Are you thinking of opening your own travel agency? If so, you need to keep a number of things in mind. Owning a travel business demands a certain level of skill and professionalism. It isn’t just a matter of getting a license and plugging into a program. So if you want to be one of the good ones, I strongly suggest that you take the following advice.
For starters, specialize in something. Know that one thing inside and out. For instance, South American travel or exotic adventure travel or eco-tourism. Find and study everything you can get your hands on in that thing. Become a genius. Too many travel agents will book you a cruise to nowhere or a flight to no man’s land and not know the difference between the two. The travel industry has become so vast, that it is just not possible to be an expert at travel in general. You will need to narrow your field. Your business may increase exponentially if you keep that focus on a few things. And you do those things well.
Here’s a second thing. Why not become a “notary public”? Why you ask? What’s the the relationship to a travel business? People travel for many reasons and sometimes in order to settle some special business they are in need of a notary. There are not many notaries available these days, so this is something you can offer your clients either for a small fee or gratis as a way thanking them for their business.
If you are required to agree to an exclusivity contract in order to work with a particular agency, do not do so. That agency is unable to force you into such an agreement and you do not have to. You will, of course, want to check with a lawyer on this one. Most would probably advise against signing such a contract. It may very well be against the law.
As a travel agent, you will find so much fulfillment. Like I said, good ones are hard to find so if you really know your stuff, you will be greatly in demand. People will actually come looking for YOU to book their trip. That means more money for you in YOUR pocket. That’s what it’s about, no? How many of us could use a bit more income? Especially in these days!
Archive for: ‘January 2012’
Opening a Travel Agency
Travel Lodge Hotels
Summer sun is out and a good dip in a nice, cool beach, sipping cold fruit juices and eating native delicacies seem to be in everyone’s agenda. As such, my little daughter and I are planning our next Summer get away scheduled in a month’s time. And as much as I’d like to treat my little girl to some fancy 5-star hotel accommodation, we will have to choose something less expensive and more affordable without sacrificing the comfort and safety of my family.
A search for the best inns and travel lodge hotels generate a long list of affordable accommodations. And as I check each site, I found myself weighing more than two choices. Each one offered different accommodations and amenities and here are some of the observations and considerations that I drew up based on my last year’s travel:
1. Travel Lodge Hotels are all the rage. With the recent economic slow-down, people have either put off taking vacations or have chosen closer destinations, all to save some money. But I realized that travelling and vacationing has become very affordable during these times with the presence of travel lodge hotels. A number of tourists are seeking to discover new culture, new food to taste and new adventures, and this kind of accommodation provides them a comfortable place to sleep in at night.
2. Travel Lodge Hotels are budget friendly. With prices ranging from USD 35 to a high of USD 100 a night, depending on your choice of tourist spot, these hotels provide affordable accommodations. This gives you more flexibility on your budget, and gives you more room for sight-seeing, dining out and yes, shopping. Check out vacation packages being offered by these types of accommodation. They carry amazing value rates for all types of travelers: family vacations for an affordable rate on family rooms and free breakfast packages; backpackers who wish to see multiple city locations; couples on weekend escapades etc.
3. Travel Lodge Hotels are safe and clean. Known for consistent clean and comfortable accommodations, these travel lodge hotels are also known to make the safety of their guests a top priority. At the one I stayed in, fire extinguishers and fire exits are duly identified at each floor. Fire alarms and exit maps are also evident in every room. Furthermore, 24-hour security is carried by these places, and the obvious presence of guards, hotel staff and concierge assures you of a peaceful and secure slumber.
4. Travel Lodge Hotels are known for personal touches, and hospitable ambience. Similar to bed and breakfasts and inns, these travel lodge hotels pride themselves of that personal and homely feeling we travelers like to experience. With friendly and caring service, we can be assured of nothing but top of the line hospitality.
5. Travel Lodge Hotels can be found in notable, ideal and key locations. There won’t be much of a hassle if you need to tour around the city’s famous landmarks or to look for local convenience store or a doctor’s clinic. As businessmen often use travel lodge hotels for their accommodations, you can be assured that the place has free wiki and office amenities giving you access information to the city’s best beaches, clubs or noted tourist destinations.
Having found all these in my choice of travel lodge hotel, I am well on my way of taking my little daughter for some good rest and recreation. More importantly, we are set to experience a one of a kind summer vacation within our set budget.
Happy summer!
Travel Insurance – Sun, Sand and Sickness
Travel insurance is probably one of the most confusing types of insurance around. Numerous clauses, sub-clauses and a myriad of little stipulations make for a very complicated policy, which nevertheless is very important for any holiday-maker.
People going on holiday tend to adopt an ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude and, hopefully, it won’t. But nobody is immune to ill-health or robbery, and baggage loss can happen to the best of us. So, for sheer peace of mind, it’s worth looking into travel insurance when booking your trip.
The medical aspect of a travel insurance policy is probably the most important and the most needed. Far more people fall ill abroad than you’d think, and the cost of OTC medication can be extortionate abroad as well as at home. Even contracting a simple stomach bug can cost you dearly. And if you need to be hospitalised in a foreign country, you could find yourself deeply out of pocket – most countries don’t have an equivalent to the NHS.
It’s important to remember that most travel insurance policies won’t cover you for any problems related to pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer, especially if you haven’t mentioned these to your insurer when taking out the policy. Like any other type of insurance, omitting details on application can result in claims being refused, so make sure you tell them everything. This also goes for any dependents who are travelling with you; their medical history needs to be disclosed, but if the holiday is cut short because of a pre-existing condition it’s unlikely you’ll be reimbursed. Pregnancy, although technically a pre-existing condition, will normally be covered as long as you will be less than 28 weeks pregnant by the end of your trip (24 weeks for a multiple pregnancy). This restriction can vary between insurers, so always check your policy.
If you lose your possessions on holiday, your insurer will normally only pay out if you had taken reasonable care of them; if you had left them unattended you will be seen as negligent and claims will normally be refused. Likewise, if you leave any valuables unattended in your hotel room, vehicle or mobile home, and they are stolen, you may not be able to claim. If possible, keep your valuables in a room or hotel safe, or keep them on your person.
If your holiday has to be cancelled, there are some situations you will not be covered for. If you cancel simply because you decide not to go, for example because of a relationship break-up, you won’t be refunded. If your holiday is cancelled by the hotel, or if you have an accident or unforeseen emergency at home, most insurers will refund the costs you have paid so far, plus any cancellation fees due. Again, check your policy first to see what is and isn’t covered.
When you look for a travel insurance policy, don’t just go on price alone. Annual travel insurance may work out cheaper, but if you only go away once a year for two weeks, you’d only really need cover for that time. Also, read all the small print, and ask questions, to make sure the policy covers exactly what you need.