You’ve decided to choose and hire a travel agent. How do you sift among the many companies locally and nationally? How do you choose between a large firm or a boutique service agency and know you’ve chosen the right person to entrust with your valued leisure time? You require information about the person who will be researching recommending and handling all your travel details in order to make an informed decision. Consider the following eight questions to assist you in your decision making process:

1. Major Industry Credentials: “What major industry certifications do you have, for example from The Travel Institute or CLIA?” You should expect your travel agent to hold at least one certification from either the Travel Institute, or the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA for short). Yes, it’s true here as in every field that not every person who holds a credential is really good, and not everyone who doesn’t is bad. However, if a professional is serious about what they do, they should have one or two of the following under their belt, the higher the better. This is especially true of those in the industry more than 5 years. Note that other minor certifications by product, brand companies, or destinations, while excellent, do not count as major industry credentials. Read the rest of this entry »

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