Five Ways to Find a Reputable Travel Agent

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If you’re in desperate need of a travel agent but have no idea how to find one then check out this post on Five Ways to Find a Reputable Travel Agent.

I was recently reminded that one of the reasons people may not use a travel agent to book travel plans is very simple. They don’t know how to find one. Even in this world of do-it-yourself travel, it is sometimes a good idea to leave it to a professional. A first international trip, group travel, or just not having enough time are a small handful of reasons to contact a travel agent.

Not everyone is inclined to be a part of every single step in the process, but if you don’t have an agent to turn to it can get frustrating. Finding a travel agent can be a tricky process. You have to find someone that understands what you want and is looking out for you the traveler. Your wants and needs have to be their top priority, not their commission.

You also have to make sure that they are indeed a travel agent. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard horror stories over the years of frauds taking money from people who entrusted them to make their travel plans. When those types of stories come out travelers are even more hesitant to consult a travel agent.

It’s understandable for travelers to be wary. They have to know that the person they are working with can be trusted with sensitive information like birthdates, passport information, and credit card numbers. Thankfully, you know a former travel agent who is here to share with you Five Ways to Find a Reputable Travel Agent.

Get Recommendations from Friends, Family, and Colleagues

Do you have any frequent travelers in your inner circle? Ask them if they ever consult with a travel professional to help plan their adventures. Getting a reference from a trusted friend or family member is a great way to streamline the research process of finding someone trustworthy to handle your future travel plans.

Check for ASTA affiliations

ASTA stands for the American Society of Travel Agents. Any agents who belong to ASTA are reputable and have a specific code of conduct and guidelines that they have to follow. You can find a travel agent that is ASTA verified through their website.

Cruise Line and Tour Company Websites

If you’re looking to travel with a specific cruise line or tour company then check their website. Many of them have a section on their website of preferred travel agencies. All you have to do is enter your zip code.

Some companies will even mention if they have agents who have completed special training with them. I received certifications with several cruise lines and tour companies including Princess Cruises who mention which agencies have agents with commodore status.

Travel Consortium Websites

You may be wondering what a travel consortium is. They’re kind of a middle man between the agents and vendors. Yes, travel agents do work directly with the vendors, but a consortium increases their buying power. They work with the vendors to help travel agents get better deals for their clients and possibly an increase in commission for the agent. Travel agencies and agents do pay for these services and sometimes a percentage of their commission or a flat fee for each booking too.

Obviously, there is a great benefit for the agent and the client. Travel Leaders, Virtuoso, and Signature Travel Network are a few of the major travel consortiums out there. The agency I belonged to works with Travel Leaders. Their website lists the agencies they work with and each agent has their own bio on the website giving potential clients an idea of their specialties.

Online Review Sites

You can always google “travel agents near me”, but make sure to check review sites like Angie’s List and Yelp. This will help you know if they are a trustworthy company/individual or not.

When looking for a travel agent to work with, make sure to get to know them a little bit and share what your expectations are. Ask them about their process when recommending certain accommodations, cruise lines, or tour companies.  Find out if they specialize in a particular travel niche and if they have any extra certifications. Any seasoned travel agent will not find this unusual. In fact, they prefer it. This will help them know how serious you are about your travel plans and get to know you too. They will have a better idea of what to recommend to you and whatnot.

Feel free to shop around. Don’t just settle on the first agent you find. Travel planning can get a bit personal. You’re sharing a lot of your hopes and dreams with this person and it’s their job to make them a reality. It’s important for you to find the right fit!

I hope these Five Ways to Find a Reputable Travel Agent are helpful for you the next time you’re looking for a little professional help to plan your travel adventures!

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