Via Travel Agent or Internet/Online Booking: How Will I Get Tickets?

More than just a once-a-year affair, business executives have now found themselves in a situation where they have to get on a plane more often than they have ever thought of. Moreover, this proves to be a challenge given the increasing complexity of business travel, with connecting flights, multiple time zones, complicated fare and accommodation expense calculations.

We will talk about the two major ways of fixing plans for business travel and their respective ups and downs. This is to help you, the business traveler, find the deal that best suits your taste.

Direct Travel Insurance

First, we have the traditional travel agency. While most think that this option is outdated, the travel agent of today still has his advantages over anything else. Travel agents have the expertise with all things that have to do with their trade. From ticketing and planning itineraries, to finding the best hotels for your stay, they know it all. All these variables can be daunting to the busy executive, who seldom has enough time to go through all the nuances that have to be dealt with.

However, travel agents sometimes have the knack for giving you the flights that will give them the greatest profit margin. We can't blame them because they're only human, but it can be difficult on our end nonetheless.

Second, is the internet. Internet booking is very popular nowadays because it is usually faster and cheaper than booking with a travel agent - no travel time to the travel agency's office, and no extra costs for service fees. For purposes of economy, this is the way to go. Furthermore, there are airline perks that come only when tickets are booked online.

But then, booking via the internet can be difficult when you wish to go to a relatively obscure destination, where no direct flights are available, and when travel information is scant. It will be difficult to search for good hotels, among other things.

If you want it fast, go for the internet. If you want it comprehensive, go for a travel agency. Each has its own advantages, and it's now up to you to choose.

Via Travel Agent or Internet/Online Booking: How Will I Get Tickets?

Starting A Cruise Travel Agency

For people who love to travel, starting a travel agency specializing in cruises can be very exciting. Earning a living by talking about your cruise experiences and helping direct less experienced cruisers to the right vacation can be very rewarding. Many people are also attracted to the travel discounts you can receive by becoming a member of the International Airline Travel Agency Network (IATAN). Membership is available after earning ,000 in commissions during the previous 12 month period.

It takes a little while to build your business. Great customer service and knowledge of the business are key ingredients to a successful career. Cruise lines tend to specialize to certain types of people. Some appeal to older crowds, others have many activities for children, while look for more active cruisers by providing more daytime activities on the ship or nighttime entertainment choices. One of the best ways to gain a lot of customers quickly is to sell a group trip. Join local groups, religious organizations, college alumni programs, etc.

Direct Travel Insurance

Cruise lines typically pay commissions of 12% - 15% of the base fare. This excludes charges for port taxes and government fees. Additional money can be made by selling travel insurances where commissions are much higher, selling tours while your clients are on land and booking airfare and transportation to the airport or port. If your clients take travel insurance, they will be covered in case of delays, lost luggage or sickness, which will reduce your chances of having an unhappy customer.

As with any upstart business, you need to control expenses. A cruise travel agency can be operated right out of your home with the majority of work done through the telephone or internet. Cruise tickets can be sent by messengers to your clients. One of your more important and higher expenses will be the Errors and Omission Insurance Policy. This will protect you from mistakes during the booking process or from errors in printed materials or advertising.

Starting A Cruise Travel Agency