In today's world-wide marketplace, businessmen need to conduct transactions and address business concerns regarding foreign countries, requiring trips and accommodations abroad as an accepted part of their work. International visits can be short or extended, depending on the reason for the visit. Longer stay, of course means more expensive and more extensive living arrangements, commodities, and also the purchase of international insurance. For shorter visits you may also need a new insurance.
It's important to procure proper insurance, such as international auto insurance, when your current insurance company won't cover you abroad.
Most people, especially working people, consider personal transportation to be a necessity. These people do not want to squander time or money by utilizing unfamiliar local transportation that is not covered under insurance and cannot ensure protection. If you are renting an auto, buying a vehicle, or moving your own car to a different country, you will definitely need the right car insurance to cover the whole process, which based on the local driving law and regulations on insurance.
Even though coverage requirements and laws are different for each country, you can easily purchase quality international auto insurance. You can purchase additional coverage in the country you are traveling to.
Although, while being abroad, international auto insurance will normally provide you with enough coverage, some countries, like Mexico for example, require you to buy a specific insurance in the country itself.
You should also get additional international auto insurance as a vehicle passenger, which you will most likely find yourself as at on point or another, especially those that will cover medical costs in cases of accidents or personal bodily injuries. Taking a cab can end up costing a lot more than just the fare and tip in some nations. There are many countries, like Korea, which do not require limousine or cab companies (or anyone else for that matter) to carry insurance on the passengers. This means, that if you are the passenger, in an event of an accident the driver is not required to pay for your medical expenditures. It is best to additional insurance as a passenger just to be safe.
Monday, July 14, 2008
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Europ Assistance has been making strange demands of its customers before agreeing to pay out on travel insurance claims.
One woman experienced this first hand when she was rushed to hospital during her holiday with suspected thrombosis. There was no time to call her insurer beforehand, so she contacted them the following day.
She was told that the best thing to do was to pay for her treatment on the spot and then claim the money back from Europ Assistance upon her return to England.
As soon as she arrived home after a three day stay in hospital, she submitted a claim for £500 and sent it off with all the required documents, including a three page medical report.
Europ said that the claim would be settled within five days. However, after five days, she still had not heard anything from her insurer. After much delay, the company finally contacted her and said that they could only process the claim if she paid to have her medical report translated from Finnish into English.
“Nowhere in their policy was it mentioned that if I required medical attention abroad, the records must be translated into English at my own expense†said the shocked customer.
When asked company if this was usual company policy, Europ Assistance replied that they were unsure. All the spokesman could confirm was that “certain languages couldn’t be handled in-house, as the company use staff with foreign language skills rather than professional translators.â€
“This case is frustrating because the doctor’s report needn’t have been written in Finnish had the client requested otherwise, but she didn’t so we found ourselves in a stalemate situation,†he continued.
Eventually, Europ Assistance paid the claim, but not without much deliberation and distress caused to their customer.
One woman experienced this first hand when she was rushed to hospital during her holiday with suspected thrombosis. There was no time to call her insurer beforehand, so she contacted them the following day.
She was told that the best thing to do was to pay for her treatment on the spot and then claim the money back from Europ Assistance upon her return to England.
As soon as she arrived home after a three day stay in hospital, she submitted a claim for £500 and sent it off with all the required documents, including a three page medical report.
Europ said that the claim would be settled within five days. However, after five days, she still had not heard anything from her insurer. After much delay, the company finally contacted her and said that they could only process the claim if she paid to have her medical report translated from Finnish into English.
“Nowhere in their policy was it mentioned that if I required medical attention abroad, the records must be translated into English at my own expense†said the shocked customer.
When asked company if this was usual company policy, Europ Assistance replied that they were unsure. All the spokesman could confirm was that “certain languages couldn’t be handled in-house, as the company use staff with foreign language skills rather than professional translators.â€
“This case is frustrating because the doctor’s report needn’t have been written in Finnish had the client requested otherwise, but she didn’t so we found ourselves in a stalemate situation,†he continued.
Eventually, Europ Assistance paid the claim, but not without much deliberation and distress caused to their customer.
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Setting up a representative office in China primarily requires 4 stages and this entire process can take up till 4-5 months time.
Stage 1 Pre-approval Stage
Once you have decided to base your representative office in which city, the next thing is to approach the local Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) for contacts of a local designated foreign enterprise service company (FESCO) who will be in charge of your representative office application process. You should be paying approximately US$800 to $1000 to a designated FESCO for their service of notifying you on the relevant upcoming deadlines and administrative procedures. In addition, a signed lease agreement is one of the pre-requisite for the approval; therefore it is vital to secure a lease for a “grade A†office space before submitting the application.
Stage 2 Application Stage
Generally your application approval should be done by MOFCOM, but if your industry is specific to banking, insurance, law, accounting and media, you may have to approach the relevant authority which has jurisdiction over your industry sector. Once approved, you should have the Certificate of Approval certifying your legal presence for the next 3 years which can be further extended.
Stage 3 Registration Stage
This stage is to register for your representative office’s business license which must be renewed annually. It is important to note that you must complete the registration within 30 days of your approval from stage 2. The application together with the supporting documents is required to be submitted to the local State Administration of Industry & Commerce (SAIC and the process normally takes about 1-2 months time.
Stage 4 Post Registration Procedure
Firstly, In China, it is expected for your representative office to register the office location with the local police (Public Security Bureau) and to register with local and national tax bureaus. Secondly, you should make financial and corporate seals as it is a practise in China to use them on official documents. Thirdly, opening a foreign exchange bank account will aid to facilitate overseas fund transfer. Fourthly, to import the relevant equipments or materials, remember to complete the relevant customs registration. Lastly, get a FESCO to assist you in recruiting of Chinese staff.
Once all this is done, your representative office is set to establish its presence in China. However before getting to this stage, a good market research study is required to ensure that your products or services are viable in the Chinese market.
Stage 1 Pre-approval Stage
Once you have decided to base your representative office in which city, the next thing is to approach the local Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) for contacts of a local designated foreign enterprise service company (FESCO) who will be in charge of your representative office application process. You should be paying approximately US$800 to $1000 to a designated FESCO for their service of notifying you on the relevant upcoming deadlines and administrative procedures. In addition, a signed lease agreement is one of the pre-requisite for the approval; therefore it is vital to secure a lease for a “grade A†office space before submitting the application.
Stage 2 Application Stage
Generally your application approval should be done by MOFCOM, but if your industry is specific to banking, insurance, law, accounting and media, you may have to approach the relevant authority which has jurisdiction over your industry sector. Once approved, you should have the Certificate of Approval certifying your legal presence for the next 3 years which can be further extended.
Stage 3 Registration Stage
This stage is to register for your representative office’s business license which must be renewed annually. It is important to note that you must complete the registration within 30 days of your approval from stage 2. The application together with the supporting documents is required to be submitted to the local State Administration of Industry & Commerce (SAIC and the process normally takes about 1-2 months time.
Stage 4 Post Registration Procedure
Firstly, In China, it is expected for your representative office to register the office location with the local police (Public Security Bureau) and to register with local and national tax bureaus. Secondly, you should make financial and corporate seals as it is a practise in China to use them on official documents. Thirdly, opening a foreign exchange bank account will aid to facilitate overseas fund transfer. Fourthly, to import the relevant equipments or materials, remember to complete the relevant customs registration. Lastly, get a FESCO to assist you in recruiting of Chinese staff.
Once all this is done, your representative office is set to establish its presence in China. However before getting to this stage, a good market research study is required to ensure that your products or services are viable in the Chinese market.
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With the Euro Tunnel and low cost over night ferries being readily available to all for reasonable prices, it is no wonder that more of us than ever are deciding to drive to our holiday destinations. Having experienced the freedom of driving all the way from the Scottish boarder to Tuscany in south Italy I can recommend it to just about anybody, so long as they have adequate leg room!
Before you pack up and head for the hills however take the time to speak to your current insurance provider, or a specialised travel insurance broker. If you plan to take your car into foreign territory you need to make sure that you are firstly, sticking to any additional or different rules for legal road driving, and secondly, that you are actually covered to travel to the places you plan to visit.
For example if you plan to drive north into Norway for the winter, it is likely your travel insurance provider will want you to have tire chains and specific winter related products in your vehicle to avoid accidents. You may find it cheaper to get a specific holiday-time long additional insurance or a temporary upgrade on your current car insurance. Either of these options can offer suitable arrangements.
If you are going somewhere that you are unfamiliar with, or the roads may be risky (such as ice, sand and heavy rain) you may wish to invest in some break down cover too. You will likely be able to buy this as a package from the car insurance provider but make sure you find out if you can get a more competitive quote from a specialised company.
Many countries press on strict rules that are not familiar to most of us in the United Kingdom. For example, in the Netherlands you must always have a high visibility jacket in the car or it will fail its MOT. In France you must have a warning triangle displayed as well as hazard lights in the event of a break down. Depending on where you are going, be sure to adopt these rules, or you may find it difficult to claim if something happen to your car.
Once you are comfortable that you are all set to go, you can enjoy the freedom of driving yourself to your holiday destination. No delays, no noisy children sat behind you in the aeroplane, and the choice of stopping whenever you go past a particularly nice piece of scenery. Just don’t forget your passports!
If you are planning to drive to your holiday this year, get yourself some cheap car insurance by comparing online. If you are going to need some breakdown cover be sure to compare independent companies for the best deals. It is important not to forget cheap car insurance when going away!
Before you pack up and head for the hills however take the time to speak to your current insurance provider, or a specialised travel insurance broker. If you plan to take your car into foreign territory you need to make sure that you are firstly, sticking to any additional or different rules for legal road driving, and secondly, that you are actually covered to travel to the places you plan to visit.
For example if you plan to drive north into Norway for the winter, it is likely your travel insurance provider will want you to have tire chains and specific winter related products in your vehicle to avoid accidents. You may find it cheaper to get a specific holiday-time long additional insurance or a temporary upgrade on your current car insurance. Either of these options can offer suitable arrangements.
If you are going somewhere that you are unfamiliar with, or the roads may be risky (such as ice, sand and heavy rain) you may wish to invest in some break down cover too. You will likely be able to buy this as a package from the car insurance provider but make sure you find out if you can get a more competitive quote from a specialised company.
Many countries press on strict rules that are not familiar to most of us in the United Kingdom. For example, in the Netherlands you must always have a high visibility jacket in the car or it will fail its MOT. In France you must have a warning triangle displayed as well as hazard lights in the event of a break down. Depending on where you are going, be sure to adopt these rules, or you may find it difficult to claim if something happen to your car.
Once you are comfortable that you are all set to go, you can enjoy the freedom of driving yourself to your holiday destination. No delays, no noisy children sat behind you in the aeroplane, and the choice of stopping whenever you go past a particularly nice piece of scenery. Just don’t forget your passports!
If you are planning to drive to your holiday this year, get yourself some cheap car insurance by comparing online. If you are going to need some breakdown cover be sure to compare independent companies for the best deals. It is important not to forget cheap car insurance when going away!
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Prices of prescription medicines in the United States have gone nowhere but up. This has brought a big impact on health insurance, changing its coverage so that it no longer includes medication expenses of the people insured. Naturally, it affects senior citizens and people with conditions sustained by prescription drugs.
Just like a gift from the heavens, Internet pharmacies start popping up with offers of prescription medications at discounted prices. Not just that, most online drugstores deliver the ordered medications at no extra cost. Buying medications online is very easy. Just log on to the online drugstore website, fill out their medical questionnaire, click on the prescription you need, supply them with your credit card number to pay for your order, and voila - your order is processed and you can expect a delivery within a couple of days. Convenience, cheap prices, and free delivery - now who wouldn't be tempted by an offer like that?
But is buying US prescription medicine online really a good idea?
Take the case of a nineteen year old teenager who died of Xanax overdose. The drug which was later confirmed to have come from an Internet drugstore was traced back to Mexico. Buying prescription drugs on the web is so easy nowadays that even teenagers who have no need of it can purchase it. They just need to know what kind of drug they want and search it on the Internet, and sure enough they will come up with hundreds of different links directing them to online drugstores. With just a few clicks of the mouse button, your teenager can have himself a bottle of prescription medications without your knowledge.
There have also been other cases reported of people dying from medical complications brought about by hidden toxic components found in the counterfeit prescription drugs she received from an Internet pharmacy. These toxic components appeared to have been used as fillers to compensate for the key ingredients needed for the medicine.
Here are some more things to be aware of when buying medications over the Internet: By law, it is illegal to sell or purchase prescription medications from any pharmacy, web-based or otherwise, without a legitimate doctor's prescription. Also, it is illegal to purchase controlled substances foreign online pharmacies. This is for the sole reason that you do not have a clear idea of how and where the drugs are made, nor do you have an idea if the company itself is legitimate or not. Submitting information to an unknown Internet pharmacy's medical questionnaires may submit you to identity theft. Your personal information may be used by the anomalous company's owner to assume your identity and make transactions in your behalf. Also, your credit card information may be used to make large purchases without your permission.
Keep in mind that illegal Internet drugstores may hind behind a mask of safety and legitimacy, showing you images of people posing as licensed pharmacists or physicians. So you have to be wise in choosing which Internet drugstore sites to trust. Visit the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) website to see a list of accredited Internet pharmacies that you can buy from.
Just like a gift from the heavens, Internet pharmacies start popping up with offers of prescription medications at discounted prices. Not just that, most online drugstores deliver the ordered medications at no extra cost. Buying medications online is very easy. Just log on to the online drugstore website, fill out their medical questionnaire, click on the prescription you need, supply them with your credit card number to pay for your order, and voila - your order is processed and you can expect a delivery within a couple of days. Convenience, cheap prices, and free delivery - now who wouldn't be tempted by an offer like that?
But is buying US prescription medicine online really a good idea?
Take the case of a nineteen year old teenager who died of Xanax overdose. The drug which was later confirmed to have come from an Internet drugstore was traced back to Mexico. Buying prescription drugs on the web is so easy nowadays that even teenagers who have no need of it can purchase it. They just need to know what kind of drug they want and search it on the Internet, and sure enough they will come up with hundreds of different links directing them to online drugstores. With just a few clicks of the mouse button, your teenager can have himself a bottle of prescription medications without your knowledge.
There have also been other cases reported of people dying from medical complications brought about by hidden toxic components found in the counterfeit prescription drugs she received from an Internet pharmacy. These toxic components appeared to have been used as fillers to compensate for the key ingredients needed for the medicine.
Here are some more things to be aware of when buying medications over the Internet: By law, it is illegal to sell or purchase prescription medications from any pharmacy, web-based or otherwise, without a legitimate doctor's prescription. Also, it is illegal to purchase controlled substances foreign online pharmacies. This is for the sole reason that you do not have a clear idea of how and where the drugs are made, nor do you have an idea if the company itself is legitimate or not. Submitting information to an unknown Internet pharmacy's medical questionnaires may submit you to identity theft. Your personal information may be used by the anomalous company's owner to assume your identity and make transactions in your behalf. Also, your credit card information may be used to make large purchases without your permission.
Keep in mind that illegal Internet drugstores may hind behind a mask of safety and legitimacy, showing you images of people posing as licensed pharmacists or physicians. So you have to be wise in choosing which Internet drugstore sites to trust. Visit the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) website to see a list of accredited Internet pharmacies that you can buy from.
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One thing is for sure; living is not possible without risk. There is no need for you to stop traveling since it is a passion of yours, but to be responsible, you do need to take some precautions and obtain the medical and automobile requirements that you need if there is ever a serious emergency. To do so, you could consider travelers auto insurance, as it can relieve you from any worries you may have. As is the case in any personal injury or accident, if you have an accident while you are traveling outside the country, you may have to be hospitalized in a foreign country or possibly even evacuated by air. Travelers health plans (and auto coverage) for health care at any location worldwide, including immediate air evacuation, emergency repatriation, etc., are now offered by some insurance providers. You may be exposed to significant financial liability if you do not have the right travel insurance that best suits your needs. You'll likely have greater feelings of exhilaration and excitement when you step on that plane, if you know your life and property are secure as you head overseas on your trip.
Here are some tips for you if you are traveling soon and are in need of travelers insurance.
First of all, you will need Health Insurance. Usually your health insurance does not cover you outside of the country, so that should be an item you discuss with your insurance company to verify what you are covered for.
Secondly, look into your automobile/car insurance. It's wise to apply for an international driver's license if you're going to rent and drive anywhere when you travel overseas. You need to understand the traffic laws in the country you are planning to drive in as they may differ from the local traffic laws where you live. Make certain you have good auto insurance coverage before you depart. Your personal car insurance policy will not cover you if you are traveling abroad unless you have a true umbrella policy that covers you worldwide. Before you leave you can do this by contacting your agent or auto insurance company.
Whatever you do, don’t go on your trip until you check out the traveler insurance provider options. Providers and travelers auto insurance is available online so look into it now.
Here are some tips for you if you are traveling soon and are in need of travelers insurance.
First of all, you will need Health Insurance. Usually your health insurance does not cover you outside of the country, so that should be an item you discuss with your insurance company to verify what you are covered for.
Secondly, look into your automobile/car insurance. It's wise to apply for an international driver's license if you're going to rent and drive anywhere when you travel overseas. You need to understand the traffic laws in the country you are planning to drive in as they may differ from the local traffic laws where you live. Make certain you have good auto insurance coverage before you depart. Your personal car insurance policy will not cover you if you are traveling abroad unless you have a true umbrella policy that covers you worldwide. Before you leave you can do this by contacting your agent or auto insurance company.
Whatever you do, don’t go on your trip until you check out the traveler insurance provider options. Providers and travelers auto insurance is available online so look into it now.
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First of all, let me clarify that I am not a travel agent, nor am I affiliated with any travel agencies. I am, however, a seasoned traveler who has wandered from border to border using the services of both travel agents my own research and hard work in booking great holidays on my own. I always used to think that I was very clever and one step ahead of the game simply because I had a great time on my trip. Only to come home, and do a bit more research and learn about all the places I missed seeing because I didn't really know any better. My "back pats for a job well done" quickly faded as I realized just how much I had missed - much of it right under my nose! I finally decided to find a great agent and since then, I haven't looked back!
Of course, some destinations are easier to book than others. English-speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand and much of Europe are good examples. I've had some good success, but I realize now that I have been very lucky that nothing major has ever gone wrong. I also recognize that missing trains, flights or connections when you're 20 is alot more tolerable than missing them now that I'm 50(ish). I tend to get alot crankier these days!
I've seen some real nightmares out there on the road less traveled and you can be assured that is one spot I hope to never find myself in! In todays world of airlines who don't seem to care if there are delays and "too bad for you" if those delays caused you to miss connecting flights in Amsterdam, which causes you to miss your flight to Johannesburg, which means you have lost the first night of your luxury game lodge on your itinerary. You know that property, the gorgeous lodge you cleverly pre-booked on your own and paid for in full? Yes, that lodge!
What most people don't realize, however, is that if you book with a travel agent, you benefit from a multitude of services and can most often spare yourself the heartbreak and expense of great planning gone wrong. In fact, you generally save money in the long run by booking direct with an agency. Savings you say? That's right, I said savings! I'm shouting that from the rooftops, baby!
For example, many top ranked travel agencies can save you money on airfare because they buy in volume and can pass along savings to their clientele. Their relationships with the airlines, hotels and other providers are such that they often times can get you "secret" deals, special airfares, etc. No matter how much research you might do, you can't get those special deals as they are reserved for the relationships that the agencies have with the providers. So, quit pounding your fists.. you can't have everything you want. Or can you?
Secondly, there is this false idea that somehow travel agents are secretly ripping you off. This is, in my opinion, as far from the truth as you can get. In fact, a good travel agent will work hard to get you the best rates possible. The reason they do that is so that you will become loyal to them and repeat and refer business to them in the future. They don't benefit, whatsoever, in attempting to "rip you off". Oh, and newsflash - if you're looking for top rated properties and experiences, you're going to pay a premium - whether you direct book or not. C'mon, don't pretend to be shocked when you get the quote!
Of course, there are times that if you had booked the travel on your own, you might save on some of your land costs, or even if you purchased an internet airfare. This, however, is generally not the norm and the cost savings are fairly minimal compared to the benefits of traveling with your "travel agent umbrella".
Thirdly (about that "umbrella" thing), should you run into any snags along the way, your travel agent (if they are a top agency) should have emergency contacts so that you can easily get yourself out of a jam - even if you are on an elephant back safari in Tanzania when you realize you left your passport in South Africa in your room (don't laugh, it happened to me!) In addition, hopefully your crafty and oh-so-clever agent recommended you purchase travel insurance (which I must say is vital - especially these days in foreign countries!) A trip with even one fowl-up can turn into a nightmare and all the money you thought you had saved has just been blown out the window because you "out-foxed" them all and saved a whopping $150 on that silly round trip airfare ticket. You know - that one that was delayed, that caused you to miss your connection... well, I think you get the point.
To be fair, choosing the wrong agent can also bring negative consequences. Shop around and find an agent that you click with. One that is more ears than mouth - who will listen to your dreams, pick up on the nuances that you cannot easily convey and suggest options that you never even thought of to make your trip the most incredible experience of your life.
I once travelled with a top-producing Virtuoso (luxury) agent with a long list of wealthy clientele. She was so set on Big Five game experiences in Africa that our experiences in luxurious Cape properties in South Africa were in her words, "the worst place I've ever stayed in". These properties were five-star, award winning properties that luxury travelers drool about. But, because she was so narrowly focused on Big Five Game, she exclaimed to our group, "I will NEVER recommend those properties to my clients!" Suddenly, I felt very sorry for her clients because they simply were not given the wisdom of an open mind or the idea that trying something unique and fabulous might enhance their travel experience.
If you find an agent who is dismissive to your ideas, or wants to push her own agenda for her idea of a perfect holiday - run, run and run. This is NOT the type of agent you want to have on your side.
Also, avoid an agent who hasn't personally experienced at least most of the properties and places you are considering traveling to. If they haven't, you are best to find someone who has. Agents have opportunities to travel on "agent rates" and often times go on free or reduced rate educational trips with major tour operators or property conglomerates. It is on these trips, that agents learn about the different amenities, activities and so on. They may not know that a specific mobile tented safari they are recommending doesn't have indoor plumbing and that might just be something that is a must have for you. (Although bucket showers are exquisite!) Not everyone is that adventurous.
So, why not just go direct to the tour operator who is booking the experience on behalf of your agent? Many people think that by going direct to the tour operator, you're saving a bundle of cash. Most likely, this is also not the case. Tour operators love it when you book direct because their revenue is bigger - they aren't paying out a big commission to your agent.
The other drawback is that many tour operators are HUGE corporations that lack the personal touch. They are quite happy to toss your butt onto a big tour bus somewhere in China with 50 other clients and you'll sit down and just enjoy yourself. Lucky you...
Some tour operators have remained small, personal and take great pride in offering personal service and attention. You really can't go wrong with that as long as the tour operator has a good reputation in the industry. Again, do your homework.
In short, tour operators find agents much easier to deal with, they generally get most of their attention because agents will bring business to them again and again and you're most likely not going to be anything but a ship passing in the night.
In summary, you're going to send big bucks on a vacation. It's why they are so special because we all can't afford to take off and go whenever we want. Remember, no matter how well-planned any getaway is, something can go wrong, but using an agent minimizes the pain you might suffer as a result. Why not work the odds in your favor and plan it right. Use a qualified agent that adores you and will listen to your needs, wants and desires. You will be money well-ahead and your trip will be a memorable and incredible one that you will remember long after the photographs have faded!
Of course, some destinations are easier to book than others. English-speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand and much of Europe are good examples. I've had some good success, but I realize now that I have been very lucky that nothing major has ever gone wrong. I also recognize that missing trains, flights or connections when you're 20 is alot more tolerable than missing them now that I'm 50(ish). I tend to get alot crankier these days!
I've seen some real nightmares out there on the road less traveled and you can be assured that is one spot I hope to never find myself in! In todays world of airlines who don't seem to care if there are delays and "too bad for you" if those delays caused you to miss connecting flights in Amsterdam, which causes you to miss your flight to Johannesburg, which means you have lost the first night of your luxury game lodge on your itinerary. You know that property, the gorgeous lodge you cleverly pre-booked on your own and paid for in full? Yes, that lodge!
What most people don't realize, however, is that if you book with a travel agent, you benefit from a multitude of services and can most often spare yourself the heartbreak and expense of great planning gone wrong. In fact, you generally save money in the long run by booking direct with an agency. Savings you say? That's right, I said savings! I'm shouting that from the rooftops, baby!
For example, many top ranked travel agencies can save you money on airfare because they buy in volume and can pass along savings to their clientele. Their relationships with the airlines, hotels and other providers are such that they often times can get you "secret" deals, special airfares, etc. No matter how much research you might do, you can't get those special deals as they are reserved for the relationships that the agencies have with the providers. So, quit pounding your fists.. you can't have everything you want. Or can you?
Secondly, there is this false idea that somehow travel agents are secretly ripping you off. This is, in my opinion, as far from the truth as you can get. In fact, a good travel agent will work hard to get you the best rates possible. The reason they do that is so that you will become loyal to them and repeat and refer business to them in the future. They don't benefit, whatsoever, in attempting to "rip you off". Oh, and newsflash - if you're looking for top rated properties and experiences, you're going to pay a premium - whether you direct book or not. C'mon, don't pretend to be shocked when you get the quote!
Of course, there are times that if you had booked the travel on your own, you might save on some of your land costs, or even if you purchased an internet airfare. This, however, is generally not the norm and the cost savings are fairly minimal compared to the benefits of traveling with your "travel agent umbrella".
Thirdly (about that "umbrella" thing), should you run into any snags along the way, your travel agent (if they are a top agency) should have emergency contacts so that you can easily get yourself out of a jam - even if you are on an elephant back safari in Tanzania when you realize you left your passport in South Africa in your room (don't laugh, it happened to me!) In addition, hopefully your crafty and oh-so-clever agent recommended you purchase travel insurance (which I must say is vital - especially these days in foreign countries!) A trip with even one fowl-up can turn into a nightmare and all the money you thought you had saved has just been blown out the window because you "out-foxed" them all and saved a whopping $150 on that silly round trip airfare ticket. You know - that one that was delayed, that caused you to miss your connection... well, I think you get the point.
To be fair, choosing the wrong agent can also bring negative consequences. Shop around and find an agent that you click with. One that is more ears than mouth - who will listen to your dreams, pick up on the nuances that you cannot easily convey and suggest options that you never even thought of to make your trip the most incredible experience of your life.
I once travelled with a top-producing Virtuoso (luxury) agent with a long list of wealthy clientele. She was so set on Big Five game experiences in Africa that our experiences in luxurious Cape properties in South Africa were in her words, "the worst place I've ever stayed in". These properties were five-star, award winning properties that luxury travelers drool about. But, because she was so narrowly focused on Big Five Game, she exclaimed to our group, "I will NEVER recommend those properties to my clients!" Suddenly, I felt very sorry for her clients because they simply were not given the wisdom of an open mind or the idea that trying something unique and fabulous might enhance their travel experience.
If you find an agent who is dismissive to your ideas, or wants to push her own agenda for her idea of a perfect holiday - run, run and run. This is NOT the type of agent you want to have on your side.
Also, avoid an agent who hasn't personally experienced at least most of the properties and places you are considering traveling to. If they haven't, you are best to find someone who has. Agents have opportunities to travel on "agent rates" and often times go on free or reduced rate educational trips with major tour operators or property conglomerates. It is on these trips, that agents learn about the different amenities, activities and so on. They may not know that a specific mobile tented safari they are recommending doesn't have indoor plumbing and that might just be something that is a must have for you. (Although bucket showers are exquisite!) Not everyone is that adventurous.
So, why not just go direct to the tour operator who is booking the experience on behalf of your agent? Many people think that by going direct to the tour operator, you're saving a bundle of cash. Most likely, this is also not the case. Tour operators love it when you book direct because their revenue is bigger - they aren't paying out a big commission to your agent.
The other drawback is that many tour operators are HUGE corporations that lack the personal touch. They are quite happy to toss your butt onto a big tour bus somewhere in China with 50 other clients and you'll sit down and just enjoy yourself. Lucky you...
Some tour operators have remained small, personal and take great pride in offering personal service and attention. You really can't go wrong with that as long as the tour operator has a good reputation in the industry. Again, do your homework.
In short, tour operators find agents much easier to deal with, they generally get most of their attention because agents will bring business to them again and again and you're most likely not going to be anything but a ship passing in the night.
In summary, you're going to send big bucks on a vacation. It's why they are so special because we all can't afford to take off and go whenever we want. Remember, no matter how well-planned any getaway is, something can go wrong, but using an agent minimizes the pain you might suffer as a result. Why not work the odds in your favor and plan it right. Use a qualified agent that adores you and will listen to your needs, wants and desires. You will be money well-ahead and your trip will be a memorable and incredible one that you will remember long after the photographs have faded!
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