Why Use A Travel Agent to Book Travel to Asia

With all the choices people have now in ways to plan and book their travel, why use a travel agent to book travel to Asia, one of the fastest growing regions for travel and tourism in the world?

Travel agents have always been the number one choice of savvy travelers. They provide value, expertise, convenience and personal service to their customers.

Agents sell 87 percent of cruises, 81 percent of all tours, 51 percent of all airline tickets, 45 percent of all car rentals and about 47 percent of all hotels.

Agents are the only unbiased professionals who can sort through nearly 100,000 daily changes in airfares alone.

And now, more than ever, they save consumers time and unnecessary hassle. Your travel agent can provide up-to-date answers to the often-confusing questions travelers face about electronic ticketing, security regulations, time requirements and baggage restrictions.

With all of the recent changes made by government agencies, airports, airlines and cruise lines, travelers need a trusted source of information.

In a nutshell, travel agents are consumers' greatest advocate, whether it's getting the best prices or ensuring your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

Agents have been to many of the destinations they sell, so they know the best places and those to avoid. They can also tell you about those "off-the-beaten path" restaurants and attractions that provide a true sense of the local flavor.

Perhaps just as importantly, travel agents are there for their customers when the unexpected happens. During travel crises, the Internet cannot replace a human being who will persist to help a client. If you have a problem with a particular part of your travel experience, your agent will be there to act on your behalf to see that restitution is made.

So how do you go about picking the perfect agent?

• Choose one like you would a doctor or lawyer. After all, a travel agent is a consulting professional similar to your financial advisor, doctor or attorney.
• Go with a pro - look for the ASTA label. Agents who are members of the American Society of Travel Agents adhere to a strict code of ethics and get professional advice and training.
• Get advice from friends and relatives who use an agent they trust. Since travel choices are personal decisions that reflect individual desires and lifestyles, you will want to visit or call several agencies to find the one that best suits your needs.
• Consider everything from the appearance of the office to the agent's willingness to listen and answer questions. And think about you and your family's vacation habits and interests.
• Search the Web - ASTA helps you find a travel agent that best suits your needs on their consumer Web site, www.TravelSense.org. You'll find lots of destination articles and travel tips on the site as well.
• Check on the Agency's track record- Call ASTA to see whether a member agency has had a complaint against it in the prior six months. Check with the local Better Business Bureau, but keep in mind they will only have records of agencies that have had reports filed against them.

Once you've researched, just pick up the phone or e-mail a travel agent to plan the trip of your dreams to any country in Asia.

Travel agents are pros when it comes to tailoring trips to suit your business and vacation objectives, personal interests and budget. Most travel agents provide a wide range of services and plenty of today's agencies specialize in areas such as family travel, group travel, adventure travel, ecotourism, the mature market, or travel for the disabled.

Travel agents are highly educated about destinations and specialize in their knowledge of travel opportunities and places. For every destination there is a travel agent who is an expert in this region and possesses valuable knowledge about things to see and do while visiting the area…helping the traveler immerse themselves into the local culture.

While the Internet is a valuable resource when planning a trip, it cannot replace the expertise and guidance of a travel agent. Travel agents are trusted sources providing interaction, feedback, access, credibility and validation. They use the technology as a powerful tool when planning travel for clients.

And, with so many people strapped for time, it only makes sense to provide a vacation wish list to a travel professional. That way you can sit back while he or she offers expert advice and confirms every aspect of the trip.