Travel Agent near me
A good travel agent can save you time by doing research for you and booking your flights, hotels, tours, or cruises. They also have insider knowledge on travel-related discounts you might not know about. Plus, they’ll keep in close contact with you as your trip approaches, making sure all the plans are on track. But you’ll still have to pay them for their time, and perhaps an airline ticket procurement fee or other service charges. Be sure to ask for an itemized list of costs and fees before you book.
Even though anyone can become a travel agent (on-staff positions at agencies are increasingly rare, but independent agents remain in high demand), it takes a certain type of person to excel. “It’s not for everyone, and if you’re not very sales-oriented, it’s hard to make a living,” says travel consultant Erin Pindar.
Travel agents often specialize in particular types of trips, or a specific region. If you’re planning a big trip, you’ll want an agent who has done it before, and perhaps has friends in the area who can vouch for a hotel or tour company.
If you’re planning a cruise, look for an agent with CLIA Certification. This designation indicates that they’ve passed a rigorous program of courses designed to elevate their cruise travel expertise. Use the search feature to find one near you.