You already know you need a vacation. The question is not if, but when and where. Like most people you begin searching the web during lulls at work (even though you shouldn't be) or at midnight after everyone has gone to sleep and it's quiet.
Let's take a look at those 2 scenarios. Your vacation most likely will cost you more than you spent at the supermarket last week. For that decision, you sat down, made a list and gave it thought while you were not distracted at work and not dying to go to sleep at midnight. Doesn't your vacation deserve the same loving care? Your vacation decision should really have your undivided attention and concentration.
Searching the web can give you some insight about the travel you want to do. That really is only scratching the surface. Trying to do the research about where to go, how to get there, where to stay, and what to do can be daunting. You finally realize you need help. Now what? You heard the sister of a cousin of your brother-in-law's stepmother has a friend who "does travel part time on the side." Hmmm, do you think that is the best person to call? Consider the amount of money you will be investing in your vacation and you might want to think again.
A Professional Travel Consultant is one who is working in the travel industry full time and has over the years garnered travel certifications through educational classes through recognized vehicles in the travel industry. Some courses may be physical classroom courses, others may be given through Destination Tourism Boards, resorts / hotels, cruise lines and other venues. Along with that, travel consultants take part in organized trips to locations with the intent to have a deeper understanding of the destination, the accommodations and activities available. These same travel professionals are privy to the latest travel details, best pricing and more.
Now, how do you choose the right travel professional? Yes, ask around through family and friends. Ask where they have traveled and if they were satisfied with the planning process, knowledge and overall service of the planner they used. Is there an agency near your home or business? Is there a travel professional in you business or social network? Did you go on the web and see someone you think you like? There are so many choices.
Is bigger always better? I met a young lady who chose a large, mall style travel agency to plan her destination wedding. She did not qualify the travel agent before her booking. Well, from the day she made the deposit, her life was filled with issues. The first thing that happened, and most important problem was the agent called to tell her there was a mistake in the pricing and added $200.00 to the price per person. That should have been the first red flag. Unfortunately there was more...issues with wrong names and dates on air tickets and issues at the resort because of mistakes made. Luckily the resort solved everything and the wedding happened. Moral of the story, bigger is not always better. You need to consider the true interest of the travel consultant helping you. Are you working with a professional travel consultant or a travel agent who is interested in the sale, not you?
Once you have narrowed down the choices, interview that travel consultant. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the length of time in the business, their credentials, and references. They are going to be performing a service for you. Would you hire any other professional without asking questions? When you are speaking with them, do they seem interested in answering your questions or do they deflect them? Are they listening to you? Is there a chemistry between you and the travel consultant? Even if hiring someone you have found via a website, look carefully at the site. Is there a page for references or client testimonials? If not, I would continue looking. Also, find out which professional organizations membership either the consultant or the agency has.
You want to look for IATAN, ASTA and CLIA at the very least. Many agencies are members of consortia as well. Ask about their consortium. You can also call these organizations for verification.
You may be thinking, I can do it by myself on the web. Think again, the travel professionals know the ins and outs. If the web price looks too good to be true or lots and lots cheaper, then think again. More often when it looks too good to be true, there's most often a good reason. Also, if you have a problem once you make the reservation through a website, is there someone in your corner to help you? Most likely not. Building a solid relationship with your travel professional will make all the difference in the world. Go ahead, try it, you'll like it!
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