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By admin, November 27, 2009 2:53 pm

We could all use a break from the monotony of our jobs and the humdrum of domestic chores, and the first thing that comes to mind is often a vacation. As many health experts say, taking a vacation every now and then is indispensable to good health.

The next thing we do is look for great travel deals through a travel agency. This is important because if taking a vacation means emptying out our wallets and bank accounts, what good can that do to our financial health? In dire economic times, topmost in our minds is to get the best deals, which are typically possible only from travel agencies.

Many people think that getting travel deals on the Internet is the way to go. The reason for this is that there is very little overhead involved. Online ticket sellers don’t need a physical location; all they need is a web site and a marketing campaign. A recently released white paper says, however, that people who book with travel agents receive discounts of as much as $56.00 more than when booking with the Internet or with an airline.

Great Deals through Your Travel Agency: Tips

Here are some things to bear in mind when you want to obtain great deals through a travel agency.

1. Remember the concepts of off-peak and peak – these concepts relate to travel time periods. For instance, peak travel periods would be Thanksgiving, Christmas, graduation and Easter. You probably still might get a great deal, but chances are very slim. Peak season equates with greater demand for tickets and more crowded airports, not to speak of higher fuel costs. You can obtain great deals if you schedule your trip during off peak travel periods.

2. Air consolidators – when you hear someone say, “my ticket is a consolidated ticket”, that means they are travelling to an overseas destination like Asia or Europe and their travel agents sold them consolidated tickets. Agents have access to consolidated tickets because they have special and exclusive arrangements with major carriers, thanks to frequent volume purchases.

3. Wide network of providers – travel agents work on special computer systems that provide access to the world’s discounted travel packages. This is why your best bet is to deal with a travel agent when hunting for deals because agents use the most sophisticated program applications, technology and relationships to do some bargain hunting for you.

4. Group travel – just as buying in bulk would fetch a lower price at a food wholesaler, your travel agent will be pleased to seek additional discounts for you if you’re travelling in a group. If you tell your travel agent that you need tickets for a party of four or five people, the potential of obtaining great deals is higher.

5. Budget travel – ask your travel agent for a variety of ways of travelling on a tight budget. You should tell your travel agent that you are willing to take the train, stay in a youth hostel, and eat in cheaper restaurants. Numerous travel associations here and abroad cater to younger travellers who are usually on a limited budget. Your travel agent has access to a wealth of information relating to cheap accommodations and cheap dining, as well as access to discount coupons and free passes to attractions.

6. Advance booking – it used to be that the magic number was “21”; that is, booking your trip 21 days in advance, giving you a cheaper fare. Not anymore. If you’re going to London for Christmas, call your travel agent six to seven months ahead and ask her to look for the cheapest possible flight; be aware though that Christmas time can be an expensive time to travel anywhere. If you’re travelling to say Hong Kong for Chinese New Year, you’re better off booking about seven months ahead.

7. Restricted plane fare – if you’re a no-fuss traveller and you know exactly what you want, tell your travel agent. For instance you can tell your travel agent the following:

· You’re travelling on say June 21 and that’s a definite date (which means you’re not going to change the date) and you’re returning on July 31 (again no changing of dates);

· You don’t mind a circuitous route (direct flights are more expensive)

· You’re open to taking red eye flights

· You don’t mind being on stand-by

· Remember that if you do change the dates, you could be paying a penalty.

8. Retiree – if you are a retiree, tell your travel agent. Some travel agents offer hot deals to seniors and have special relationships with hotels and sightseeing tour operators that cater specifically to this age group.

9. Children – again, some travel agents can offer half fares or practically free fares for children under a certain age. Some agents will even offer the fourth ticket free if you’re travelling with four children.

10. Day of the week – it matters what day of the week you want to travel – provided these days are not close to national holidays. For instance, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturday are considered off-days.

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By admin, November 26, 2009 6:50 am

Australia is a huge country, almost as large as the contiguous United States, and one of the most important tips for any traveler would be to give themselves enough time to really see the country. Most international visitors fly into Sydney, the country’s largest city, but the rest of this vast country, which also happens to be a continent, is well worth visiting too.

One of the biggest challenges is negotiating the huge distances; the distance from Perth on the west coast to Brisbane on the east coast is almost 2500 miles. The easiest way to travel is to fly. QANTAS serves the major cities as well as smaller places with intriguing names, Wollongong, Lord Howe Island and Doomadgee.

If you plan to see as much of the country as possible, consider buying one of the many air passes available which allow you to save money by taking a certain number of flights within a specific time period. The cost depends on the itinerary. A ticket from Perth to Cairns to Alice Springs and Melbourne might cost around $1200. You generally need to purchase these tickets outside Australia, and often in conjunction with your plane ticket to and from Australia.

If you have the time, driving is an excellent way to see the country, and to appreciate the sheer size. Car rental is easy and convenient, you will need a valid driver’s license to rent a car and you need to have it with you while driving. Many travelers even find it more economical to purchase a car and then sell it before returning home. Australian drivers are polite, and won’t tolerate drunk-driving, driving without a seat belt or talking on a cell phone while driving.

Roads are generally good in Australia, although some roads in the Outback are unpaved (or unsealed, as they are known) and can only be driven safely in a four wheel drive vehicle. If you are driving in the more remote parts of Australia, be alert for animals and “road trains”, huge tractor-trailers up to fifty yards long. Never venture into the Outback without extra water and fuel, spare tires, a rope and perhaps a satellite phone. And don’t forget, they drive on the left.

There is also a surprisingly good rail and bus network in Australia, there are several long distance bus companies, although Greyhound Pioneer Australia covers the entire country. Also, if you have the time, the train journey from Perth to Sydney is considered one of the world’s most spectacular; it also boasts one of the world’s longest straight stretches of railroad track.

If you don’t want to fly or drive, consider an escorted tour. These can vary greatly in the quality of accommodation, the length of the trip and exactly what you will see. Most tours take in the popular destinations, Sydney and the surrounding Blue Mountains, the Gold Coast, Uluru, (Ayers Rock) and the Great Barrier Reef. Darwin makes a good base for exploring the tropical north of the country and Alice Springs is convenient for exploring the Outback.

Many people visit Australia to experience native Aborigine culture. If you plan to travel on Aboriginal land, other than on a designated road, you will first need to obtain a permit from the Land Council in that state. There are plenty of places throughout the country to see Aborigines and purchase their art and crafts, but you are also expected to show respect for their sacred sights.

The unit of currency in Australia is the dollar; divided into 100 cents. At the time of this writing, Australia is affordable to American and European visitors, due to the rather favorable exchange rate. ATMs can be found in all the larger towns and the major tourist areas, although they are often hard to find in the Outback.

Credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted. Tipping is not as common as in the US, although it’s appreciated. An inexpensive hotel room might cost somewhere between $50 and $80; a more luxurious hotel room may cost in the range of $260 to $300. Hostels and campgrounds are also widely available, reasonably priced and popular with families and backpackers.

The internet has meant that trip planning and keeping in touch has become easier. Australia is no exception. Internet access is widely available, even in the remotest Outback settlements. Australians use 240 volts AC, so you will need to take an adaptor for electrical appliances.

One of the easiest aspects about traveling through Australia is that the language is familiar. Although, you may come across such strange things as thongies, billabongs, sheilas and, as Australians are well known for their hospitality, possibly an invitation to a shrimp on the barbie.

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By admin, November 23, 2009 7:35 pm

In this day of online trip booking and lowest price airfare searches, do you still need a travel agent? According to the ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) and most travelers, the answer is a resounding yes. Travel agents still book nearly 90% of all cruises and over 80% of all tours and packages. A consumer-conscious travel agent will work hard to find you the best possible combination of price and features to make your tour a dream vacation. Here are some questions to ask that will help you evaluate travel agents and be sure that you find the best one for your booking and travel needs.1. Do you know a good travel agent?

Yes, start by asking around. A good travel agent will build a good reputation. If you have friends and associates who travel often, ask them for their recommendations. Those will be a good starting point for your own search.2. How long have you been doing this?

Look for an agent that has been in business for five years or longer. While length of time in business is no guarantee of commitment or knowledge, experience is a great teacher.3. What are your qualifications as a travel agent?

There are a number of professional training courses that your agent may have taken. The highest certification for a travel agent is a Certified Travel Consultant, which requires five years of full time travel industry experience and the completion of twelve courses. Other certificates include Certified Travel Associate, and Destination Specialist. While it is not necessary for a travel agent to hold any of these qualifications, they do provide proof of commitment and knowledge in the industry.4. Are you affiliated with an agency?

On the other hand, even a younger, newer agent who is affiliated with an established agency has access to the resources and information of the entire agency. That’s not to say that outside agents – those who work outside an agency – are not as good. An outside agent has the advantage of flexibility in booking trips that are not part of their agency’s offered products.5. Are you affiliated with any professional organizations?

U.S. travel agents are not generally regulated or held to uniform standards, but there are two major professional bodies to which they may belong, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and the Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA).6. What questions is the agent asking me?

One of the most important qualifications for a travel agent is an awareness of and sensitivity to your needs. The agent you’re working with should be full of questions aimed at learning as much as possible about your needs. A good travel agent will be focused on you and your needs, not just on the products they are selling you.7. Do you have any specialist knowledge?

Some agencies and agents specialize in a particular type of trip. If you have special needs or are seeking a unique type of vacation – like the new and very popular eco-tours – you may do far better with an agent who is experienced in that special field. Other specialties may include booking tours and trips for people with limitations and/or disabilities, booking adventure tours, or booking trips to a specific destination.8. How do you find me the best deals?

You can ask more specific questions, but you’re really trying to find out how well-connected your travel agent is within the industry, and how current they are with the latest technologies and developments. You’re looking for answers like, “we have preferred supplier arrangements with these travel companies” and “I subscribe to these databases of travel offers” – answers that make it clear your travel agent uses all the resources available to find you the best possible trip.9. What will happen if I have an overseas emergency while your agency is closed?

Your travel agent can and should be your strongest advocate before, during and after your trip. Being able to contact your agency during their off hours can mean the difference between sitting in a hotel lobby waiting until the office reopens. The answer you want is: “There is always an agent on call to resolve problems that might arise even when we’re closed.”10. Do I like this person and feel comfortable with them?

While it’s not necessary to like someone in order to do business with them, it’s a very good gauge of how well they’re relating to you. You’ll get the best service and vacation experience from a travel agent who is focused on you, your companions and helping you arrange the vacation of a lifetime. After all, a good agent isn’t looking for a sale – they’re looking for a long-term relationship.

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By admin, November 18, 2009 8:38 am

Many people opt for planning a vacation on their own when it comes time to book their much anticipated getaway. This will mean looking on your own for the best travel rates for airfare, trains, cruises, hotels options, purchasing tickets for special events, car rentals and any other details involved in putting together a fun-filled vacation. Instead of openly enduring the hassles and stress of planning your own vacation, put all the work into the hands of a competent travel agent and save yourself a lot of time, headaches, and money.

There are many good reasons to work with a travel agency when planning a family vacation, or even a quiet getaway for you and someone special. Here are just a few of the benefits that can be yours in exchange for a little time with an agent.

Information

One of the first things you should understand about travel agencies is they have information a wide variety of excursion opportunities. It is not just the great packages to major cities and well-known vacation spots that they can tap into for your benefit. They can also provide information about less trendy vacation locations that are not already overrun with tourists. Depending on why you want to get away, this can be a very important factor. At the very least, using a travel agent will allow you to consider destinations that you would probably never have discovered on your own.

Reduced Costs

There is also the matter of cost. Many people have the mistaken idea that using a travel agent is expensive. In many cases, the opposite is true. Travel agencies know where the best deals are found at any time during the year. The nature of their business allows them to establish a rapport with hotel chains, airlines, and other services relevant to constructing vacation plans that makes it possible for them to negotiate rates you would never be able to manage on your own. Even if you have the time to handle all the myriad details associated with planning a vacation, the chances of obtaining the same rates for air or train travel, hotel accommodations, and other amenities, is highly unlikely.

Saving Time

Time is sometimes a factor in planning a vacation. Utilizing the expertise and resources of travel agencies, certain tasks which are time consuming can be outsourced to your travel agent. All the necessary information is already at their fingertips. There is no need to make multiple telephone calls or spend hour’s online setting up each aspect of the trip. With a travel agency, you simply sit down with an agent, discuss what you have in mind, and then let the planning begin.

Your agent can show you more options in five minutes than you could probably come across yourself in five hours. If you have firm ideas of what you want and where you want to go, there is a good chance everything can be arranged, including extras, in less than a half hour. That

leaves you plenty of extra time to buy new clothes for the trip!

When in Rome…

Travel agents can also make you aware of any cultural aspects associated with your destination. Knowing what type of dress is appropriate, how to interact respectfully with the hotel staff as well as others living in the area, and what to expect in the way of local cuisine, can save you a lot of time, frustration, and embarrassment. One good example is the traditional “Okay” sign that is created using the thumb and index finger. While that gesture is considered acceptable in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, it is considered a grave insult in other places around the world. Knowing what is and is not acceptable in the way of gestures and speech will help you avoid what could be a highly awkward situation.

Support Network

Another key advantage of using a travel agency is that you always have some type of support network should you hit an unanticipated snag with any part of the vacation plans. The agency can intervene if inclement weather causes you to miss a flight connection by working with the airline to get you on the way as soon as possible while also calling ahead to the hotel and letting them know your arrival is delayed. Many travel agencies also can provide assistance during the trip with last minute details, such as obtaining tickets for a local event or arranging for a rental car once you arrive at the hotel.

Due to the variety of benefits associated with using a travel agent, there is really no reason to go to the trouble and expense of making arrangements on your own. Allowing an agent to handle all the details for you makes it much easier for you to concentrate on enjoying the trip, while saving money at the same time. In the event you need help with anything, the travel agent is only a phone call or an email away.