Common Questions to ask your Travel Agent

Ryan Anderson asked:

Your travel agent can be an integral part of planning your vacation, especially when used wisely. A travel agent is an invaluable resource when you have decided to plan a trip. They can help prevent travel complications while at the same time getting you the best value. However, it is important to remember that each travel agent is different. So, to ensure that your travel agent is a good match for your needs, here are some common questions to ask.

Question 1 – What is your specialty?

It is important to know what your travel agent’s specialty is. He or she may specialize in certain destinations or products, such as cruises or adventure tours. You will also want to ask what types of travel your agent specializes in. For example, you would not want to book a trip for a large group with an agent who is not experienced in such services.

Question 2 – What are your fees?

Obviously, you know that you will be compensating your travel agent for his or her time, planning expertise, work, and advice, but knowing the fees upfront is always a good idea. Some travel agents work on commission, some charge a flat rate, and some charge per service. It is also best to be upfront about your travel budget and be clear that your total budget includes travel agent fees.

Question 3 – What are your hours of operation?

You will need to know when your travel agency or agent operates. Be sure to get the toll-free number in case of an emergency as well as an alternate number for after-hours necessities. If your travel agent has email or a website, you will also want to note that information as well.

Question 4 – What happens if something goes wrong?

Sometimes, it is impossible to avoid inconveniences while traveling. Such inconveniences may include a delayed or cancelled flight because of poor weather. Discuss with your travel agent what happens in such circumstances and how he or she responds to these problems. Always be clear on your travel agent’s policies.

Question 5 – Are tickets refundable?

If you’re working with a travel agent, it is likely that you are planning this trip well in advance. In addition to last minute inconveniences that may occur, such as poor weather cancelling a flight, things in your life may change as well. Find out if your trip is refundable, partially refundable, or if a cancellation fee applies. It is also a good idea to check if reservations can be exchanged.

Question 6 – Do you have special relationships with travel suppliers?

Many times, your travel agent will be able to get you a great deal, which may not be available to the general public. Cruise lines, tour companies, and hotels often offer perks such as upgrades, free parking, and other deals to travel agents who have worked with them before. If your agent has this type of influence, take advantage of it!

Question 7 – Have you traveled to my destination?

There is nothing like first-hand knowledge. If your travel agent has traveled to your destination, he or she will be able to speak from experience. A well-traveled agent will be able to make informed recommendations and provide sound advice as opposed to one who has not visited the areas you are considering.

Question 8 – Can I get a better deal if I travel on a different day?

This question is integral to establishing a better deal if your travel dates are somewhat flexible. Remember, even when working with a travel agent, peak travel times and seasons still apply. Let your travel agent know that while your original itinerary is ideal, if there is a better deal to be had, you may consider traveling at a later date.

Question 9 – Where can I learn more about my destination?

In many cases, travel agents will provide customers with information, such as brochures, about your destination. If the brochures are not sufficient enough for you, ask your travel agent where you could do a little more research. He or she should be able to easily point you in the right direction.

Question 10 – Will I need a passport or visa?

If you are not sure if you will need a passport or special visa to travel to your destination, ask your travel agent. If you do need a passport or visa, he or she will also be able to instruct you on how to obtain one.

Question 11 – What questions do you have for me?

Always ask your travel agent if he or she has any questions for you. Travel agents should always ask you a few questions about what you are looking for in a vacation. This is necessary so that they will be able to come up with the best itinerary for your interests and budget.

The best travel agent for the job is one who is willing to work with you, has extensive knowledge, and is receptive to your priorities as a traveler. However, you will need to ask the questions outlined above to get started. Remember, your agent should be more than willing to answer any of these questions, or any others that you may have.

Do Some Computer Training Courses and Get Better Position in Your Life

Abcotechnology.com asked:

There are several types of computer training course available to the person seeking to learn about computers today. Generally the term computer training comprises everything related to the computer as a whole. This training consists of lessons on the various parts of the computer, their functions and necessities and then the manner to compute or run the computer. Also the content of this kind of computer trainings are based on the term or duration of the training procedure.

To start, it would be a good course of action to look at classes teaching the basics of how to operate a computer. It is a good idea in the computer training course to also learn some basics about the internal operation of the computer (i.e., what makes it tick, how it works). Student self-respect is also important. A good trainer must develop the feeling that it’s okay to be wrong and that being wrong does not imply that a student is ignorant. The importance of computer is nowadays felt in each and every sphere. Right from the beginners of the primary schools to the big industrialists, everyone comes in touch with the computers. This immense importance of the computers has led to the necessity of computer training to a great extent. Therefore it will be worthwhile to know about the several types of computer training and its impact and usefulness in our life.

Moving on from the basics, a computer training course should teach more advanced concepts as well. Some of these concepts would include back-up procedures, file maintenance, and data recovery. In the short term computer training classes, the emphasis is put on making the student aware of the general and basic computer term and a basic learning is provided with which the primary computer functions can be done. We prepare students by delivering hands-on job oriented training which teaches them how to apply the knowledge that they gain in classes along with preparing them to pass the vendor based certification exams. We have partnered with Microsoft, Oracle, Linux , Cisco Systems, Prometric testing center and as such offer wide variety of computer training that include but are not limited to Microsoft Certification, A+ training, CISCO Certification Course, Oracle Certification Course, Internet and Microsoft Office 2003.

The importance of the computer training is rapidly increasing as it is required in each and every field in this fast growing world. Even the housewives too need to know the basics of the computer if they want to be an efficient home manager. Shopping, cooking, cleaning everything has become computerized nowadays. Even for guiding the little one in their school homework, the mother should have the primary computer knowledge. Keeping in mind this vital role of the computers numerous computer training institutions have opened up where any class and any age group can get admitted and take lessons. Also, the online computer training courses have made this procedure far more easy and accessible for the learners. Those who are very busy and find it tough to manage time for rushing to the institutes have been helped to a great extent by this online computer learning system.

ABCO Technology specializes in providing Computer Training and Consulting for the Information Technology Industry. Computer Training is provided by experienced, certified industry experts that have years of seasoning in their respective field of Information Technology.