Who Is My Travel Consultant

In previous articles I have warned travelers about bogus travel agents. They are relative wanna be's in a professional world. Of those organizations promising you a travel agent are YTB, Traverus and Rovia.

These organizations ask one for an upfront fee to join a club promising amongst many things free or discounted travel. Also they promise people a "great rich quick" business. Nice, but it doesn't work. Especially since many cruise lines, tour operators and resorts will not accept reservations from these "organizations."

Today California has now sanctioned YTB (Your Travel Biz). They have been barred from issuing travel "credentials" in California and also must pay restitution and penalties in the amount of 1million dollars.

According to California state Attorney General Edmund G. Brown, Jr, "the agreement will "stop the deceptive marketing of [YTB's] largely unprofitable travel Web sites and prohibiting the company from charging consumers nearly $500 to recruit others into its endless chain scheme. YTB falsely promised customers they could get rich quick by selling travel online. In reality, customers were reeled into an elaborate pyramid scheme and most never earned a dime. Today's settlement ends YTB's pyramid scheme by arming consumers with hard facts and eliminating the need to sign up for this largely unprofitable Web site." This information was printed as breaking news in Travel Trade Magazine, May 14, 2009.

So, please, when planning you vacation, ask for credentials. Make sure your travel agency is associated with ASTA and IATA, the leaders of the travel industry association. Go to
ASTA.ORG, plug in the name of the agency. If the name it not there, beware....run, don't walk. You will be able to find an agent near you who is qualified to help you.

Protect your travel investment! Make sure you have happy travel memories!

Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS
Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso
The Pavilion
261 Old York Road - Suite 205
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65
Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65
Direct: 267-879-8250
www.atravelspecialist.com
Blog: http://atravelspecialist.blogspot.com
adrienne@rubinsohntravel.com
Proud Members of ASTA/CLIA/IATA

Is The Travel Agent A Qualified Travel Consultant?

Yes, I know I have touched on this topic briefly before. Since this is an important topic for consumers I feel I must discuss it again. I am sure either you or someone you know was told you can become a travel agent for a small fee. Just pay $499.00 plus $50.00 a month and get all the perks you want. You can also make a referral fee too...supposidly $25.00.

So tell me, would you buy insurance from your neighbor or coworker if they weren't licensed? Would you want their advise because they said they joined an insurance club? Same with legal advise...would you trust the barrista at the corner coffee shop? So why would you throw your hard earned dollars away for your vacation to someone who is not qualified to give you educated information and find you the best travel solutions?

The authenitic, professional travel business doesn't really work like that. The problem is, the unsuspecting consumer might not know they are talking about travel planning with someone who is just not qualified to sell travel. A true travel professional has many qualifications. Amongst those qualifications:

• Education about travel including, destinations, resorts and cruiselinesAssociations with nationally recognized organizations such as ASTA, CLIA, and IATAN (all bona fide agencies are registered with ASTA and IATAN)


• Ask which consortium the ageny is associated. Check the BBB for the agency name


• References and demonstrated proficiency in answering your questions


• Before you discuss travel, find out about the travel planner. As how long they have been planning travel? Ask about their agency and how long it has been in existance?

If you hear the words referral agent, run...don't walk. The most well known "referral agencies" are known by the names of "YTB" Your Travel Biz), "World Ventures", "PTS" (Prestige) Travel, "WorldQuest, Inc", "Global Travel" and "Traverus." There are others popping up as we speak. Before you travel, don't trust your hard earned dollars to just anyone. Don't be embarrased to ask questions about the travel planner's credentials. A true professional will welcome your questions. I always invite new clients to check my references as well as those of my agency. I am proud of our standing as a professionals, not someone looking to make a quick buck and move on.

Protect your travel and your money. Professional travel consultants want to you to enjoy your travel and know you are in good hands.Please be sure to read the link below. It is written by ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) and explains all about bogus travel agencies. We want to you be informed. An educated traveler is a happy traveler! Look for the IATAN logo like the one above to be sure your travel consultant is a professional travel consulant!

• http://travelresearchonline.com/cardmills/

Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS
Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso
The Pavilion
261 Old York Road - Suite 205
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65
Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65
Direct: 267-879-8250
http://www.atravelspecialist.com/
Blog: http://atravelspecialist.blogspot.com/
adrienne@rubinsohntravel.com