Travel Agent Question

[TigersRWunderful]

I haven't been a member of this board very long, but in reading a lot of the posts, many people say how valuable it is to have a great travel agent. I think I've also seen that its a 'no-no' to ask for recommendations for good travel agents from other posters. I am assuming to keep travel agents from clogging up the boards with advertisements for their services. Is there any way to get a 'word of mouth' recommendation for someone who would invaluable to my future cruise planning? Do travel agents need to be close to your location? For instance, I'm in Virginia, could my travel agent be in Florida? I've never worked with one before so I have no idea how it works.

[kiwigirl]

I think part of it is personal preference. Some people like to be able to go and talk to the TA in person, others are comfortable handling all arrangements via telephone and/or email.

 

I think as long as you have access to email (which you do) and you're in the same timezone, it would be ok to work with someone in Florida. It would be more frustrating for me to work with someone on the East Coast since I'm in California - those 3 hours could be a deal breaker.

 

Also, since so much is done with electronic ticketing, you don't need to pick up travel paks from the agent. If you did need a 'paper' ticket, it could always be overnighted to you. You may pay a bit extra for that, but if the agent is good and you're saving money in other places, it could be worth it.

 

As long as the agent is responsive to my phone calls and emails I don't think it would matter to me where they're located.

 

At least these are my thoughts.....hope they help. :)

[Jane110]

I agree with Kiwi Girl. I use two TA's. One for a specific cruiseline that she's a specialist for and the other for all others.

 

The specialist I spoke to on the phone and in person for a year while a group cruise on Oceania was being planned. We met on board and have been friends ever since. I found her here on CC because she posts alot and though she doesn't advertise, it's obvious that she's an agent. I appreciate having that info.

 

The other TA, I found though the internet when I was pricing out a Princess cruise. I liked him from our first conversation and we have a nice repore. Even though he only booked one cruise for us, we know each other's voice and he's even called me for my opinon about Oceania for another one of his clients. I have never met this guy and probably never will since we live in different states.

[Mr_Cruise]

I agree. Physical location means nothing. Expertise, specialization, first hand knowledge and experiences... accessibility, professionalism, client friendly agency policies... those are some of the characteristics that will seperate a good cruise agent from being just an agent.

 

I work for a fairly high volume online agency specializing in cruises. I have clients all over the world, many of whom I have never spoken with. Many transactions and communications have been carried out strictly and successfully via email, and then of course there are many of my clients that prefer to keep in touch via our toll free number.

 

When it comes down to it, it's always going to be a personal choice as to whom you choose to deal with and why.

 

Best of luck to you with finding the right agent for you.

[TigersRWunderful]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and suggestions.

[nycruiser1975]

The specialist I spoke to on the phone and in person for a year while a group cruise on Oceania was being planned. We met on board and have been friends ever since. I found her here on CC because she posts alot and though she doesn't advertise, it's obvious that she's an agent. I appreciate having that info.

 

The other TA, I found though the internet when I was pricing out a Princess cruise. I liked him from our first conversation and we have a nice repore. Even though he only booked one cruise for us, we know each other's voice and he's even called me for my opinon about Oceania for another one of his clients. I have never met this guy and probably never will since we live in different states.

 

Jane I also live in NYC, and new to cruising and the boards. I am trying to plan a cruise do you know of any TA's that can help me with a good price, some freebies I have been reading about on the boards and possibly getting a coupon book.

[kitty9]

I live in Wisconsin and my TA is in Scottsdale Arizona. We do all business via his 800 number and he sends my tickets via Fed Ex.

[1cat4jan]

We do all our booking of all our vacations via: on-line - email - phone.

 

As was said before, unless you want a "face-to-face", what's the difference if your TA is downtown or across the country - except for that "time zone" issue.

 

I would start by choosing some of the big names and see how they respond to inquiries and how they return phone calls. I am betting no matter what company you go with - it will be the individual TA who will make or break your deal.

 

Personally, if you don't get a response to a phone call the same day - or at least the beginning of the next work day - I would try to find another TA.

[DiveCruiser]

I haven't been a member of this board very long, but in reading a lot of the posts, many people say how valuable it is to have a great travel agent. I think I've also seen that its a 'no-no' to ask for recommendations for good travel agents from other posters. I am assuming to keep travel agents from clogging up the boards with advertisements for their services. Is there any way to get a 'word of mouth' recommendation for someone who would invaluable to my future cruise planning? Do travel agents need to be close to your location? For instance, I'm in Virginia, could my travel agent be in Florida? I've never worked with one before so I have no idea how it works.

 

Email me I can give you ours who does alot of groups which gets us a great rate

 

Bob

[cherylandtk]

Email me I can give you ours who does alot of groups which gets us a great rate

 

Bob

Actually, asking folks to email for TA names or offering to email TA names is also against the rules of the boards. Sorry

[CaptData]

The only other thing that I would look at closely is their Cancellation policies. Some will have an Admin fee as well, ask before you atart to deal with them.

[newmexicoNita]

Captdata is right; it doesn't make any difference if your TA is in your back yard or 2000 miles away; that is what technology can do. For some the ability to actually sit in the TAs office is important but for others not. What is important is you find out ahead of time about processing fees, cancellation policies and any other hidden charges. It seems to becoming more and more common for agants to add fees. NMNita