Need help planning a trip? How to find a trustworthy travel agent
by: Better Business Bureau
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Updated:
Consumers spend billions of dollars each year on travel. With the convenience of the Internet, it is sometimes difficult to find a trustworthy third-party travel service.
Sometimes well-known names are spoofed, or scammers trick users into thinking they are dealing directly with the hotel or airline.
Recognize a good travel agent:
- Takes the time to learn your travel needs, preferences, tastes, budget, and personal limitations such as medical conditions or phobias.
- Make comparisons to find the transport, accommodation, attractions and services that will give you the greatest satisfaction at the best price.
- Keeps abreast of new developments in the travel industry that may benefit you, such as price reductions and special offers on airfares and hotels.
- Is very knowledgeable about local attractions and customs in popular destinations and can provide advice that will help you choose among options and ensure your trip goes smoothly.
- Will be able to stay up to date on any travel restrictions or alerts that may arise and impact your trip.
How to find a good travel agent:
- Whenever possible, do business with a local travel agent. Take advice from friends and business partners who use an agent they trust and always check company profiles on BBB.org.
- Visit or call several agencies to find the one that best suits your needs.
- Consider everything from the appearance of the office to the agent’s willingness to listen and answer questions.
- Ask about the work history of a specific agent. For example, what type of training or education they have had.
- Contact the American Society of Travel Agents to verify if a travel agent you are considering using belongs to that organization.
Find a travel agent near you. Go to BBB.org/travel to see more tips. To report a scam, go to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
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