A travel agency can cut out a lot of your work when the time comes to travel planning, but how do you know if the travel agency you are dealing with is reputable? Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a travel agency for your upcoming vacation.
Make sure they’re associated with ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) organization. This means that the travel agency adheres by certain regulations and rules. It makes it easier for you to file a complaint against an agency in case you need to.
If the deals sound too good, they probably are. Every travel agency would like to get your business, but some will try to get you the best deal and won’t tell you everything you need to hear.
You should always be able to get in touch with them. If you go through an online travel agency, be sure they have their contact information clearly visible. You should have a phone number, physical address and e-mail information.
If all they are making available is an e-mail address, don’t trust them. A real, reputable agency will easily disclose contact information. Try also calling their phone number to make sure it is real and is answered by a real person.
Keep an eye out for hidden fees. Reputable agencies will lay out the deals exactly as they are. Other ones might promise a good deal and then scam you with other fees you didn’t expect. You should request that every fee is laid out in writing.
Reputable agencies will work hard for your comfort. If you need handicap-accessible items, they’ll go out of their way to make sure you’re well taken care of. Less than reputable agencies don’t care if you don’t come back.
You should be able to contact your agencies even during your trip. They should work with you before, during and after the trip. Bad agencies will be impossible to find after you’ve paid up.
A reputable agency will advise you about the location you will visit and give you tips. They usually monitor countries for possible dangers so they can alert you ahead of time.
Some just plain disappear after you have paid. Good, reputable agencies do all the planning and worrying for you, so your only job is to have a good time.