We all want to be able to enjoy a holiday without feeling like it could have been even better if we hadn’t missed out. Rushing to try and secure the best deal is something many of us feel compelled to do, but it can leave us exposed to undue risks. Paying too much upfront or handing over money without checking the small print can take the shine off what could have been a great trip away.
We’re going to take a look at everything you need to know to make sure the booking process always works for you.
Clarify the fee structure
Travel agents are there to help you, but they also run businesses and need to make money. There is nothing wrong with this, provided they are clear and transparent regarding the fees they will charge you. Planning and concierge fees are common in some parts of the world, and need to be taken into account while you are budgeting. Then there are others who only charge a commission, meaning that you won’t be charged extra. Understanding which set of fees you will be charged will provide you with some of that all-important peace of mind.
Quick questions for every agent
Having a checklist of things to tick off will help you to get the answers you need. We suggest sending these questions to any agent you are considering booking with:
- Can I see your ATOL license?
- How do you get paid when I make a booking with you?
- Do your fees cover the costs associated with itinerary planning?
- Can you confirm in writing that there are no hidden costs?
If the agent is helpful and transparent, they will provide answers without delay. But if they are evasive or attempt to redirect your attention elsewhere, this is a sign that all may not be as it seems.
Assess the payment request
There are many cases where an agent will ask for a deposit to secure certain services or activities, so this in itself shouldn’t raise a red flag. The key is to consider how the payment process works and how the agent comes to address it:
- Pressure-selling techniques are a sign that they do not have your best interests at heart
- Urgent demands for money that were not highlighted earlier in the process are a warning
- Overly complex payment arrangements could be designed to hide the true state of affairs
You want to make sure that any money you are transferring is for legitimate purposes, will be deducted from the overall cost of the trip, and will be securely handled. Simple checks, like performing a SWIFT code search to check that the agent’s details match up with what you expect, can help here. By making sure that their payment details are correct and that you’re not being scammed by someone impersonating a travel agent, you can move on to the next stage with peace of mind. For example, have they given you bank details for one country while telling you they’re based elsewhere? That could be a red flag to investigate.
Understand where the money goes
You will want a clear and transparent account of where the money will be sent and how it will be used prior to your holiday. Having everything in writing and in plain English will ensure that you are doing business with an agent who is offering a safe and secure service. It’s important to be cautious, but also to remember that agents will operate a variety of different business models, often depending on where they are in the world and the level of service they provide. For example, if you are booking VIP trips, it is typical for an agent to charge a retainer for the use of their services.
As long as you have a clear written account of what the money is going to be used for, you will be keeping yourself safe. You can then use a specialist money transfer service to safely and securely send the money across international borders. Such services will be able to provide comprehensive tracking of the transaction, allowing you to see how the money is being routed across the world.
Final thoughts
A cautious approach doesn’t have to mean that you constantly run the risk of missing out on the holiday of a lifetime. By using a combination of well-established travel agents who can demonstrate a track record and money transfer services that are safe and secure, you can make sure the industry always works for you. And if you feel pressured into making additional transfers, handing over cash, or paying for hidden fees, don’t be afraid to walk away. There will always be more opportunities to get away and enjoy the sunshine, so why take the risk?
