BBB Tip: Need Help Planning a Trip? How to Find a Good Travel Agent

 

Consumers spend billions of dollars each year traveling. With the convenience of the internet, sometimes it’s difficult to find a trustworthy third party travel service. Sometimes well-recognized names are spoofed, or scammers trick users into thinking they’re dealing with the hotel or airline directly.

Recognizing a good travel agent:

  • Takes the time to learn your travel needs, preferences, tastes, budget, and personal limitations such as medical conditions or phobias.
  • Does comparison shopping to find the transportation, accommodations, attractions, and services that will give you the greatest satisfaction at the best price.
  • Keeps abreast of new developments in the travel industry that could benefit you, such as price cuts and special deals on airfares and hotels.
  • Is highly knowledgeable about attractions and local customs at popular destinations and can provide tips that will help you choose among options and keep your trip running smoothly.
  • Will be able to stay up to date on any travel restrictions or alerts that may arise and impact your travel.

How to find a good travel agent:

  • When possible, deal with a local travel agent. Take advice from friends and business associates who use an agent they trust and always check business profiles on BBB.org.
  • Visit or call several agencies to find the one that best suits your needs.
  • Consider everything from the appearance of the office to the agent’s willingness to listen and answer questions.
  • Ask about a specific agent’s professional background. For example, what kind of training or education they have had.
  • Contact the American Society of Travel Agents to check if a travel agent you are considering using belongs to this organization.

Find a travel agent near you.

Read more tips on planning a vacation.

Tips for how to avoid travel scams.

If you’re planning on traveling to Canada, check travel advisories.

 

Information courtesy of the Better Business Bureau