Selecting a travel agent

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Holidays Section: Selecting a Travel Agent

For more holiday and travel tips - see our other feature articles

Create Memories Worth Keeping When Booking That Special Holiday

Tips on Selecting A Great Travel Agent

Australians love to travel and when it comes to planning that special holiday, most travel agents provide an excellent service but it pays to take care choosing the right agent. Feel free to shop around to find the deal that suits you best.

1. Make sure the agent is licensed - You can ring the Office of Fair Trading on 9372 9290 to find out if the agent is licensed.

Under regulations governing travel agencies, it is a crime to operate a travel agency business without participating in the Travel Compensation Fund.

The Travel Compensation Fund covers customers of all licensed travel agents in all Australian states and the ACT including receiving and assessing claims for compensation from people who suffer financial loss due to a travel agent's failure to account for the consumer's money.

2. Talk to other travellers about their experiences with agents.

3. Check if the agent is affiliated with a chain or airline.
An agent may offer discounts for an affiliated chain or airline that you prefer.

However, you could miss out on opportunities or deals from companies they do not deal with.

4. Find out if there are additional costs.

Some agents may charge you for additional services such as couriers and obtaining Visas.

Also, some agents may charge a cancellation fee if you decide against the trip.

5. Find an agent who will arrange the holiday you want and will listen closely to your needs and make good suggestions.

6. When booking a holiday with a travel agent, make sure you confirm all the details

Inc. details such as accommodation; the exact location; time of departure and arrival; extra charges for meals, tours and transfers; passport and visa requirements; and any other special holiday conditions. Before paying a deposit, check whether it is refundable, or if a percentage may be kept to cover the agent's cost. Payment of a deposit does not mean the price of a trip is fixed.

For more tips on planning trouble free travel visit Fair Trading's website at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or call 13 32 20.

Feature: Honeymoon Planning

Are you getting married?

Before deciding on your honeymoon destination, here are some essential points to consider:

Decide is whether you want to go overseas, or stay somewhere local and simply hide away.
Will you be driving, flying or a combination of both?
What is your budget per night, or in total?
- See our estimated budgets for popular destinations (below) to help you decide
- This may help you to determine how long you want to go for
- Consider if you would like to use our honeymoon registry to help you pay for your honeymoon
Are you planning an active or passive honeymoon? Is this what you partner has in mind too (if you have not yet checked, best to ask now)!
Will it be a relaxed romantic honeymoon exploring beaches, relaxing by the palm tree, snorkeling or something more active like skiing New Zealand or visiting Europe’s wonderful sights?

Must do’s

Book well in advance.
Read the terms and conditions of bookings regarding cancellations and deposits.
Ask for a written booking confirmation.
Advise the property if you will be arriving late, or have any special requests, well in advance.
Confirm payment options (can you pay by credit card, cheque and/or cash)
Remind them it is your honeymoon, you never know what extra special touches they might add…
Book your tickets in your maiden name!
- One of the biggest mistakes that brides make when booking honeymoons, is to book all of their flights in their soon-to-be married name (if they decide to change).
- Unfortunately, airlines won’t take you unless the name on your identification (drivers licence for domestic flights, passport for international flights) matches your ticket, and if your honeymoon is soon after the wedding, you won’t have time to change it.

Budgetting for your Honeymoon

Why not use our bridal registry to help put towards your honeymoon?

I provide you with the Honeymoon Registry vouchers to put in your invites and then your guest will also receive a certificate for them to put in the card.

I have compiled a small list of example destinations for your dream honeymoon, depending on your budget.

Bali $3000 - $4000
Fiji $5000 - $10,000 (more luxurious resorts)
Thailand - $4000 - $6000
Italy - $6000 - $10000
Maldives - $6000 - $10,000

** Call me for more accurate prices or suggestions as there are special deals available year-round and prices are only for budgeting purposes.

Your honeymoon should be the beginning of your wonderful life together, so with these essential planning tips, you can make your honeymoon fulfill all your dreams. Honeymoons are a special interest of mine, I love to help plan such a special occasion, so please call me if I can be of service in helping you ensure everything runs smoothly for your trip.

Natalie Demirgellis
Personal TravelManager
TravelManagers Aust
Ph: 0413 187 504
Fax: 02 9920 0001
E: natalied@travelmanagers.com.au
My web profile: http://my.travelmanager.com.au/nataliedemirgellis/
License No: 2TA5758 CAN :113 085 626 Member: IATA, AFTA