10 Reasons Travelers Still Need a Travel Agent

by Anna Gleksman / November 23, 2015

In the age of technology, booking trips online is an easy choice for travelers. And yet the business of travel agents in the United States soared last year—ASTA reported that more of half of all agents saw an increase in clients, transactions, and revenue in 2014 over 2013, and their profits are expected to grow 12% in 2015

Here are 10 reasons that help explain why that is, from a customer’s perspective.

1. Accountability.

A travel agent’s job is on the line with every trip. Travel agents have a boss to answer to—or they are the boss—and they are a real person clients can speak with to work things out.

2. Knowledge.

Travel agents have been doing the job for years and know all the ins and outs. Traveling to Europe for the first time? Instead of deciding where to go based on anonymous comments on a website, speak to someone who does this for a living and knows what they’re talking about.  

3. More for your money.

When booking an expensive trip, travelers want to see everything and experience the best a city has to offer. A travel agent can ensure travelers dollars go a long way—and make sure they don’t miss that amazing restaurant down the street, or the special event going on the day their in town.  A travel agent knows where to go and when.

4. Setting an Itinerary.

While some people enjoy “just winging it,” a travel agent can give a clear-cut schedule of what will be happening on a day-to-day basis, and keep clear records of everything that is included in the trip.

5. Budgeting.  

A travel agent can help map out exactly how much a trip will cost, so there are no surprises. Does that excursion on Monday include lunch, for example, or do you have to buy your own? Does it pay to take the drinks package on the cruise ship, or pay for the excursions in advance? A travel agent can guide you and save you money.

6. Insurance.

Things happen. A travel agent can offer insurance in a number of ways, from guaranteeing that the hotel is safe and the company running the excursion won’t rob a traveler, to actually advising on which insurance policies are needed, from trip cancellation to medical emergencies. They also insure that travelers will have the correct travel documents, so they don’t end up missing their plane or cruise. And when things do go wrong, travel agents have the resources and the contacts to get travelers to the head of the line.

7. Resources.

At the touch of travel agents’ fingertips they have resources a traveler simply does not. Yes, we have the internet, but there is so much still left unknown, especially in places that are undiscovered.

8. Exclusivity.

Let’s face it, we all want to be a little bit different. A travel agent knows the new destinations and the new places in them —and often they can get their client in. Through their partners, they also often get freebies for their customers that range from a free drink to an exclusive admission to a hot event.

9.  Time savings. 

Spending hours and weeks researching the perfect trip can take up a ton of time during a busy work week. A travel agent will spend a little time getting to know their client and what their are looking for, and then put together an entire vacation customized for them.

10.  Leverage.

Can’t book a room at a place you really want? Had a last minute addition to a trip but all the rooms are booked? No problem. Travel agents spend years developing long-term relationships, and travel companies understand how important their repeat business is. Travel agents have leverage with most hotel companies and resorts, and they are more likely to get what they want than a single consumer.

In short, if you have never visited a travel agent, you are missing out on a chance to save time and hassles and aggravation—and often, money as well.

Canadians no longer need to pay $132 fee to enter Chile

OTTAWA — Canadian citizens no longer require a visitor visa to enter Chile.  Canadian visitors and business people can now stay for up to six months visa free, which is consistent with all other visa-exempt travellers. The old ‘reciprocity fee’ of $132 the Canadian and Chilean visitors had to pay at each other’s incoming airport was also cancelled.
The new policy could save a Canadian family of four nearly $600 when travelling to South America.  In 2013, 10,500 Chilean citizens were issued a visa to visit Canada and approximately 31,000 Canadians visited Chile during the same period.  The change came about when a recent visa policy review found that while meets Canada’s criteria for a visa exemption.

BE PREPARED FOR HURRICANES

The federal government is urging Canadians to be well prepared when travelling to hurricane-prone areas during the Atlantic hurricane season, which lasts until late November. Canadians travelling to a hurricane-prone destination are encouraged to visit travel.gc.ca and read up on the Government of Canada’s travel advice and advisories pages before leaving for up-to-date information on their destination; register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service so that the Government of Canada can contact and assist them if necessary; and know how to contact the Canadian government office nearest their destination. The Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa is also available 24/7 for emergency consular services and can be reached by e-mail at sos@international.gc.ca.
▶www.travel.gc.ca

Infants not allowed in Pod Seats in Air Canada Executive Class

Just heard of a very unusual case with an infant not being allowed in Air Canada International Business Class – Pod Seat. Want to pass along the info for your information as even AC help desk was not aware of this ruling.  I am sure other airlines have a similar policy when it comes to Pod Seats in their business class.

Please review the attached info for Infants in Business Class on Air Canada.

http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/before/youngtravellers/infant-child.html

TRAVELLERS WANT FREE WIFI & BREAKFAST

Hotels.com Survey WiFi is a must in-room, breakfast is the most sought after hotel amenity. Staying connected remains top priority for global travellers when it comes to choosing their ideal hotel amenities. Hotels.com reveals that free WiFi has been voted as the most important in-room amenity and third most desired when choosing a hotel.
The latest survey asked travellers to rank 33 different amenities and although the demand for WiFi was strong, complimentary breakfast was first choice amongst travellers as an overall hotel amenity, followed by hotel restaurant.
The top 10 amenities chosen for the ideal hotel also included parking, smoke-free areas and coffee and tea available in the hotel lobby upon arrival.  At the other end of the scale were amenities voted least important, including child-friendly amenities, pet-friendly services and hair salons.
Conference centres and meeting rooms were also seen to be the least important amenities, even though over a third of respondents were business travellers. When asked for the most important amenity found inside the hotel room, although free WiFi came out on top, a bathroom with a shower and overall room size came in at second and third places, respectively.  Childcare in the room was voted least important.

Aer Lingus Toronto to Dublin Year Round Service Started

The launch of their inaugural flight from Toronto to Dublin and the first operation to Dublin of the Boeing B757 aircraft recently added to their transatlantic fleet. The new service will operate year-round with a daily service between Toronto and Dublin during the summer season and up to four weekly services operating during the winter. This is fourth transatlantic route launch in recent months and forms part of Aer Lingus’ significant transatlantic growth plan in 2014.

The 2014 growth plan includes:
• New routes from Toronto to Dublin
• The addition of three Boeing 757 aircraft to the long haul fleet

Aer Lingus customers will have the option to connect via Toronto from eight key cities within Canada including Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary to Dublin as well as onwards connections to over twenty cities
in UK and Europe. To support the operation of the new routes from Toronto and from New York and Boston to Shannon, Aer Lingus has wet leased three Boeing 757 aircraft from ASL Aviation Group. The aircraft are configured with an economy and business class cabin. Business travellers will continue to enjoy the same great level of service; with gourmet meals, sleeper seats and an extensive in-flight entertainment selection

Swiss Air becomes the world’s first certificated “allergy-friendly” airline

Swiss International Air Lines will be introducing a number of ground and inflight products from May onwards that are specifically designed to enhance the air travel experience for allergy sufferers. These innovations will include new alternative (lactose- and gluten-free) food and drinks, along with changes to the cabin interior. SWISS has teamed up with the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation1 (ECARF) to offer its guests an even more individualized service product that is particularly geared to travellers with allergies. The new product, which will be introduced from the beginning of May onwards, will see lactose and gluten- free food and beverage alternatives (such as lactose-free coffee cream and a lactose-free version of the popular SWISS chocolate bar) offered as standard on all SWISS flights.
Depending on the length of the flight, SWISS guests with allergies or other intolerances may further request special snacks (candy bars, yoghurt or cakes) that pay due and full regard to their condition. Alternative dairy and bread products will also be available in all SWISS Lounges in Switzerland. And, as at present, allergy sufferers will be able to order special meals tailored to their needs in all seating classes on long-haul services and in Business Class within Europe up to 24 hours before their scheduled departure.
SWISS is making allergy-friendly modifications to its cabins, too. First and Business Class passengers will now be offered pillows stuffed with synthetic materials as an alternative to the down-filled version. SWISS is also ceasing its use in the cabin of decorative flowers and air fresheners that might cause nose and throat irritations; and the on-board toilets will now feature soaps that are particularly gentle on the skin.
SWISS is the first airline in the world to meet the ECARF criteria for ‘allergy-friendly’ airlines. As a result, SWISS can now place the ECARF seal of approval on its service product range.

New Passport Requirements for Canadian Citizens announced

 SCHENGEN AREA: Canadian Passport must be valid 3 months beyond intended stay. Here is the list of the countries affected by this regulation :

 BELGIUM

 CZECH REPUBLIC

 FRANCE

 GERMANY

 GREECE

 ITALY

 NETHERLANDS

 PORTUGAL

 SPAIN

 SWITZERLAND

 TURKEY: Canadian Passport must be valid at least 150 days upon entry. In addition, Canadian and USA passports need a visa to enter Turkey. The visa must be purchased prior to departure; e‐Visas are available on‐line. Visitors arriving in Turkey without visas will be able to obtain e‐Visas via interactive kiosks placed in Turkish airports. Fees for e‐Visas obtained prior to arrival via the e‐Visa website (www.evisa.gov.tr) will be lower than the fees for visas obtained upon arrival.

More information on fees can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey website (http://www.mfa.gov.tr).

and

 HONDURAS : Canadian Passport must be valid 3 months upon entry.

FEES FOR REPLACEMENT CANADIAN PASSPORTS EFFECTIVE MARCH 31, 2014

Canadians will pay additional administration charge for lost or stolen passports......

On Mar. 31, 2014, Passport Canada implemented a new service fee for replacement passports. The move comes in response to the number of lost or stolen Canadian passports annually, which amounted to more than 65,000 in 2013.
"As a cost-recovery operation, the Passport Program must charge the appropriate fees to cover its costs which will keep general passport fees down and maintain a high level of service for Canadians," the organization says on its website.
The new fee for certified true copies of part of a passport or other travel document (one to three copies) is $45, as is the fee for replacement of a valid lost or stolen passport or other travel document (in addition to passport fee)

TRUMP BUYS DOONBEG GOLF CLUB IN WESTERN IRELAND

I had the pleasure of inspecting and having lunch at the Doonbeg Golf Club & Lodge in County Clare, Ireland a few years back. It has just been announced that it was acquired by the Trump Organization.  The property includes the 218-room Lodge at  Doonbeg, which will join the Trump Hotel Collection.  Trump will rename the property Trump International  Golf Links, Ireland.
The 400-acre oceanfront property is on Ireland’s west coast, about 50 miles west of Limerick.

CATSA’S PACKING TIPS HELP TRAVELLERS BREEZE THROUGH SECURITY

Things to do before you leave home.

To speed up the screening process at the airport, follow these five packing tips:

1. Place all your liquids, aerosols and gels in a clear, plastic 1L bag.
   Remember these must be in containers of 100 ml or less. 

2. Pack your small electronic devices (smart phone, tablet, MP3 player, portable CD and DVD player, camera, GPS device, batteries, etc.) in your carry-on baggage.  Be ready to unpack your laptop computer at the checkpoint. 

3. Pack and keep your medication (over-the-counter or prescription, pills, eye drops and inhalers) in your carry-on for easy inspection. 

4. Avoid wearing large metal items (belt buckles, metal snaps, buttons and studs, etc.). 

5. Dress comfortably with easy-to-remove outerwear, jackets, belts and ideally, slip-on shoes.

For complete information, visit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority at www.catsa.gc.ca/whatcanIbring  

CHANGES COMING FOR VISAS TO TURKEY

Here is the official announcement. Travellers will no longer be able to obtain visa on arrival to Turkey. Changes are coming for travellers looking to obtain a visa to Turkey. Currently, a Turkish visa can be obtained on arrival, from the Turkish embassy, or through the e-Visa Application system. However, of these options, a visa on arrival will no longer be available as of Apr. 10, 2014. According to a report on WorldBulletin.net, Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Omer Celik made the decision so that the use of the e-visa, which became available in April 2013, would be more widespread. The e-visa process is quick and simple, the fee is US$60. Passports must be valid for six months by the time travellers enter Turkey

STYLE AT YWG - WINNIPEG AIRPORT

Winnipeg international airport has been named one of the 10 most-stylish airports in the word by Fodor's Travel, a New York-based publisher of international guidebooks. The $585-million James Armstrong Richardson International airport recently celebrated its second birthday. Erica Duecy of Fodor's says she was fascinated how the architects played off the prairie landscape in designing the airport.The highlight is the more than 50 skylights looking down on the arrivals area. Stanis Smith, executive vice-president of Stantec, which worked with Pelli Clark Pelli Architects on the design, says the idea behind the constellation of skylights was to create a galaxy-like feel and represent the night sky in an abstract way. He says he's delighted at being recognized along with some of the most famous airports in the world, including San Francisco International

Turkey Visa requirements changed

In the past Canadians could pay for and obtain their Turkey entry Visa at any point of entry in Turkey.  As of April 10th you will have to obtain your Electronic Visa online prior to your departure.  Most airlines already require the Electronic Visa prior to boarding so it is best to get it online before you go to the airport or you could be denied boarding.   The process is very quick and simple and you could get your Visa within a few minutes.  For more information go to Turkey Visa

Cuba Cruise finally sailing.........................

INTERNATIONAL SURVEY REVEALS WORLD'S FAVORITE TAXI RIDES

For the sixth year in a row, the iconic famous London cab were voted the world's most favorite taxi, for everything from its quality of driving, cleanliness to safety. Even the equally famous yellow cabs in New York weren't a close competition. In a survey by Hotels.com, 22 percent of participants voted London cabs as the best taxi service, while New York yellow cabs got about 10 percent of the total votes. British taxis have won 5 of the 7 categories, including top spot for quality of driving, friendliness, knowledge of the city, cleanliness and safety. In order to become a licensed taxi driver in London, they must pass one of the most demanding training courses in the world, as they must know 315 routes within 10 kilometers (6 miles) radius of Cross Charing in London. For most of the survey respondents from more than 30 countries, safety is by far the most important element when taking the cab, which is followed by knowledge of the area, quality of driving and availability. The survey also discovered that the most performed activity in taxi is to send e-mails or text. Also, just like with the hotels, the most important part for cab passengers is the access to wireless, which beat out music and radio. Meanwhile, cities all over the world have been increasingly encouraging taxi drivers to expand their knowledge of the streets so that they can also serve as efficient tour guides. Dubai is the latest city that actually trains their fleet of drivers, while teaching them about hotels, events, main attractions in the city and key landmarks. Edinburgh, London and Tokyo have also launched similar programs. World's best taxis according to Hotels.com survey: 1. London cabs (22% of votes) 2. New York cabs (10% of votes) 3. Tokyo cabs (9% of votes) 4. Berlin cabs (5% of votes) 5. Mexico City, Madrid and Amsterdam cabs (4% of votes)

CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL OFFERS FREE WIFI

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts next year will begin offering free Wi-Fi access to all guests, according to Gina LaBarre, InterContinental Hotels Group vice president of Americas brand management for upscale brands. LaBarre discussed the development with Business Travel News here this week in Las Vegas at IHG's investors and leadership conference. Free Internet access will be part of a "connectivity bundle" Crowne Plaza will introduce sometime next year as a part of a larger ongoing brandwide overhaul. Beginning next year, IHG will offer free Internet at all properties for any Priority Club member, regardless of status, but Crowne Plaza's offer will go "above and beyond the IHG standard" because it will available to all guests, whether they are Priority Club members or not, LaBarre said.

MIAMI AIRPORT ADDS ELECTRONIC PASSPORT KIOSKS

U.S. and Canadian travellers can have their passports processed via a self-service kiosk Miami International Airport has now launched Passport Express, new automated passport control kiosks, which allow U.S. and Canadian citizens to have their passports processed via a self-service kiosk instead of a customs and border protection (CBP) officer. Thirty-six Passport Express kiosks have been installed in Miami's North Terminal and another 12 will be installed in the airport's South Terminal in 2014. Every four kiosks do the work of approximately one CBP officer, making the 36 new kiosks in North Terminal the equivalent of adding nine new CBP officers to Miami's international arrivals area. Implementation of the kiosks also relieves CBP officers to process more non-U.S. citizens. The average time for Global Entry processing is 40 seconds. The program targets those who leave the country at least four times per year, mainly airline personnel and business travellers

AMERICAN AIRLINES & JETBLUE OK'D FOR EXPANDED MOBILE-DEVICE USE

JetBlue Airways began offering its passengers the option of using Kindles, iPads and other personal electronic devices (PEDs) gate to gate on Friday afternoon. American Airlines announced that it, too, had received FAA approval to use PEDs gate to gate. In a press release it posted on its website, JetBlue said that it had received FAA approval of its plan allowing PED use below 10,000 feet, just one day after the FAA had announced the new policy. JetBlue said that it was first airline to offer use of PEDs under 10,000 feet to its passengers. JetBlue said its first approved flight was Flight 2032 from New York Kennedy to Buffalo. American said on that it had received FAA approval for allowing PED use under 10,000 feet on its entire mainline fleet as well as regional aircraft operated by American Eagle Airlines. Some American Eagle flights won't allow the expanded use of PEDs until later this year. Customers need to secure their handheld devices by holding them or placing them in a seatback pocket. Previously, these devices needed to be stowed under a seat or in an overhead bin during taxi, takeoff and landing. Larger items, such as laptops, still need to be stowed during taxi, takeoff and landing.

Canadians are on the move.......

Canadians love to travel and according to the recently published Global Tourism Watch summary report by the research department of the Canadian Tourism Commission, in 2011 alone, took 32.7 million trips abroad and spent US$33.1 billion on their adventures.

More Canuck statistics:

• Canadians have almost doubled their spending on international travel since 2005, pushing Canada to sixth place in terms of global tourism expenditures;

• The US is the primary destination for Canadians on the road, who made more than 21 million trips there in 2011. The launch of Brand USA and its aggressive marketing efforts to lure Canadians over the border poses another challenge to the local Canadian tourism industry;

• Everybody loves the sunshine, including Canadians who take much of their leisure travel to hot spots such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico during the winter;

• Domestic travel is vital to Canada’s economy: Canadians took 229 million domestic trips in 2010, which accounted for 80% of total tourism receipts:

• Canadians take great pride in their country, ranking it first in terms of being friendly, beautiful, informal, liberal and confident;

• Nature, cultural activities and unique or local experiences get Canadian travel pulses racing the most, but there is a growing appetite for city activities;

• Facebook is the No. 1 social network for Canadian travellers, with almost 75% using it in the past three months. YouTube (50%) and Twitter (18%) are the other heavyweights on the social scene;

• Nearly three in 10 Canadian travelers use social networks to share images or stories while on the road, with one in five doing so via smartphones.

Souirce:  Canadian Tourism Commission -  Global Tourism Watch