Many people are looking at price when searching for a discount travel agency, however, there are some other things you need to watch out for that can save you time, money and headaches when using a travel agency to plan your trip.
1) Check to see if the agency is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents). Agencies who are members must follow strict rules of conduct. If you should have a problem with your agency, it will be easier for you to file a complaint.
2) Make sure their offer isn’t too good to be true. The travel industry is very competitive and some agencies will promise you the moon. Make sure they can deliver what they promise before signing up.
3) The agency should disclose their full contact information. You should easily be able to find their name, address, phone number and email address. Call the phone number and see if a real person answers. If their contact information isn’t readily available, you should take your business elsewhere.
4) Some discount agencies will promise you low rates to get your business, then hit you with hidden fees. Since you are budgeting for your trip, you don’t want to be hit with a larger bill than you planned on. Be sure to get all agency rates and fees on paper to avoid surprises.
5) Respectable travel agencies will bend over backwards to make sure you are well taken care of, especially if you have medical needs while traveling. An agency out for a quick buck will not provide you with great customer service, so ask questions about how they will accommodate your special requests before signing.
6) A good travel agency will be there to help you during and after your trip to make sure everything is going smoothly. If you have a problem during your trip, the agency will be available to assist you. Fly by night services will disappear after you’ve handed over your money. Check out the agency’s reputation before you commit to a deal.
7) A good travel agency will have access to all kinds of information about the city and/or country you are visiting. They are one of the best insider travel tip resources around whether you need a business travel tip, family travel tip, an air travel tip, or a travel packing tip.
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Monday, 23 March 2009
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Responsible Travel Tips
Here are some ideas to becoming a responsible traveller. It doesn't take much, but it will make all the difference to your travel experience, as well as the country you will visit.
So before you leave for Ecuador, consider the following ideas:
* Read some of the information on this website: we specialize in responsible travel in Ecuador. We might be able to point you in the right direction.
* Read guidebooks: find a guidebook that shares information about the country and its environmental, social and political issues. Lonely Planet and Rough Guides are good places to start.
* Ask around: do you know people who have visited Ecuador? Can they give you some ideas? Of course, if that's not the case, feel free to contact us!
* Choose your destination carefully: have you thought about the quality of the hotels you picked in terms of sustainability? Have they received awards or certifications from reputable eco-friendly institutions? Some touroperators are more conscious of the environment than others. Look at their website and ask them to see if they are a responsible touroperator.
If you are already in Ecuador, consider using the following tips to becoming a responsible traveller.
* By exploring alternative travel choices, you can have a unique trip and avoid leaving negative marks on cultures, economies, and the environment.
* Be respectful of local citizens’ privacy. Ask permission before entering sacred places, homes, or private land. Ecuadoreans are very hospitable, but mainly to people who treat them with respect.
* Be sensitive to when and where you take photos/video of people. Always ask first. Since Ecuadoreans are religeous and appreciate their privacy, this is the right way to do.
* Learn a few words of the local language and use them. You can do this at one of the many Spanish schools in Quito . Or go to one in other areas.
* Choose locally-owned lodges, hotels, and B&Bs. Use local buses and car rental agencies. Eat in local restaurants, shop in local markets, and attend local festivals/events.
* Avoid obvious displays of wealth or handing out money. Such activities create immediate barriers and build resentment between you and local people. Especially in the countryside Ecuadoreans don't have a lot of money to spend. So try to blend in.
* Minimize the use of resources. Don't insist on a daily bath, because water is a scare commodity in Ecuador. Just like electricity. Even in major cities electricity is not always available.
* Remember that Ecuadoreans have different ways of thinking about the concept of time, this just makes them different not wrong - cultivate the habit of asking questions (rather than the Western habit of knowing the answers). Latin America is a bit more laidback than most western countries.
* Enjoy your time in Ecuador!
So before you leave for Ecuador, consider the following ideas:
* Read some of the information on this website: we specialize in responsible travel in Ecuador. We might be able to point you in the right direction.
* Read guidebooks: find a guidebook that shares information about the country and its environmental, social and political issues. Lonely Planet and Rough Guides are good places to start.
* Ask around: do you know people who have visited Ecuador? Can they give you some ideas? Of course, if that's not the case, feel free to contact us!
* Choose your destination carefully: have you thought about the quality of the hotels you picked in terms of sustainability? Have they received awards or certifications from reputable eco-friendly institutions? Some touroperators are more conscious of the environment than others. Look at their website and ask them to see if they are a responsible touroperator.
If you are already in Ecuador, consider using the following tips to becoming a responsible traveller.
* By exploring alternative travel choices, you can have a unique trip and avoid leaving negative marks on cultures, economies, and the environment.
* Be respectful of local citizens’ privacy. Ask permission before entering sacred places, homes, or private land. Ecuadoreans are very hospitable, but mainly to people who treat them with respect.
* Be sensitive to when and where you take photos/video of people. Always ask first. Since Ecuadoreans are religeous and appreciate their privacy, this is the right way to do.
* Learn a few words of the local language and use them. You can do this at one of the many Spanish schools in Quito . Or go to one in other areas.
* Choose locally-owned lodges, hotels, and B&Bs. Use local buses and car rental agencies. Eat in local restaurants, shop in local markets, and attend local festivals/events.
* Avoid obvious displays of wealth or handing out money. Such activities create immediate barriers and build resentment between you and local people. Especially in the countryside Ecuadoreans don't have a lot of money to spend. So try to blend in.
* Minimize the use of resources. Don't insist on a daily bath, because water is a scare commodity in Ecuador. Just like electricity. Even in major cities electricity is not always available.
* Remember that Ecuadoreans have different ways of thinking about the concept of time, this just makes them different not wrong - cultivate the habit of asking questions (rather than the Western habit of knowing the answers). Latin America is a bit more laidback than most western countries.
* Enjoy your time in Ecuador!
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