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In this article, I will go over five questions you must ask your travel agent before hiring them. Many people have had bad experiences with travel agents, and one bad experience can turn someone off from ever considering using a travel agent again. It is a really bad feeling to be on a trip and think to yourself, “I could have done a better job myself.”
I previously wrote about the pros and cons of working with a travel agent. That article was written to highlight that there may be some risks involved with working with a travel agent. But do you know the best way to minimize that risk? It is by interviewing your travel agent before hiring them.
Do not be afraid to interview your travel agent prior to working with them. If your travel agent were a salaried employee, you would put them through a complete hiring process. Even if you were referred to the agent you are considering working with, you should still do your due diligence. Do not allow them to be the only ones asking questions. You would be surprised how quickly you can weed out unqualified travel agents simply by asking the right questions.
Does Every Traveler Need a Travel Agent?
To be honest, I do not think everyone needs a travel agent. However, moderate to luxury travelers should strongly consider working with one, especially when planning international trips, vacation packages, or more complex itineraries. Black People Vacation has previously shared guidance on deciding whether using a travel agent is right for you, and that information can be a helpful starting point if you are still unsure.
At a minimum, you should consider having a travel agent price-check your own findings. I recommend establishing a relationship with a travel agent, and once you are ready to move forward with a trip or vacation package, reach out and send them what you have found. Ask them, “Can you do better?” The answer may be yes or no, but it is always worth asking.
For budget travelers, it is often better to book travel on your own. Most professional travel agents work with tried-and-true service providers. Because their reputation is on the line with every booking, they tend to use vendors they know will deliver a reliable experience. These vendors often come at a premium.
Budget travelers are typically more willing to take risks in exchange for lower prices. A good example of this is blind vacation packages. Personally, I could never imagine selling someone a vacation package without knowing which resort they would be staying at upfront. The thought of that terrifies me. However, many people book these packages every day and walk away with either incredible deals or unforgettable horror stories.
How Do You Find a Qualified Travel Agent?
Referrals from Friends and Family
One of the best ways to find a qualified travel agent is through referrals. Social media has made it extremely easy to ask friends and family for recommendations. If you have a friend with a similar travel style, ask whether they use a travel agent. Chances are, someone you know knows someone.
Searching “travel agent” along with your city or state is sure to return results. Google makes it easy to review ratings and feedback from past clients. While some travelers prefer working with a local agent, many Black-owned travel agencies now operate remotely, making location less important than experience and service quality.
Affiliate Travel Networks
Many travel agencies belong to affiliate networks or travel consortiums that allow them to offer additional benefits to their clients. Agencies must meet certain requirements to join these organizations, including licensing and sales standards. Some of the largest travel consortiums include Virtuoso, Ensemble, and Travel Leaders. Each of these organizations provides tools that allow travelers to search for affiliated travel agents.
Virtuoso – (if you would like to find my page on Virtuoso, it’s Bruce Powell )
The 5 Questions You Must Ask When Hiring a Travel Agent
Is Selling Travel Your Full-Time Career?
This is a very important question. Most travelers would not want a travel agent who is dividing their attention between travel clients and another full-time job. It often takes a part-time travel agent much longer to reach the same level of efficiency as someone who sells travel full-time. Ideally, you should work with a travel agent who has made selling travel their primary career.
How Long Have You Been Selling Travel?
A travel agent’s role should be to help you choose, plan, and arrange the right travel itinerary. They should be able to make recommendations on destinations, hotels, and activities based on your preferences and budget. I emphasize “should” because not all travel agents are the same, and experience, professionalism, and travel knowledge can vary greatly.
Ask how long the agent has been selling travel full-time. You should aim to work with someone who has at least a few years of experience. New agents should be working under the guidance of a more experienced professional. Be cautious when working with an independent travel agent who lacks experience and support.
Where Have You Traveled?
This question may sound simple, but not all travel agents travel frequently. Firsthand destination knowledge matters. A travel agent who actively travels is often better equipped to provide realistic recommendations and helpful insights.
That said, no one has been everywhere. When choosing a travel agent, look for someone who is familiar with the destinations you travel to most often. A strong travel agent will also have a reliable network to lean on when planning trips to destinations they have not personally visited.
Who Is Your Host Agency?
Travel agents typically work either as employees of a travel agency or as independent contractors under a host agency. Host agencies allow independent travel agents to operate as part of a larger organization and provide access to benefits reserved for top-producing travel agencies.
While many host agencies are reputable, there are also multi-level marketing companies that present themselves as legitimate travel businesses. These business models often focus on selling the ability to sell travel rather than providing professional travel services. When working with a travel agent, always ask who their host agency is and take the time to research it before moving forward.
What Industry Accreditations Do You Have?
If you are working directly with a travel agency, it should be properly registered with industry accrediting organizations. The most respected accreditations come from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC).
Agencies with these credentials are authorized to sell standalone airfare and must meet strict industry requirements. While some agencies hold other certifications that allow them to sell vacation packages, a full-service travel agency should be properly accredited. Personally, I would not work with an agency that does not operate as a full-time professional service.
Conclusion
Finding the right travel agent does not have to be complicated. With a little research and by asking the right questions, you can significantly reduce the risk of a bad experience and find a travel agent who aligns with your travel needs.
Whether you are considering working with a Black-owned travel agency for vacation packages, international travel, or more complex itineraries, taking the time to interview your travel agent upfront can make all the difference.
