How to Deal with Travel Agent/Tour Guides for your Group Travel Vacation
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Many travel/touring companies are involved in booking group travel, but it can be very difficult to tell if you are getting the best information from them. When looking into planning a group trip, it is usually easier to use a travel agent or touring company than to try to organize it yourself. If you research travel agents on the internet you will be bombarded with lists of companies. It is always best to get referrals from family members or friends that have used agents and go to them.
You can also research agencies with the local better business bureau to be sure they do not have complaints against them. When using an agency that you are not familiar with, try to find one with a local office so you can visit them in person. When you use an agency that you cannot visit you really do not know who or what type of organization you are dealing with.
It is best to do your homework and research what type of travel you are looking for. Agents can guide you based on the type of travel you are looking for, but remember it is your trip and you should get what you want out of it. If you are traveling with a group, it is best to choose a main contact person from the group that will be responsible for dealing directly with the agent. This way the agent is not facing calls from each member of the group. The main contact should get all the necessary information from the group members and present it to the agent. The agent can provide detailed information and answer any questions to the main contact, who can share it with the group.
The group contact person should try to get as much information from the agent in writing (email works best)- ticket information, hotel confirmations, etc should be sent via email by the agent to the group contact person who can then forward them to all group members. The main contact person will also have copies of all member trip info, in case of emergencies.
Don’t be afraid to ask the agent detailed questions about your trip. If you do not feel the agent is understanding what you are looking for you should change agents before you book anything. A good agent will not push things on you that you are not interested in. Don’t be talked into things you do not want (travel insurance, extra rental car insurance, etc). The best agents are the ones that will take into consideration what you want from your trip and research the best options for you. You should be clear about your budget and things you definitely want to do versus what you are willing to forgo, based on time and money.
If you do your homework when choosing an agent and are clear with what you want out of your trip, you should be happy with your group travel booking. If you do experience a problem, you should report it to the better business association in your area.
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