affordable health insurance rhode island

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!