Travel Agents
Travel Agents:
Who are they?
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A travel agent is a professional who specializes in
making travel arrangements on behalf of other
people.
Often have access to cheap fares, hotel deals, and
other travel perks which average consumers cannot
get on their own.
A travel agent may choose to work freelance, or as
part of a larger travel agency.
Some agents specialize in a particular field of travel
like business travel, exotic travel, or honeymoon
arrangements.
In some cases, a travel agent also provides
overseas support and referrals, which can
sometimes be incredibly useful.
Travel Agents:
What do they do?
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At a minimum, a travel agent can book tickets for
people who wish to travel to a particular
destination.
Most travel agents focus on air, rail, and sea travel
and the myriad options available, including varying
classes and routes.
The agent may also arrange a rental car and
accommodations, if desired, along with services like
a pickup at an airport or dock, or a gourmet meal
waiting on arrival.
Travel agents also have a lot more to offer,
however, thanks to their extensive experience in
the industry and as travelers themselves.
Travel Agents:
What do they do?
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A travel agent can offer recommendations about
vaccinations and preventative medicine regimens
which may be required for foreign travel.
Travel agents can also help to organize visas and
passports for their clients, ensuring that they move
smoothly during their trip.
Some travel agents can also recommend language
classes and other preparations for a trip, while
others might have helpful hints and tips for their
customers to ensure that the clients enjoy the trip.
Travel Agents:
What do they do?
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A specialty travel agent who focuses on
something like business travel may include
things in a travel package which are tailored
to businesspeople, such as specially
organized tours, or accommodations which
include needed services like Internet access.
Travel agents sell themselves on their ability
to organize complex and fun trips, whether
they be whirlwind tours through Europe or
leisurely luxury cruises.
Travel Agents
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Employment in this industry is waning, because
Internet sites allow consumers to access many
deals directly.
However, in a crisis a travel agent can be quite
useful; for example, upon the death of a loved one,
someone might prefer to allow someone else to
organize travel arrangements.
A travel agent is also experienced in all of the
quirks of the travel system, and a trip can
sometimes run more smoothly with a travel agent
at the helm.
Travel Agents
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Travel agents are expected to be able to advise
travelers about their destinations, such as the weather
conditions, local ordinances and customs, attractions,
and exhibitions.
Travel agents use a variety of published and computerbased sources for information on departure and arrival
times, fares, quality of hotel accommodations, and
group discounts.
They may also visit hotels, resorts, and restaurants
themselves to evaluate the comfort, cleanliness, and the
quality of specific hotels and restaurants so that they
can base recommendations on their own experiences or
those of colleagues or clients.
Many travel agents specialize in specific destinations or
regions; others specialize in travel targeted to particular
demographic groups, such as senior citizens.
Work Environment
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Travel agents spend most of their time behind a desk
conferring with clients, completing paperwork,
contacting airlines and hotels to make travel
arrangements, and promoting tours.
They also spend a considerable amount of time either
on the telephone or on the computer researching travel
itineraries or updating reservations and travel
documents.
Agents sometimes have to face a great deal of pressure
during travel emergencies or when they need to
reschedule missed reservations.
They are especially busy during peak vacation times,
such as summer and holiday travel periods. Many
agents, especially those who are self-employed,
frequently work more than 40 hours per week, although
technology now allows a growing number of agents to
work from home.