5 Tips for finding a Travel Agent

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By : Safaripoint

Just like planning your dream safari can be confusing with the myriad of ideas available to us, choosing the right travel agent can prove to be quite a challenge, whether online or local. The below tips should assist you in choosing the right travel agent for your trip:

1. Experience  – The longer a firm has been in the industry is not necessarily an indicator of great service or knowledge of planning safaris.  A good indicator would be the number of safaris and quality of service offered in planning past safaris that the firm has done.  Quantity in terms of planning varied safaris vis-à-vis quality of the safari both count. It is also important to establish whether the agent has planned similar trips to your destination of choice and their knowledge of the area.  For the best experience, work with an agent who has had previous experience in planning a safari to your destination and has adequate knowledge about various aspects that would relate to your safari experience.
2. Recommendations -While it is important to read reviews and feedback on different travel agents, you can’t always believe what you read or hear.  Recommended agencies from friends and family are a better bet and may point you in the right direction in choosing the right agency.  Take into account though that every individual would have different ratings for different agents based on personalities.
3. Check-Out – If possible, check-out different agencies before selecting one.  It would be advisable that the travel agent you select is accredited and a member to the relevant travel bodies in their country of business.
4. Questions – It is important to ask your travel agent of choice relevant questions to ensure all elements of your safari are catered for and you get the best deals.  Your agent should be willing to address your questions and concerns to ensure all elements are covered.  Possible questions to ask include:
   1. Speciality – It is important to establish the kind of safaris, destinations, groups and products your agent specializes in to ensure you get the best deal.  For example you would not want plan a honeymoon vacation with an agent who has no experience in this area.
   2. Charges – Where possible, compare charges for different agencies to ensure you get a good deal .  It is advisable to be clear from the onset on your travel budget inclusive of the services rendered by the agency i.e. planning expertise, time and advice offered.  You also need to be clear on the agencies charges i.e. commission, flat rate or different charges for different services rendered.
   3. Contact – Establish all ways you may contact your travel agent through telephone, email and so on both locally and while abroad.  Where possible, test the contacts provided to you to ensure they work and are responded to appropriately.
   4. Accommodation for Change – Discuss with your travel agents measures that will be undertaken in the event of a change in plans e.g. flight delays/cancellations, change of travel dates, change/cancellation of reservations and so on.  It is advisable to establish if refunds or cancellation fees in such circumstances are possible and to what extent.
   5. Supplier Incentives – Establish if your travel agent has a relationship with different suppliers in the industry e.g. hotels, flight companies, car-hire companies and so on and whether there are perks associated with this relationship e.g. lower accommodation rates, complimentary tickets, upgrades and so on.  Where available, take advantage of them!!
   6. Safari Specific – Establish from your travel agent all you can about your safari e.g. which is the best time to travel (peak & off-peak)? Which are the best locations to visit? Possible ways to reduce costs? Travel documents and other requirements e.g. vaccinations? Recommended activities during the safari? Do they offer travel insurance?
   7. International Travel – If traveling abroad, establish from your travel agent the rules that will apply to you while in that country e.g. passports, visas and so on.
   8. Reliability – Let’s face it.  When it comes to receiving your cheque, many travel agents will pose as knowledgeable when advising you on your intended safari.  It is advisable to do your own research e.g. on your intended destination and use the same to test your travel agents knowledge.  Travel agents may not know everything, but honesty with the information they offer you is a good sign.
   9. Questions to You – Pay attention to the questions the travel agent will ask you.  The questions should be intended to ensure your travel needs are met rather than seeming more interested in selling you a package.
5. Contract – Finally, it is advisable to have a contract agreement signed between yoursand travel agent.  Read it carefully and ensure all aspects are clear and nothing is left out.

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