Before going through the whole process of finding a good travel agent, make plans before hand to know where one is headed, for how long, what kind of holiday you are looking forward to (safari or simply hotel stay) or even how much one is willing to spend during that holiday. After all, failing to plan is planning to fail. Different travel agent offer different holiday packages and destinations and it is thus important to plan where the holiday destination shall be.
After planning, the next step is to choose which travel agent to pick. These few steps could reduce the burden of this tedious and confusing process.
The first is that you should select a few agents who satisfy all or most of your travelling needs. That is, they offer the packages that one needs, they operate in the area of travel or are willing to travel to that destination and provide quality services.
If the country has a tourism/ tours and travel regulations board, select from their list of accredited tours and travel companies. In Kenya select companies that have been endorsed by the Kenya Tourism Board.
It is known that tourism has Off Peak and Peak periods. To be safe, choose firms that operate throughout the year not just during the peak season. This can be done by checking what packages they offer and for what months of the year.
Do research to find out how many years they have been in operation and the portfolios of their work. The longer the period the better since they have more experience in regards to the industry and the other players in the field.
Do not rely on vocal agreements by the travel agent. Do not pay the agent for any services that have not yet been rendered by the agent. It is not a gold rush and they will still be there next season.
In some cases it is good to ask friends and relatives about good travel agents they may know. It is more secure to be introduced to an agent by somebody you know as it seals the deal better.
Of course have the budgetary constraints in mind, choose an agent who is affordable and one who is able to cut the best deals in the industry for you. They are aware of all the practical and affordable offers by hotel firms and tourist destinations rates during the particular season.
Lastly choose an agent who is related to a larger group of tourists’ travel agents. They may be part of a larger tourist sector like the Safari Operators in Kenya or are accredited to a particular major holiday destination like the Maasai Mara National Park for example. This way tracing them for discount claims and the like is easier.
Using these few criteria, check out the ones that do not fit into the checklist. After that, make a call to finalize details regarding the trip.
Enjoy your holiday and if they please you, pick them again for your next holiday trip.
Masai Mara Safaris
2 comments:
I agree that for big groups it is good to book with a tour company which has been operating for a long time. At the same time I think small and start up companies are also good because they take extra precaution and give personalised services to create a name for themselves.
Anyhow...each individual person should trust their instincts or sixth sense.
yes Naomi, people should always trust their instincts. small companies are the best since they are there to make a mark which requires alot of efforts on the part of the company.
Post a Comment