5 Tips for Finding a Travel Agent

Your new boss has asked you to book his travel for an important business meeting, and you've just been told the company doesn't have a regular travel agent because most people just handle it themselves. If you suddenly feel at a loss as to what to do, don't panic. Help is nearby.

Of course, you may be asking, "Why would I use a travel agent when I have the Internet at my fingertips?" Depending on the arrangements you have to make, using a travel agent may make sense because having someone assist you with travel arrangements frees you up to do other things. Or if you boss is going on a particularly long and complicated trip with several changes over the course of a two- or three-week jaunt, it's easier to let someone with the know-how and connections figure it all out.

So with that in mind, here are five things we recommend you do to find a travel agent.

Ask

Start your search for a travel agent by asking around. Friends, family, and business associates who travel frequently are likely to have recommendations. This is a great jumping off point. You may also want to check on-line with the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) or a travel site such as TravelSense.

Interview

Once you get some recommendations, there are important things you need to find out about each agent. These include:

• Length of time in the business. The recommendation is five years or longer, though this is not a guarantee of excellence.
• Specific qualifications. While there are a number of courses an agent can take, the highest certification is Certified Travel Consultant. In addition, there are the Certified Travel Associate and Destination Specialist.
• Agency affiliation. Working with an established agency may give an agent an advantage by providing access to resources. On the other hand, an agent who works outside an agency may have the flexibility to book services that are not part of an agency's product list. Affiliation also refers to whether or not the agent belongs to ASTA or the Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA).
• Questions they ask you. Agents should not be just about selling you, they should be about finding out your particular needs. Pay attention to whether they seem genuinely interested in you.
• Associated cost. There was a time (pre-9/11) when airlines paid a commission. Now the traveler pays the agent. Find out upfront how much it will cost for their assistance. The amount is generally based on the amount of time involved.

Services

One of the most important things to understand is what services a travel agent can provide that might be beneficial to planning a trip.

According to Sara Wilson at Travel Girl Magazine, travel agents can "provide advice on particular destinations, make arrangements for transportation, accommodations and recreation. When appropriate, they may also act as restaurant reviewers, weathermen (or weather-women), and tour guides. In the event you are traveling internationally, your agent would be knowledgeable about currency exchange rates, customs regulations, and required papers, including passports, visas and vaccination certificates."

Deals

Why use an agent if you can get a better deal on your own? That's why it is important to determine what agents have to offer that makes it worth your while using them.

Well-connected travel agents with the latest technologies may have preferred supplier arrangements, special travel offers and unpublicized or insider deals they can pass along to you. Plus, because they work with vendors all the time, they have clout that you don't.

Comfort

Last, but surely not least, you need to make sure you are comfortable with the travel agent you choose. Just like an attorney or accountant, you want to be able to relate well because business travel is more about developing a long-term relationship then just about booking a flight and hotel.

So there you have it: five things to consider when you are looking for a travel agent. And if you have any other suggestions that might help fellow readers select the right agent, we'd love to hear from you.