Your travel agent can be an integral part of planning your vacation, especially when used wisely. A travel agent is an invaluable resource when you have decided to plan a trip. They can help prevent travel complications while at the same time getting you the best value. However, it is important to remember that each travel agent is different. So, to ensure that your travel agent is a good match for your needs, here are some common questions to ask.

Question 1 – What is your specialty?

It is important to know what your travel agent’s specialty is. He or she may specialize in certain destinations or products, such as cruises or adventure tours. You will also want to ask what types of travel your agent specializes in. For example, you would not want to book a trip for a large group with an agent who is not experienced in such services.

Question 2 – What are your fees?

Obviously, you know that you will be compensating your travel agent for his or her time, planning expertise, work, and advice, but knowing the fees upfront is always a good idea. Some travel agents work on commission, some charge a flat rate, and some charge per service. It is also best to be upfront about your travel budget and be clear that your total budget includes travel agent fees.

Question 3 – What are your hours of operation?

You will need to know when your travel agency or agent operates. Be sure to get the toll-free number in case of an emergency as well as an alternate number for after-hours necessities. If your travel agent has email or a website, you will also want to note that information as well.

Question 4 – What happens if something goes wrong?

Sometimes, it is impossible to avoid inconveniences while traveling. Such inconveniences may include a delayed or cancelled flight because of poor weather. Discuss with your travel agent what happens in such circumstances and how he or she responds to these problems. Always be clear on your travel agent’s policies.

Question 5 – Are tickets refundable?

If you’re working with a travel agent, it is likely that you are planning this trip well in advance. In addition to last minute inconveniences that may occur, such as poor weather cancelling a flight, things in your life may change as well. Find out if your trip is refundable, partially refundable, or if a cancellation fee applies. It is also a good idea to check if reservations can be exchanged.

Question 6 – Do you have special relationships with travel suppliers?

Many times, your travel agent will be able to get you a great deal, which may not be available to the general public. Cruise lines, tour companies, and hotels often offer perks such as upgrades, free parking, and other deals to travel agents who have worked with them before. If your agent has this type of influence, take advantage of it!

Question 7 – Have you traveled to my destination?

There is nothing like first-hand knowledge. If your travel agent has traveled to your destination, he or she will be able to speak from experience. A well-traveled agent will be able to make informed recommendations and provide sound advice as opposed to one who has not visited the areas you are considering.

Question 8 – Can I get a better deal if I travel on a different day?

This question is integral to establishing a better deal if your travel dates are somewhat flexible. Remember, even when working with a travel agent, peak travel times and seasons still apply. Let your travel agent know that while your original itinerary is ideal, if there is a better deal to be had, you may consider traveling at a later date.

Question 9 – Where can I learn more about my destination?

In many cases, travel agents will provide customers with information, such as brochures, about your destination. If the brochures are not sufficient enough for you, ask your travel agent where you could do a little more research. He or she should be able to easily point you in the right direction.

Question 10 – Will I need a passport or visa?

If you are not sure if you will need a passport or special visa to travel to your destination, ask your travel agent. If you do need a passport or visa, he or she will also be able to instruct you on how to obtain one.

Question 11 – What questions do you have for me?

Always ask your travel agent if he or she has any questions for you. Travel agents should always ask you a few questions about what you are looking for in a vacation. This is necessary so that they will be able to come up with the best itinerary for your interests and budget.
The best travel agent for the job is one who is willing to work with you, has extensive knowledge, and is receptive to your priorities as a traveler. However, you will need to ask the questions outlined above to get started. Remember, your agent should be more than willing to answer any of these questions, or any others that you may have.

“Hang on” those of you with a little more reserved character may be shouting at me. “Don’t tar us all with the same brush; we’re not all like that”. This may be the case but I’m sure there are still many out there who can admit to becoming a little tipsy whether a pre-conceived plan or not, whilst on holiday. Let’s concentrate on those who knowingly set out to have a little alcohol fuelled fun whilst on holiday.

The majority of us now realise what an important factor travel insurance can be and the costs that could be incurred without it. Do we also realise that by drinking excessively whilst on holiday we could void our policy? You may be one of the lucky one’s who escape the scrutinisation of the insurer and receive a payout for treatment of the broken leg and 3 fractured ribs your received whilst drunkenly stumbling down the steps outside you holiday apartment. Unfortunately for some the insurance companies will find out the error of your ways and refuse to pay out on your claim.

In certain circumstances the insurers will be a little more watchful, especially if you’re attending a hen or stag party with a large group of the same sex. Of course the holiday insurance companies know you will want to let your hair down whilst abroad and do expect a certain amount of alcohol intake and merriment. The problem is drawing a line at a certain level which is easier said than done when socialising with a large group as peer pressure can be very hard to ignore. In a report released by the observer it was stated that 2 million Britons a year travel abroad for hen and stag parties. You can see how this figure could worry your insurer.

The wording on your policy can vary considerably from company to company and I would always advise that you read your documents carefully before travelling. The financial Ombudsman service has come to the rescue of many tourists refused an insurance payout after only consuming 1-2 drinks and falling foul of an accident. They state that unless an alcohol ban is worded clearly and strongly on the policy the insurer should pay out in this situation. Obviously if you have drunk excessively there is little this regulatory board can do.

As it stands it is very difficult for a travel insurance company to gauge how much alcohol you have consumed at the time of an accident without blood tests which usually will not have been taken. This doesn’t mean you should disregard everything you’ve just read in this article; it simply means you should be wary and drink within what you know to be your limit. The insurance industry is ever changing and a blood test to determine the level of alcohol in the bloodstream may become a standard procedure to rule out this cause of an accident.

Remember when looking for cheap travel insurance for your holiday; price isn’t everything. Of course the more money you have in your pocket to spend on your holiday the better. Be sure to check the features you require are present on a prospective policy and don’t settle for it just because the price is attractive.

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Europe is the second largest continent in the world. It is the most beautiful continent having various tourist destinations. Every year Europe enjoys the largest number of visitors. This continent is rich in cultural heritage and architecture. Traveling in Europe is not a cheap job in fact it requires a huge investment. High prices are the reason that many of us drop an idea to travel inn this paradise on earth. But cheap travel Europe is the option available that enables us to visit this continent with in our pocket limits.

With the changing time the tourism industry is also changing its methodology. Various travel agencies are now coming up with the latest marketing plans to make traveling in Europe an easy job. People can themselves follow some tips to reduce their expenses for traveling here. Advance booking of air ticket is the way by which a traveler can plan out a trip well in advance with in his budget. Several airlines promote their advance bookings and offers subsidized rates for the same. Moreover few airlines offer bidding offers for tickets. Apart from these a traveler can buy a complete package which is quite cheap.

Cheap travel Europe is a complete package tour and is readily available with various travel agencies. These agencies offer a complete solution for all traveling needs. They arrange everything right from tickets to room reservation to food and transportation also. These package tours are professionally design to provide a deep insight of Europe by taking care of pocket. In return these agencies get a large group of travelers. These agencies have tie ups with the hotels, transportation service providers etc. and hence are able to give you a cheap service.

Visiting Europe with such schemes could be very effective for a potential visitor in an economic way. A smart visitor can save money here and visit to the most beautiful continent of world.