Travel Agency Tips for First Time Travelers

Travel Agency Tips for First Time Travelers

Travel agents are an incredible source of information. They know all about deals, have insider knowledge about the industry, develop relationships with hotels, tour operators, airlines, bed and breakfasts and travel associations, and have the necessary technology to find the best deals for traveling to your selected destination.

If you are a first time traveler, deal with a travel agency as though you are a pro. Here are a few tips for you:

· Low-cost carriers – ask your travel agent if they also book with low cost or discount carriers. Because of their inexpensive business models, companies like Ryanair, JetBlue and Easy Jet offer much cheaper fares.

· Package deals – travel agents not only book flights, they can create a customized travel package for you to include air, hotel, sightseeing and shows. Package deals can be cheaper because of added services.

· Matching service – this is not the romantic matching service that we all know about. When travel agents book tours for their customers, they sometimes receive requests from travelers who like to share a double room, which is cheaper, instead of paying for a single room. This can happen when a particular tour package consists of couples and singles and singles cannot afford a single room.

· No-fuss traveler – inform your travel agent right away if your dates for your return trip are fixed; that is, there is little or no chance of changing your dates. Your travel agent can get you a cheaper fare if you travel on a restricted ticket. The more restrictions are built into your ticket, the cheaper it becomes. For instance, in addition to fixed, unchangeable dates, you can tell your travel agent that you do not mind taking an indirect route (direct routes are more expensive), that you are staying a specified number of days, that it does not matter what day of the week you travel, and you do not mind taking red eye flights.

· The more the merrier – and cheaper! Your travel agent can offer you additional discounts if you request for group travel. Because travel agents receive their discounts in bulk from suppliers, they can pass these on to you as savings. Travel agents purchase seats in blocks, so the sooner they fill up these seats, the better it is for them.

· Advice is free – many travel agents are seasoned travelers. They get what the industry calls “fam trips” which means “familiarization trips.” Hotels and tour operators invite travel agents, all expenses paid, so that they can promote them to travelers. Frequent travel broadens not only the mind of travel agents, but also expands their network of contacts. The more contacts a travel agent has, the higher the chances of getting more hot deals. Remember, your travel agent has full access to the industry’s technology. He or she knows what buttons to push to get a good deal. Ask your travel agent to come up with a tour package that will meet your budget. For instance, she could recommend that instead of flying from London to Paris, you could avail of cheaper rail travel between these two cities.

Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/travel-agency-tips-for-first-time-travelers-767065.html”

Use a Travel Agency to Book Your Spring Break Vacation

Use a Travel Agency to Book Your Spring Break Vacation

Instead of deal directly with the airlines, has it ever occurred to you to use a good travel agency to book your spring break vacation? Airlines will quote you fares and book your flights, but that’s as far as they go. A travel agency can offer discounted fares, advice on spring break destinations, and may have a great deal or two for you and your friends. Spring break is barely two months away, so now is the ideal time to start looking for a travel agency.

If airlines are offering huge discounts to lure money-weary individuals into traveling, imagine the larger discounts that a travel agency can offer. Since travel agents purchase blocks of seats, they can pass on the savings to their customers.

There are numerous travel agencies, but there is only a fraction of those agencies that cater to the special needs of the student travel industry. Although you can use any travel agency to book your spring break vacation, why not choose a travel agency that specializes in student tours and spring break vacations?

Looking for the Right Travel Agency: Tips

Before you book your next spring break vacation, the travel agency must satisfy certain requirements. You may want to look into the following criteria:

· Full Description of Services – Does the travel agency introduce itself adequately to potential customers? Do they have contact numbers, student packages, discount programs, and do they explain the procedures for their spring break packages as well as clearly state their refund policy?

· Variety – Does the travel agency have a wide range of destination choices and do they have hotel categories that meet all budgets? Some travel agencies like to specialize in a certain number of destinations – USA, Canada, or Mexico; some cover the world! When travel agencies can book spring break vacations almost anywhere in the world, that means that they’ve been in the student travel industry long enough and are confident that they can offer far away and exotic destinations without any problems because they belong to a large network of travel professionals;

· Discounts and Deals – Does the travel agency extend discounts for group travel or do they have frequent hot deals to offer? The capability to offer great deals can mean any number of things: they have good relationships with major airlines, hotels and tourist organizations, they receive discounted rates from suppliers and they in turn offer these to student travelers, or they are booking so many flights and vacation packages that they earn free points or free miles. You could be offered a deal to the Bahamas, your destination of choice, because the travel agency happened to receive a deal from a Bahamas tour operator at the time you booked!

· Photographs – Wouldn’t it be nice to see what you are getting into? If you are going to a spring break destination for the first time, you would want to know what kind of hotel you’re staying at, wouldn’t you? It isn’t enough for the travel agency to say, “You’re booked at a 4-star hotel”. You’ll want to know the name and location of that hotel so you can look it up on the Internet or ask people about it, plus you’ll want to see the rooms, dining facilities, and recreational facilities. Some travelers have been dismayed to find out that the hotel had only one treadmill, as opposed to what the travel agency described as a “full operating gym”. Or that the travel agency said 12 tennis courts, when in fact the hotel did not have any, referring travelers instead to a sports center a mile away!

· Interactive web site –Instead of spending precious minutes on the phone asking the travel agent about destinations, packages and vacation amenities, it would be simpler to do the search yourself on their web site by giving you the option to select a city and a package. When you’ve found what you’re looking for, that is when you call and ask for details that weren’t covered on their web site.

· Flexibility – some travel agents require you to pay for their packaged vacations to be able to receive discounts, but some travel agents are flexible in that they allow you to choose only air, or only hotel, or both.

A good travel agency is well organized. This important trait is evident in the way they present travel information. For example, there are websites that are designed to specifically cater to students. They list the cities they serve with a brief article about popular attractions and then you click on a link and the screen displays what their package covers plus costs for the city you selected.

So if you’re using a travel agency to book your spring break vacation, look for an agency that’s efficient, organized and capable of offing some fantastic deals.

The Benefits of Using an Online Travel Agency

The Benefits of Using an Online Travel Agency

Most people who go on vacation like to book trips through a travel agent in order to take some of the stress out of the planning process. Travel agents can also help you save money on flight, hotel rooms, cruises, and more; but what about online travel agencies? While people worry that Internet travel agencies could scam you or provide low-quality service, there are actually a number of benefits to choosing an online travel agency, providing that you pick the right one.

First and foremost, with an online travel agency, you can work with the place that has the lowest prices without geography limits. In other words, you have more options! When you opt to choose a travel agency in an offline setting, you are limited to the handful of companies that operate in your neighborhood, or at least within a reasonable distance. People who live in major cities might especially be affected by the high prices of brick and mortar travel agencies. Online, there are not proximity limits. The travel agency with which you work might actually have headquarters thousands of miles away, but if they have the lowest prices, you can still work with them over the Internet.

The increased number of choices does not just help you save money. It also means that you have limitless possibilities when it comes to travel. The travel agencies in your areas probably can book dozens or even hundreds of different trips, but there will be limitations. Even if an offline travel agent can plan a vacation to an obscure destination for you, it is not likely that he or she will be an expert in travel to this location. Online, you can find a family or an individual who has been there and will plan an amazing vacation for you. There are few places in the world where you can’t travel if you work with an online travel agency.

Another great aspect of working with an online travel agency is that you can shop for your vacation package any time of the day or night. Brick and mortar business usually close soon after the end of the regular business day, and many are not open for long hours on the weekend. The Internet is open 24 hours a day. While you may not always be able to call a customer service representative, especially if you like to do vacation planning at three in the morning, you can always check out packages offer on travel websites. This is especially handy for parents who need to plan after the kids are in bed, people who work odd hours, and those living in rural locations where the nearest travel agency office is a fairly far drive.

One of the often-overlooked benefits of an online travel agency is the control you have to make your own choices without outside influences or pressure. When you visit an office, many travel agents have the same tone as used car salesmen. You have to remember that these people are often working under some kind of commission program. Instead of making an hourly wage, they earn a percentage of your total vacation price, and even if they do have a salaried job, they may get incentives from travel companies (hotels, cruise lines, etc) for selling amount every month. Many travel agents get to go on free trips for every ten or twenty vacation packages they sell. So, you might feel pressured to book a trip when you are not done exploring your options or upgrade certain aspects, even though you do not have the money. Online travel agencies typically take a more hands-off approach. That does not mean that they won’t help you, of course. Most are more than willing to answer questions via email or over the phone. However, when it comes to working with an online travel agency, you do not have someone looming over your shoulder, trying to make a sale as you check out your vacation options.

Also, when you work with an online travel agency, you usually have more payment choices. Today, some offline travel agencies offer payment plans, credit card payments, and so forth, but this is not always the case. When you work online to plan you vacation, however, you can always find a type payment that will work for you. Some even have payment programs that allow you to earn points for every dollar you spend, which can go towards gift certificates or future trips.

Be aware that there are still scammers posing as online travel agencies and other travel sites, and you always need to read the fine print of any website where you make a purchase. However, online travel agencies are often a less expensive, easier, and more convenient way to book a vacation.

Benefits of Consulting a Travel Agency for an International Vacation

Benefits of Consulting a Travel Agency for an International Vacation

You might think you are going to need some help with your vacation planning, and if you are taking an international trip, you might not realize how important a travel agency can be. When you are traveling internationally, a travel agency is going to be a major help to you. You’ll be able to plan the perfect trip by using a travel agency, there are certain things that a travel agency can do for you that you just can’t do on your own.

Finding Package Deals

When you are traveling on an international vacation, a package deal can be even more important for you to find because you might be able to save money on things like airfare, hotels, and car rentals. When you travel internationally, you are going to need everything that a package deal has to offer. You are going to need to have some form of transportation, and a car rental or some kind of shuttle pass may be your only option. Therefore, for an international vacation, package deals are probably the best thing for you to do, and the best place to find package deals is by going to a travel agency that you can trust.

Dealing with Language Barriers

As you travel internationally, you will most likely be traveling to places where your native language is not that country’s native language. This means that items are going to be called by different names, and you might not be able to just open up a phone book and find a place to rent a car. Travel agencies deal with different languages all the time, and they can do all of the pre-booking for you. They can also gather information about things like your hotel, your car rental, and the attractions you will be going to see. You won’t have to worry about tracking down the translations because your travel agency will have taken care of this already.

Dealing with Cultural Barriers

Traveling internationally might take you into cultures that are extremely foreign to you. If you are booking these trips on your own, you may not know what appropriate attire is to wear in certain situations, or how you are supposed to act in a different country. Your travel agency can help you with all of these things, and will prepare you for being in a different culture. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable on your vacation, and your travel agency can help you with this as well. They should tell you everything you need to know in order to have a relaxing vacation.

Having Support if There Are Problems

There’s a good chance you won’t run into any problems while you are traveling internationally, but the thing is that you really never know when problems will come up. If you have a travel agency that has booked your trip, and a ticket gets canceled, or a flight gets missed, your travel agent can help you fix those problems even from back home. Therefore, it is always a good idea to go with a travel agency when you are booking international trips. You never know when you are going to have to get into a different hotel, find a different flight, or completely change the country you are traveling to, and your travel agent can help you with this.

Having Refunds Available

When things do go wrong, and there are problems with the booking, your travel agent is going to be responsible for that. If you’ve booked on your own, and you make a mistake, you are out of luck. There is really nothing that you can do about it. However, if something goes wrong and your travel agent has booked it for you, you’ll get new travel plans and any refunds that you are entitled to. This means that you have a type of insurance that you can take along with you when you travel. You know that you have the support of the travel agency behind you, and you also do not have to worry about refunds if something does go wrong.

Lower Costs and Less Hassle

When you travel internationally, there is always a lot of cost and a lot of hassle associated with your trip. Vacations are expensive, especially international vacations, and making sure that you plan your vacation right can really cause headaches. Therefore, booking an international trip with a travel agency is something that you can do to make sure that you have less cost and less hassle. While you are spending less money, and not stressing about the hassle, you will be able to enjoy the trip even more, and your international vacation will be a greater success for you. By using a travel agency you will be spending money wisely, in all the right places. No unnecessary payments or headaches.

Common Questions to ask your Travel Agent

Common Questions to ask your Travel Agent

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.

Top Reasons for Choosing an Online Travel Agency

Top Reasons for Choosing an Online Travel Agency

When you are looking to plan a vacation, there are going to be several things that you want to look at so that you know your vacation is going to be as smooth as possible. One of the most important aspects is going to be deciding on how to plan your trip. Choosing an online travel agency is something that you have probably considered, and when you are planning a vacation it can be a time saver, a money saver, and a lifesaver.

Choosing an online travel agency saves time. When you are planning a vacation and attempting to do all of the planning on your own, you are constantly going from site to site scoping out the deals, and figuring out how to fit those deals into your planning. When you use an online travel agency, your time is at least cut in half. You have many tools right at your fingertips, and you should have access to the best deals under the sun.

In most cases, you do not have to worry about waiting around to find the right deals either, or looking through all of the various sites to make sure that you are getting the best savings. By booking your flight arrangements, your hotel packages and your entire travel itinerary with an online travel agency, you can avoid unnecessary stress and save valuable time and energy that would have been otherwise wasted hunting around for similar deals an online travel agency offers.

You might not be aware of it, but booking all of the parts of your vacation on your own, no matter where you are going, is going to cost some extra money. If you book it on your own, there are booking fees and taxes that you will have to pay on all of the parts of your trip. You can save on these expenses by working with an online travel agency. Also, you will not have to worry about hunting for the best deals. It is going to be almost impossible for you to find the best deals for everything when you are booking a trip on your own.

This is just one example why an online travel agency might be the best option when planning a vacation. You should rest assured knowing that you have found the best deals, as the travel agency will search for them and will keep you informed. This means that you never have to worry about wondering if you have made the right choice. Worrying causes stress and you do not want to be stressed out on your vacation.

Going through an online travel agency can really be a lifesaver. When you are planning a trip, even one to a country you have been to many times, it is often hard to figure out all of the right rules, traditions, and regulations that might govern your travel. There are news alerts to worry about, and it is always important to know where you should go and maybe where you might want to potentially avoid.

An online travel agency can help you find a place to stay which meets your financial needs and expectations. Also, an online travel agency will assist you in planning an itinerary so that you can see everything you wish, and stay as safe as possible. When you are going through an online travel agency they will make you aware of aspects such as these. You will have access to travel safety alerts, and the newest information about where and when it is safe for you to travel. Booking a vacation on your own is not going to give you all of this information. If you research it yourself you may not be too sure if you are receiving the proper information. You can always go back and double check, but the travel agency does this every day, it is their job to keep you out of harm’s way. Therefore, booking through an online travel agency can really be a lifesaver in the end.

Please remember your own sanity. Booking a vacation yourself is going to be a lot of work and can become very stressful. With an online travel agency, everything is taken care of for you and it can save you a great deal of time and money.

When you are booking a vacation, you have several choices. You can book on your own and take your chances, or you can use an online travel agency and save time, money, and perhaps your sanity as well as your safety. Online travel agencies are easy to find, easy to use, and great for any type of travel, whether your trip is for business or pleasure. When your trip ends up being the travel experience of a lifetime, you will be glad you booked it using an online travel agency.

Choosing a Travel Agency – Step by Step

Choosing a Travel Agency – Step by Step

If you’ve never worked with a travel agency before, you might find yourself a little overwhelmed by the options. No matter where you live, there are likely a number of travel agencies in your area, and most will be able to plan a vacation to the destination that interests you most. So how do you choose the very best company for you? Here’s how to pick a travel agency, step by step:

Step 1: Ask about your destination.

Most travel agencies are willing to plan a trip no matter where you want to go. However, some specialize in certain areas of the world or certain types of trips (like cruises). It is especially important to ask about your destination if you want to go somewhere off the beaten path. The vast majority of travel agencies can plan a trip to Hawaii, but not everyone plans vacations to remote locations.

Step 2: Compare prices.

Vacations can change in price drastically from agency to agency. You can’t just think about price in black and white terms, though. With a smaller company, you can pay more, but at the same time, you’ll probably get a lot more individual attention. With a larger corporation, you could get less personal attention, but you’ll pay a much lower price. As with any industry, this is all about price versus quantity. Sometimes, the lowest amount is not the best option.

Step 3: Read the basic contract.

If you plan a trip with a travel agency, you might have to sign a contract that protects the travel agency in case you don’t pay, try to back out of the vacation, or get hurt while traveling. Before you choose a travel agency, ask to see a version of their basic contract. Some travel agencies have very strict rules, and if you need some flexibility, you may want to choose an agency that allows for changing dates, cancellations, and so forth. Avoid being locked into a contract unless you are sure about your travel plans, because you could lose a deposit or even have to pay the full price for the trip.

Step 4: Learn about extra benefits you get from the company.

Many companies have incentives to work with them. It depends on where you’re going, the time of year in which you plan on traveling, and how much money you’re spending, but some of the freebies you may get include flight upgrades, travel insurance, tickets to special events, and more. You may also be able to pay for these additions to your vacation, which is not as desirable but still better than a company that does not offer them at all.

Step 5: Read online reviews.

Large or small, most companies have been reviewed online. When you read online review, remember to take what they have to say with a grain of salt. People tend to leave longer and more detailed reviews when they are upset about something. Also take into consideration that companies can pay or offer incentives to people if those people agree to write good reviews, so not everything you read many be 100% accurate. This is just a place to get a general idea of the type of service you can get.

Step 6: Talk to your friends and family members.

A better way to get opinions about a company is to talk to your friends and family members. Often, people will have used travel agencies in the past and be able to describe to you their experiences. Ask specific questions about the agencies they used and whether or not they would use them again. If you end up working with their company, don’t forget to mention this to your travel agent. Some companies offer incentives on the next trip to the person who recommended them.

Step 7: Question availability.

Vacations vary in price depending on destinations and length of stay. Whether you are planning your trip at the last minute or well in advance, not every travel agency in your area will be able to accommodate you. Before you get your heart set on a specific company, talk to them about when you would like to travel to see if they have time to plan your trip.

Step 8: Review their package deals.

When you are looking at travel agencies, remember that “a la carte” will be more expensive than packages. In other words, although your agent is probably able to book the specific flight, hotel, and entertainment you want, you can probably save money if you choose one of their package deals. Once you have narrowed it down to just a few companies, look at the packages they offer to see if any of them work well for you.

Finding Great Travel Deals Through an Online Travel Agency

Finding Great Travel Deals Through an Online Travel Agency

With the current state of the economy, saving money is increasingly important to family, couples, and even individuals. That does not mean that you have to sacrifice your vacation, however. There are a number of online travel agencies that are offering discounts and low-cost vacations to people who may think they can’t afford to travel. In actuality, if you do your research, you can take a vacation even on a shoestring budget. Here are some tips to help you find a great travel deal from an online travel agency.

Be Sure to Ask for a discount

As the saying goes, “ask and ye shall receive” right? Actually, this tip really does work, whether you are working with an online store or brick and mortar travel agency. Plan the vacation of your dreams, and when you see the bottom line, ask how the price can be dropped. If you start with a very low budget, some agencies may not include some of the best features of a vacation, but by starting high and THEN looking for discounts, you might be able to get more bang for your buck.

Tip #2: Plan a group vacation yourself.

If you really want to save money, get a group of people together to go on vacation and plan the trip for everyone using and online travel agency. Many companies have a policy that if you’re the contact person for the entire group and ensure that everyone pays on time, you get your vacation for free, or at least get a very deep discount. Planning a vacation like this has a lot of moving pieces to keep track of, but can be a great way to travel on a budget.

Tip #3: Look for coupon codes.

When you’re planning a trip with an online company, you can often find coupon codes or deals to use to get a percentage off your trip. If you’ve worked with a company in the past, you’ll likely get rebates via email from time to time. If you haven’t, though, you can still get a discount. Simply use your favorite search engine to look for the name of your travel agency and the word “coupon” or “discount.” There are sites all over the Internet that specialize in collecting codes for discounts for different companies.

Keep in mind that you should always be wary of discounts you can only get after giving your credit card information to a third party. You may be signing up for a membership that bills your credit card automatically.

Tip #4: Book your vacation during a discount period.

Most major travel companies online have slow seasons when there are fewer people booking trips. If you book your trip during this time, you could save a substantial amount of money. Everyone books trips in the summer and around the holidays, but fewer people are traveling at other times of the year.

Tip #5: Look for packages instead of building your own vacation.

When you shell out money for a vacation, you want it to be perfect. Though, if you can choose a vacation package rather than trying to create your own, you can spend a lot less money. Online travel agencies often have dozens or even hundreds of packages from which to choose. They are able to offer discounts because they get a deal from the airlines, cruise companies, restaurants, amusements parks, etc. when they book a certain number of vacations per month or per year. They pass that savings on to the consumer when they can, attempting to entice even more people to book trips.

Tip #6: Plan your trip in advance.

Last minute vacations always cost a lot more than trips that are planned months or years in advance. Although it may not be possible for you to know what you are doing three years from now, as soon as you are sure about your travel dates, make your reservation. You can save a lot of money, especially on vacation packages.

Tip #7: Look for a free vacation.

Some online travel agencies have offer different kinds of opportunities to travel. These “vacations” are more like education experiences, though, and you most likely will not find a relaxing beach in your future if you want to travel for free. Free vacations will take you to places like nature reserves, ranches, and farms, where you’ll do work in exchange for room and board. You will also probably still have to pay for your flight and a rental car. This can be a neat opportunity to see another part of the world, though, and to experience how other people live.

No matter what your price range, you can take a vacation. By using online travel agencies, there are a number of discounts available that make vacationing affordable.

More Cheap Travel Articles

Travel Agent Tips for Planning a Family Vacation

Travel Agent Tips for Planning a Family Vacation

 

Working with a travel agency can be difficult if you are planning a family vacation. Typically, couples without children are much more flexible, so if you have kids, make sure your travel agency can accommodate your special travel needs. Here are some tips for planning a family vacation with a travel agency:

Tip #1: Let your agent know the ages your children will be during the vacation.

When you book a trip, you typically are working at least a few months in advance. While this may not seem like a big deal for you, in that time, your child’s age may change. Your travel agent needs to know this information. Sometimes, prices only apply to children in a certain age group, so if your child goes from being 12 to 13, a new fee structure may apply. In addition, if your child turns 18 before the trip, doors for new activities may open. The same is true for other ages. For example, a swim with the dolphins activity may specify that a child under the age of 14 needs to be accompanied by a guardian. If your child has a birthday before the vacation, you may be able to do that activity because he or she now meets the requirements. Be mindful of the documents your child needs to travel too, as they may change at different ages.

Tip #2: Talk about specific scheduling concerns.

Some children are very set in their schedules. If this is the case, you need to let your travel agency know the best time for flights and other travel. You want this to be a good experience for everyone. While you may have to make some adjustments, if it is just as easy for you to book an afternoon flight as it is to book an evening flight, you may want to specify your preference based on when your child normally eats and sleeps.

Tip #3: Be age appropriate.

Sometimes, travel agents try to talk you into purchasing tickets with neat entertainment options. That’s great…but can your kids go? Make sure that anything you plan before you leave is age appropriate. You can’t very well call a babysitter when you are on vacation! Also consider the hotel in which you stay. With a few children under the age of ten, a five-star hotel might not make as much sense as a family-friendly resort.

Tip #4: Book your flight early.

The sooner you book you flight, the more options you will have. This doesn’t just have to do with scheduling. If you get your tickets early enough, you may also be able to request seating together or near the airplane’s bathroom. Booking early also helps prevent problems should the flight be overbooked. When that happens, the last people to book their flights get bumped to a different flight, and you don’t want your group to be split up if you’re traveling with kids.

Tip #5: Look for Disney alternatives.

Disney World is the quintessential family vacation. This is not your only option, though. Disney vacations can be expensive when you consider all the money you’ll spend on merchandise and “extras” for the kids. That place is built to get parents to spend money. Other alternatives can still be fun for your kids without being quite as expensive. Make it clear from the start that you want something as fun as Disney, but without going to that theme park. If Disney is the only child-friendly package they have available, you might want to work with a different travel agency.

Tip #6: Sign a flexible agreement.

If you’re traveling with young children, it is usually a good idea to sign as flexible of an agreement as possible. Kids get sick, break bones, and otherwise cause travel problems fairly regularly, and if you have to cancel your vacation, you don’t want to end up paying for it in full. Most travel agencies will require a deposit, but look for one that will transfer that money to a different travel date if you have to change your plans. That way, if junior comes down with the flu you can switch your vacation to another month without losing any money.

Tip #7: Work with a child-friendly agency.

Bbefore you start working with a travel agency, ask them about their experience working with families. A company that offers a number of amusement park packages is probably a better company for you than one who primarily books spring break trips. Most agencies have experience with families to some extent, but the best travel agency for you will have booked many family trips in the past. Their extra experience will give you tons of perks when you travel as a family.

How to Save Money When Booking a Vacation Through Your Travel Agency

How to Save Money When Booking a Vacation Through Your Travel Agency

With an uncertain economy and, for many, an uncertain future, some people are opting to put off vacations. Despite the potential problems on the horizon, that does not have to be the case. When you work with a travel agency, you can save a lot of money. Almost anyone can afford to travel if they follow these six tips when booking a vacation through a travel agency:

Tip #1: Be clear that you’re on a very tight budget.

If you want to save money when you vacation, your best bet is to tell your travel agent that from the start. There is little to be gained by hiding the fact that you want to travel on a shoestring budget. Furthermore, be really clear about what that budget is, since “inexpensive” to one person is not cheap to another. The clearer you are about your price range, the better. That way, your travel agent can put together a vacation package that you can afford, not work for a long time on something that doesn’t even come close to your budget.

Tip #2: Have flexible travel dates and times.

The more options you give your travel agent when it comes to your vacation dates, the better. Flights tend to change prices drastically over the weekend, so moving your vacation just two or three days could save you hundreds of dollars. Avoiding holidays is also good. When you’re flexible, your travel agent can also barter for hotel rooms, show tickets, and so forth with other companies in the travel industry. For example, if your travel agent knows that another agent is trying to fill rooms he or she bought in a chunk for a discounted price, you can get a better deal on one of those rooms. Give your travel agent a bit of wiggle room to negotiate. Likewise, if you are willing to travel at undesirable times, like in the early morning hours or overnight, you may be able to get a cheaper deal, at least on the transportation costs.

Tip #3: Ask for a cheaper version of your dream vacation.

During your initial meeting with your travel agent, have an open mind when it comes to destination. Talk about your dream vacation spot, but then hear out your agent on places that are similar but not as expensive. For example, say you want to visit Aspen for a gorgeous ski vacation. It might be less expensive (but just as fun) to go skiing at one of the resorts in Vermont. You might feel like your compromising too much, but think about your destination choices long and hard. If it is just the name holding you back, you might want to just let go and take a risk on the less expensive location. You might have just as much fun if you stay open-minded

Tip #4: Stay in the United States.

Work with a travel agent who books domestic trips so that you can stay in the United States. In most cases, you should save money on transportation since you will not have to travel as far. You may also be able to travel without documentation, as long as you have a picture ID. When you travel out of the country, you need a passport at the very least, and you may need a visa, certain vaccinations, or other travel documents as well. When you stay in the United States, you should also not have to worry about added cell phone expenses to make calls, losing money on the exchange rate, or paying top dollar to take your luggage with you.

Tip #5: Be willing to do some of the planning yourself.

The whole reason you use a travel agent is to avoid having to do the planning work yourself, but if you compromise on that a bit, you may be able to save money. Instead of working with a travel agent who plans every last detail, get someone that is a little less expensive and just book your flight and hotel through the agent. When it comes to the other stuff, like getting tickets to an event or making restaurant reservations, you can do the work yourself.

Tip #6: Organize a group tour.

A great way to save money on your vacation is to organize a tour through your travel agency. Group rates will apply, but more importantly, the person who organized the vacation typically gets to travel for free. The down side of that is that you have to commit to finding a certain number of people who will go on vacation with you, which can be hard. You are also responsible for them if they do not pay, and you have to, essentially, share you vacation. However, this is a great way to save money and make sure that you can still travel, even if you are on a budget.

Related Cheap Travel Articles

Next Page »