2torial #0962:
Learn2 Choose a Travel Agent (continued)

Identify your needs

A good travel agent will always take your needs into consideration. But while an agent will typically ask questions to elicit this type of information from you (and you should take it as a bad sign if the agent doesn't), you'll also need to do your part by speaking your mind.

By identifying your expectations ahead of time, you'll avoid being steered into a trip that's too extravagant or that otherwise doesn't suit you. Consider the following points (and discuss them with any family members or others involved in the trip) before you talk to an agent:

• Clarify the main purpose of your trip. Is it business, pleasure, romance, high adventure, rest and relaxation, or something less pleasant, such as attending a funeral?

• Decide where you want to go and when, making sure the trip will fit into everyone's schedule.

• Count how many people will travel with you, making estimates if necessary.

• Choose your mode of transportation, whether it's a flight, cruise, rental car, charter bus, or something else entirely.

• Try to determine a realistic budget for your trip based on all your other considerations. Before you show up at travel agencies, call several of them to ask about the rates they offer for your destination during the dates you plan to travel. Inquire whether there are any package deals that will fill your needs. Or look for ads in travel magazines or online.

• Decide which services you need an agent to handle for you. Do you only need hotel accommodations? Or do you also want to meet up with a tour guide, take skydiving lessons, or have an entire package planned for you?

As soon as you know what you need and about how much it should cost, you're ready to start evaluating travel agents.