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	Choosing A Travel Agent
	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

• Do you have at least 5 years of experience working as a travel agent?
• Are you a Certified Travel Counselor through the ITCTA?
• Is your agency approved by the International Air Transport Association
• Is your agency approved by the Airline Reporting Corporation?
• Is this an owner-operated agency?
• Is your agency a member of the Better Business Bureau?
• Are you a member of the American Society of Travel Agents?
• Can you give me 5 client references that I may contact?

• Do you have preferred supplier agreements with any travel companies?
• Do you have agreements with any travel consolidators?
• Does your agency subscribe to the OAG electronic system for travel offers?
• Does your agency use 3 or more Computer Reservation Systems?
• How much time do you spend researching a request for the best deal?
• How do you stay abreast of new developments in the travel industry?

• Do you book mostly business travel or vacation trips?
• Can you deliver my tickets to me? Is there a charge?
• Do you keep my info (frequent flyer numbers, preferences, etc.) on file?
• Will you notify me of special offers that come up that might be of interest?
• Will you let me know of attractions, events, or services where I'm visiting?
• Can you make reservations for air, sea, bus, rail, cruises, and car rentals?
• Are you able to make both domestic and overseas reservations for me?
• Can you help me purchase travel and trip cancellation insurance?

• Does the travel agent make you feel comfortable?
• Is the agent accommodating and helpful on the phone?
• Is it easy to get in touch with the agent when you need him or her?
• Are you comfortable discussing your travel budget with the agent?
• Do you feel your agent gives you his or her full attention?
• Does the agent ask about your preferences, tastes, budget, and limitations?

 

Copyright Ramona Creel, all rights reserved-- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.

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