. Make sure you read their websites properly.
- Verify the contact details by calling them up or visiting their office.
- A lot of sites review travel agencies and it is a good way to find out how efficient and authentic an agency is. Make sure you read up such reviews.
- You can’t go wrong with word of mouth and personal experiences. Ask your friends, families and colleagues what services they have used and how was their experience.
- When dealing with an agent, be firm in expressing your requirements and do your own homework first. This way they will know you have done your research and cannot be fooled easily.
- For a particular flight, train or bus booking, or hotel prices, make sure you check the prices online first so you have an idea.
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ALL of us would like to believe that we are good at bargaining. But, when it comes to travel agents and agencies, we find ourselves confused and sceptical. Questions like: Is it safe to book through an agency? How do I know if they are authentic or trying to scam me? What if I get stranded at an unknown place? Will an agent really help me save money or be just keen on earning his own commission?
A good agent understands your travel needs and your budget, which means most importantly, what is your spending capacity, what kind of place you want to visit, how would you like to travel, what would you like to do there, how would you like to stay, etc.
The advantages of booking an agent to travel are myriad:A good agent understands your travel needs and your budget, which means most importantly, what is your spending capacity, what kind of place you want to visit, how would you like to travel, what would you like to do there, how would you like to stay, etc.
- An agent knows much more than you about a place and can therefore offer you more than what you are looking for in the same budget.
- They have partnerships and arrangements with restaurants, hotels, transport services providers, etc., so they are a one-stop shop. This also means if something goes wrong at any step of the way, you can always catch the agent by the scruff of the neck.
- In case of trouble also, a travel agency will ensure you get the support and assistance you need as they have local contacts.
- They can make special, on-request arrangements for you, if needed.
- Using agent services will save you on money and time – both of value on a trip.
- They will do all the ground work for you to make your vacation and stay just the way you want and more comfortable. Their recommendations might interest you as well.
- Booking through agents often gets you discounts and offers that you may not get otherwise.
- Travel agents have different packages to suit your requirements whether you are travelling alone or with family.
- Being part of the industry, agents know the intricacies of travel arrangements and documents. Things like terms and conditions, insurance coverage, who all get covered, what gets covered, etc. is clearly known to them. They will help troubleshoot contingencies in a better way.
Now, the more important question is how to identify a good agent and grab the best deal possible.
- The one rule that stays all seasons is that you must make your bookings in advance.
- An authentic travel agency will have a significant online presence. Make sure you read their websites properly.
- Verify the contact details by calling them up or visiting their office.
- A lot of sites review travel agencies and it is a good way to find out how efficient and authentic an agency is. Make sure you read up such reviews.
- You can’t go wrong with word of mouth and personal experiences. Ask your friends, families and colleagues what services they have used and how was their experience.
- When dealing with an agent, be firm in expressing your requirements and do your own homework first. This way they will know you have done your research and cannot be fooled easily.
- For a particular flight, train or bus booking, or hotel prices, make sure you check the prices online first so you have an idea.
Support The Draft by sharing this story.
