How to find a good travel agent

BS from Russell, KY asked “Hey Steve you’ve recently talked about finding a clean hotel room. Do you have any thoughts on how we can find a good travel agent or tour operator?”

BS that is a great question actually 2 different questions. One concerns finding a good travel agent while the second one deals with locating a tour operator.

Let’s take a look at finding the right travel agent for you first. If you find and work with a solid agent then they will address the second question of finding a good tour operator for your trip.

I believe that there are two ways to check out a personal travel agent and see if you are a good fit. Your first step should be to seek word of mouth referrals from friends, business associates or basically anyone whose opinion you would trust. Have them suggest names of agents that they’ve worked with and would use again.

Secondly I would interview the prospective agents. After all you will be entrusting them with both your finances and vacation plans.

Questions that I would ask: Have you been there? If not do you send your clients there? Can you recommend a tour operator, airline, cruise line, hotel and so forth that will meet my expressed needs? Why are you recommending these specific suppliers? Are you a certified specialist in this area? What destinations do they have a passion for?

My list of interview questions can continue but I believe that you have the idea.

Do you feel like you’ve developed a personal rapport with this agent and that you understand other? Or do you catch the drift that you are just bothering them with your inquiries? Do your personalities click or clash?

If you get that warm fuzzy feeling that a professional friendship is in the works then this is probably the agent you should work with. I truly feel that as customers we like to do business with people that we like and if it seems that you’re progressing in that direction stay with that agent.

Also be guided by the "caveat emptor" (let the buyer beware) strategy. Do whatever checking you can, but be careful. Pay with a credit card when possible and insist on a timetable for delivery of tickets and documents. Obtain the quotes in writing and read all of the fine print. Buy travel insurance to cover big up-front payments. Be willing to pay a bit more for the assurance of dealing with a supplier you trust or upgrading to the proper product.

I suggest buying local with a traditional store front or home based agent. There are just way too many websites out there that promise the world but don’t deliver. The Net is a wonderful research tool but the local person adds accountability and hopefully saves you both time and money.

So BS do your homework and trust your instincts! Does this make sense?

Got travel questions? Email thetravelprofessor@gmail.com.