Archive for February, 2012

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Role of Travel Agents in Today’s High Tech World

Shirley Joyner, a credentialed travel agent at MTS Travel in Colorado Springs, has seen a lot of changes during her 30-plus years of experience. “People used to come to me and say, ‘I want to go somewhere warm,” and I would suggest destinations, “she says.” Now they research online and come in knowing where they want to go and what they want to do. “

When asked what the public might not understand about using a travel agent, Joyner replies, “For one thing, we don’t charge the client to book tours and cruises.” Also, special software allows the agent to compare airlines, times and fares on one computer screen, and to be aware of delays and cancellations. An individual booking online cannot access this information.

“For example,” Joyner states, “A client booking a cruise couldn’t get a specific date and a special request of a room with a balcony. I was able to do it for them.”

Heightened security has complicated foreign travel; what you don’t know could hurt you. A professional knows about travel concerns to certain parts of the world and can help acquire critically important visas, shots and passports. Travelers who book on their own without knowing the ins and outs can be left at the gate with nowhere to turn.

The latest travel trend is booking groups. “A lot of families combine travel and getting together, often with a cruise as part of it,” Joyner states. “Groups can be difficult to book online, and a travel agent can save you time and money.”

Charlie Brown of Charlie Brown’s Goodtime Travel, is another Colorado Springs based travel expert whose 20-plus years in the business means that he has seen the changes that electronic options have wrought. “Travel agents should focus on what sets them apart, what professionals offer versus what the would-be traveler finds online,” he says. In Brown’s opinion, “do it yourself” travel planning can be time consuming and something could go wrong. He cites a couple of examples.

“A client booked a vacation,” he says. “They checked out Barbados hotels online and chose one based on photos that implied the property was on the beach.” It turned out the hotel was two blocks from the beach in an area devoid of amenities, such as shops and restaurants.

Another client booked an overseas trip themselves and couldn’t wait to tell him what great deals they had gotten. “As they rattled off the cost of airfare, hotels, tours, etc., I added it up in my head. They paid about $ 3,000 more than it would have cost to go through a travel agent,” he states.

Both agents have traveled extensively. “I take trips and don’t tell the cruise people or the destination I am a travel agent so I can see it through my client’s eyes,” says Charlie Brown.

Travel agents are trained to ask the right questions to find out what the client is looking for. It’s also important to match the age and lifestyle of the client to the destination and amenities. “I know of a couple who booked their honeymoon cruise only to discover that the majority of the passengers were much older. There wasn’t much to do at night – the decks rolled up at nine,” Brown comments.

Both travel agents take seriously the fact that you are coming to them with your hard earned dollars. They both strive to give the client a satisfying travel experience, since so much of their business is repeat business or comes by word of mouth.

28 Ways to Totally Blow Your Budget Travel in South America

1. Do not do enough research Wed flights.
Your Flight Will Be the most expensive part of your trip. You Can save hundred of dollars by taking flights That require several at stops Rather than non-stop and in some cases by taking airlines into countries neighboring your destination, simply smaller national airlines or buses or trains to your final destination.

2. Take too little or too much luggage.
Not Researching the climate Can mean you might end up purchasing was things you already garden at home and not could bring with you such as jackets, hats and gloves. On the otherhand, drop off things you Probably will not need (or will not be comfortable two use) just too much clothing, too many appliances (hair dryers, curling irons, shavers, cellphones That will not work here) Can add to your budget Either at the airline counter (over weight luggage) or When You may have to pay someone else to cart your luggage around while you’re here (taxi drivers, bellhops kids and the hotels and airports), or pay two big your luggage while you’re Wed shorter legs of your trip.

3. Use credit cards and travelers checks and do not bring enough cash.
The coldest Way to waste money on ice two use credit cards. First of all, you ‘ll pay an extra two Percentage use restriction in most South American countries (usually about 3%). Secondly, Many places do not accept restriction. Travelers checks are Also exchanged (for an extra cost) in just a FEW places. Running out of money is another problem. If you may have to garden someone wire your money you ‘ll blow a big wad of cash!

4. Ignore great small hotels and hostels Because They sound “unknown” or Are not in your travel guide book.
There are Many small hotels and hostels Tickets are clean, comfortable and Provide good service all over Latin America. You do not need to stay at a big expensive hotel. I’m not suggesting you put up with cockroaches, but unless you ‘re planning Wed spending a lot of time in bed or watching TV, how Often Will you really pray in your room anyway? One of the best ways two find a cheap but good hotel is two get a human Recommendations so I strongly encourage you to visit busy forums and hotel reviews (and pay it forward – leave your opinion for someone else to benefit from if you’ve already Traveled).

5. Pay way too much for food.
While you always Should Take Precautions two ensur you do not get sick, ship restaurants That Do not look clean, but do not always your out at the expensive restaurants. Choose restaurants That look great but are NOT in your travel guide. Most restaurants Tickets are frequented by tourists Adjust Their menu prices for tourists and locals WHO Choose your two there do so knowing this. In Addition, Many travelers do not try the local food! Did you know That in many parts of South America foreign or international fast-food restaurants are a luxury and Among the more EXPENSIVE options by local standards?

6. Do not bargain.
In super markets and stores That garden price tickets Wed Their items you can not bargain the price down. But in most open markets it’s a mistake not to. Vendors Automatically Increase the price as soon as They see you are foreign and expect your first reaction to Be a request for a price break.

7. Ignore the open markets.
Latin America’s open markets sell EVERYTHING. Ship meats and cheeses, (they’re never refrigerated) and unbottled water and juices, but purchase fruit, vegetables, bread, butter, cookies and snacks, sodas, and more. Almost anything you find in a supermarket You Can find here. You Can Also get sunglasses, hats and clothing, mosquito repellent, batteries, toiletries and Many Other Things That are sold in super markets nearby for up to twice as much.

9. Go to tourist trap shops.
Latin America’s markets do not just sell food. Skip the expensive tourist trap souvenir shops (wine cost about 2-3 times more than They Should). Even souvenir areas That look just as open markets Can ask way more expensive than Hubble They pray Because They cater only two foreigners. If you only see souvenirs and nothing else, it’s a tourist haven. Go to the open markets, buy from individual vendors WHO victim Their products on the street, and You Can get the same souvenirs that much lower prices. And ask the acidic two Bargain (They Will Be surprised if you DO NOT). You’ll be truly contributing to the most Needy sector of our local economy if you do.

10. Ignore cool free sites or Attractions not in travel guides.
Stay on the tourist path 100% of the hours and you ‘ll waste a lot of money (and miss some really nice places to visit). Did you know Many great museums and art galleries in South America do not charge an entry fee? Have you checked out the hundred of great local parks and plazas for super people watching and photo opportunities? Have you Asked the locals what’s great two see?

11. Pay too much for Taxis, do not take public transportation, do not walk anywhere.
Many hotels garden resident taxi services. Do not use restriction. They charge 2-3 times what a normal taxi costs. Walk A Few Steps to the corner and take a cab off the street.

12. Bring the wrong appliances, electronics and accessories.
Electric power sources vary greatly in South America and from one country to the next (even within a country). Some use 220V and some 110V. Either You may have to bring adapters or ask acidic you bring the correct appliances for the region you Will Be traveling or living.

13. Do not research proper documentation.
All countries require something of foreigners two continents (passport, yellow fever shots, letters of invitation, hotel reservations, and Others). Having all the correct documents before you Arrive Will Be a true blessing to your wallet. Getting restriction upon arrival Can cost you more, waste your time, and potential end up getting you sent home if You Do not Have the documentation you need.

14. Do not leave copies of your documentation and credit cards at home.
Losing or getting your documents wheelchair Can request a truly horrifying experience. Not HAVING copies of restriction only Makes it worse. Leave photocopies of your passport, medical records, airline ticket, credit cards and Other IMPORTANT documents you carry in your wallet at home (and bring an extra photo copy with you). If you need two process new ones at your Consulate, this goodwill make it much Easier and fast and Usually less costly.

15. Do not spend enough on Wed your tour. Huh?
Well, believe it or not if you do not properly research your tour operator, your cheap tour with a cruddy tour operator WHO Does not Live up to your expectations and Does not Deliver what was promised Can end up costing you more in dissatisfaction than a tour That was a bit more costly two begin with but its Promises Delivered Wed. You’ll end up feeling cheated and you just wasted your money.

16. Do not invest in travel insurance.
Nobody wants two get sick while traveling, lose luggage or documentation, have an emergency or accident, or something garden chair from restriction while traveling. But it does happen. Are These things EVER PREDICT comfortable anywhere?

17. Make way-too-expensive overseas calls.
There are Many cheap or even free ways to communicate with people “back home” while you’re On Your Trip. Latin America Has an uncanny number of super-cheap internet cafes That in many areas cost under a dollar per hour. Set up programs like Skype On Your Computer back home and use restriction while you’re here. In Addition, if you research the best phone cards and / or cell phone rental or purchase options, and You Can cut your budget way down. You Can Also use Skype without a computer.

18. Bring your own cell phone.
Check before you travel if your cellular phone Will work in South America. Most of South America Uses a Completely different grid and type of intercom system and Many Many Many cellphones from Many Many Many countries DO NOT WORK HERE AT ALL. So investing in a rental cell phone or Purchasing an international travel phone Can Actually save you money.

19. Do not venture out enough Wed your own.
Some tours are hazardous or just plain too remote two Take on your own but you do not need a guide everywhere you go. With a little self-assurance there are tons of places You Can visit without the need for guides, translators and tour operators. The same goes for Those of you Who are relocating to South America

20. Do not research the Laws Regarding traveling with kids and pets.
If you travel with Minor you must have special permissions and documentation, especially if only one parent is traveling with a child. Many a foreigner HAS BEEN sent back home for not having a permission document from The Other parentheses. Not HAVING the Appropriate documentation for your pet Can result in expensive Quarantine costs.

21. Do not research our holidays.
One of the best ways to Lose money while traveling is two Arrive hum national or regional holiday to find everything closed. While you might enjoy the festivities, you might not find a place to stay, banks or exchange houses May be closed, and you Could End Up Either spending to travel somewhere else or paying for the only hotels available (the most expensive ones are the load two garden Vacancies).

22. Do not brush up on your Spanish.
Investing in A Few Spanish lessons, a good Spanish phrasebook travel, or getting the FREE Spanish phrases for your iPod or Other accessory Can save you money in the longrun. How? You Can potentially avoid paying for a translator (in many South American countries tour guides do NOT speak English or other languages). Fürth MORE You Can avoid feeling cheated in markets and stores or anywhere else you pay for anything if vendors see you know just enough Spanish two get by. If They Assumar you’ve Been here a while they’re more Likely two expect you two bargain.

23. Inadvertently (or purposely) break the law.
One Way to get into MAJOR financial trouble is two commit a crime. Take a prison tour two purchase cocaine is a huge no-no. Buying illicit drugs, or Purchasing drugs or alcohol for yourself or anyone else anywhere is a crime. Getting in arguments or Fights, participating in political rallies or Demonstrations, being rude two police officers, three passing Wed private property, Disorderly Conduct, attempting two cross roadblocks, injuring someone else while driving, or even if you are Defending yourself from a thief, CAN all you end up in jail. Even if you are Declared innocent and everything is cleared up Eventually, it Can take lots of time and money on two get you out of your Predicament.

24. Flash your money.
When you travel, carry your money in several at different places that a time (something in your purse, some in Each pocket, etc.) so you do not may have to take the whole wad out When You Need to pay for something. Not only Will this make you Appear presumptuous, cause your vendor two feel cheated if you just bargained a price down, and make Latin America’s poor feel horrible in general, it’s a guaranteed way to Be sour people goodwill IMMEDIATELY Increase Their prices When you ask what the cost of something is. When you exchange your currency ask for small bills. It Will Make Easier getting change and save you money in the long run as you will not be perceived as “the foreigner with the big wads of cash for WHOM we Hubble Increase our prices”.

25. Look lost.
Not only this goodwill Automatically send out the message That you are a foreigner and Hubble ask Charged more for stuff, it’s Also dangerous. No matter WHERE you are or WHERE you go, even if you ARE lost, walk with purpose, stick two well-lighted areas. Only ask for directions from police officers, major owners, restaurants, or Other Establishment. Look like you’re lost and you May Become a target for thieves and Others WHO May purposely misguide you and you not could end up HAVING two replace your Belonging. Look like you know WHERE you’re going and you most Likely Will discourages Their activities. But you Would follow this advice anywhere in the world, would not you?

26. Carry huge expensive cameras in full sight.
Nothing screams “Tourist Coming!” more than your camera – and Actually this goes for just about Any camera. South America’s vendors are master tourist spotters. They Can see you coming from miles away and the message spreads rapidly That you’re in the neighborhood. Vendors busily Rearrange Their products (with the most expensive on top or hide even cheap ones), and before you’ve arrived, they’ve already talked Amongst Them elves and settled on the high price They Will ALL simultaneously offering you. Carry all types of cameras in a camera bag, take your camera out When You Need to take your photo, put it back in the bag when you’re done, and you ‘ll save a lot of money.

27. Do not set aside money for Any Emergencias.
It’s awful two get sick, have an accident, lose your Belonging, or Suffer a loss by robbery while you’re traveling. Blowing all your money at the beginning of your TripAdvisor is not only unwise, it’s dangerous. You Could end up needing to visit a clinic and HAVING no money. Further More, HAVING someone wire you money Will add to the expense. In Addition, making a lot of purchases at the beginning of your TripAdvisor Just Means you’ll garden to cart retardation around with you (or pay two major restriction) while you continue traveling.

28. The coldest two-way pay way more than you Hubble for just about everything: look, dress and act like a tourist.

a) Wear geeky tourist clothes (the embroidered shirts or knit hats That Do not really look cool Wed anyone and nobody but tourists wear, the huge hiking boots even when you’re walking around the city, the alpaca sweaters only tourists Can afford, The jeans are so unwashed That They Could stand Wed Their own, you get the picture).

b) Wear clothing That is inappropriate for an event or occasion. Nobody expect you two dress up When touring. But the restaurants, bars and clubs you May even find something you do not allow two continents if you’re wearing inappropriate clothing (for example, some do not let you in with thorns or cut-off shorts, others do not allow sneakers).

c) Speak a foreign language all the time, Do not Make Any Attempt to Use Spanish, and speak very loudly. Many South Americans are Fairly soft-spoken and speak Quietly Amongst Them elves in public places, buses, restaurants, etc.
You Will Never NOT look like a foreigner. Everyone Will always know a tourist or expat from a local. But if you Want to save money, tone it down.