5 tips to finding a reliable travel agent

Personal referrals are always a great place to start. It could be a family member who you know is a regular globetrotter, or a friend whose travel style matches yours. Approach them to get honest and unbiased reviews about their past experiences, both good and bad! 

If you’d like more options to play with, you could also try polling friends for word-of-mouth recommendations. Even if you’re unable to get first-hand testimonials, it’s safer to start with these rather than a generic Google search. Just be aware - the best travel agents for business are often not the best travel agents for leisure, and vice versa. So be sure to be clear on the type of experience you are looking for when sourcing for recommendations.

When it comes to getting the opinion of a wider crowd, travel review sites and online forums can be your best friend in gathering information you might not find on official agent websites. In addition to being able to glean wisdom from a diverse, international community, the anonymity of these platforms also makes it easier to get an unfiltered opinion. Got questions? Just post it up and there’ll probably be a travel buff out there who’s more than willing to help you out. 

We all want someone who knows what they are doing. A certified travel agent has professional qualifications that require not only study and homework, but also some industry experience to obtain. Don’t be afraid to ask for their qualifications and have them talk about their experience.

An alternative type of ‘pro’ you might want to consider would be networks such as Buffalo Tours, which work with dedicated travel agents in the business. These, like luxury hotel fellowship Four Seasons, often have a selection process in place to ensure that only the cream of the crop are recommended to their clients, so you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be dealing with agents of a certain standard. 

What’s more, you’ll likely be able to get access to amenities not available through other channels as these networks often negotiate for exclusive extras in order to sweeten the deal for clients.

Quizzing prospective travel agents is one of the top ways to find out the level and depth of expertise you’re dealing with. Come prepared with a list of questions and include any reservations that you might have about any part of the planning process. A capable and resourceful agent will not only be quick to provide information and assurance, but will also likely be proactive in getting as many details as possible on your travel preferences as this will enable them to tailor the best itinerary possible for you. 
        
If an agent seems distant and disengaged or doesn’t engage in a two-way dialogue, that’s a red flag - move on. This indicates a lack of commitment and ultimately, doesn’t bode well for reliability.

When in a pinch, one of your safest bets would be going with a local branch of a well-known travel chain or franchise. These agents provide a degree of consistency and reliability that you might not always get with a smaller, boutique agency. These outfits also often enjoy the backup of a large organisation which can come in handy in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In addition, you might get access to volume price discounts, which is always a nice perk!

As with every travel trip that you’re planning, don’t forget about your travel insurance. Having a good insurance plan from the start can free up more time for you to plan the perfect holiday. If you require any help or advice, let us know here, or click here to learn about our travel insurance plans.