How to Choose a Travel Agent

Baby boomers are looking for travel experiences that are outside of the mainstream in traditional package vacations. With their children fleeing the nest and with ample time and money at their disposal, the baby boomer generation is seeking out travel adventure and vacation experiences that only a few years ago would be off the radar screen as foreign travel destinations. Factors that fuel the quest for exotic travel is that the baby boomer era has benefited from hefty inheritances, and the experience of business travel in emerging markets. In addition, the baby boomer generation has always been known to be highly independent, one that tends to experiment and leads more often than it follows. It started in the 60’s with the hippy movement and the same fierce independence to break new ground has seeped through the establishment with them and has now spilled out into their retirement years.A number of travel services have sprung to action to fill the thirst for this off-the-beaten-path kind of travel experience. Despite the number of travel services that are offering trips to exotic destinations, it is important to keep in mind that many from the baby boomer era are not willing to sacrifice the quality of their accommodations and services. On the contrary, the baby boomer market expects 5-Star accommodations and all the attention-to-detail that one would expect in the finest North American resorts. For this reason, it is important to consult a travel agent to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable vacation experience particularly when traveling to lesser-known parts of the world. When choosing a travel agent is important to understand their experience. Is the company well-known and respected? Do they specialize in one geographical area, or are they experienced in a variety of travel destinations? These are important factors to consider because while a travel agent that specializes in one geographical area may be very knowledgeable in certain areas, they may not offer as valuable advice for other countries.A second thing to consider when planning an exotic destination is the travel agent’s knowledge. It is wise to seek out an agent that specializes in the region or country that you wish to travel to and understands the local culture and customs of the area. Travel agents can often provide insight into attire and mannerisms that are not appropriate in certain countries; thus, preventing an embarrassing situation. In addition, they can offer recommendations on key places of interest that would make the trip extra memorable.Another important area of consideration when looking for a travel agent is their reputation within the community. Have other people had a positive experience after using them to plan a foreign vacation? Do they recommend places to visit that fit into your budget as well as meeting the needs and interests of the travelers. Although most travel agents do a good job, it is a career that requires excellent listening skills and the ability to match people up with destinations that will suit their interests, desires, and lifestyle. This can be a difficult task, but finding a travel agent that is well-known and respected within the community can make this process easier.The fourth thing to consider when planning a foreign vacation with a travel agent is whether they offer a wide range of services. This is important to consider because ending up in a foreign country and trying to find where services such as hotels, car rentals, tour buses, or train tickets can be purchased can be confusing and stressful.The final thing to consider when planning a vacation through a travel agent is whether travel insurance is offered. This is often overlooked when people travel because it is often viewed as an unnecessary expense. However, this can add a sense of peace and reassurance when traveling. Although travel insurance varies by company, it can often help off-set the costs of a vacation that was ruined due to unforeseen circumstances.While you can expect to see more new travel packages to exotic destinations become available, choose your travel agent wisely - because everyone has learned in the last few years that the world can be a dangerous place. Although local knowledge and expert staff may cost a tad more than a published discount vacation, the peace of mind and inside local knowledge can make it well worth the package premium. You’ll get way more out of your vacation as well because you’ll experience an insiders view of the country and the culture as opposed to the more bland type of tourist package.

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