Why you Should Hire a Travel Agent if you are Planning a Vacation to NYC

travel to NYC

Overview

New York City offers a plethora of tourist attractions. These include museums, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and historic neighborhoods. New sites are coming up, the One World Observatory for instance. The numerous New York attractions will make an ideal vacation for you. If you have decided to take your vacation in New York City, think about hiring a travel agent.

Why you should hire a travel agent if you are planning a vacation in NYC

There are various reasons why you should hire a travel agent for your vacation in NYC. To start with, the travel agent will inform you of the options available in the NYC tourist market. Whereas you may rely on the internet, it may not give you all the information that you may need. Again, the internet is a vast ocean, with the truth, half-truths, and outright lies. In such a complex source of information, it is difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Chrysler Building in Manhattan

NYC offers a lot of travel opportunities. However, this does not mean that all of them are suitable. Your travel agent will help you decide on the destination. If you have an interest in the buildings of New York you would want to visit the Chrysler building or The Empire State Building, both were built using construction project management, which is a fun little history lesson but showing you if you don’t have a interest in that the history of construction in the Big Apple, a travel agent needs to know.  Again, you may discover some tourist destinations which are not well known to many people. The following are some of the factors which influence the choice of a travel destination:

-The motivation behind the trip

-The need for discovery (eg to have a feel of the local people)

-The need for relaxation

-An opportunity to bond with family and friends

-To achieve personal awareness, growth, and development

-The thrill of getting lost and finding the way back

-The thrill of being able to survive with limited resources

-The desire to experience nature

-The desire to explore art and aesthetics

-Learning history

The travel agent understands the Plog’s Model of Tourists Behavior and will help you to make decisions and see where you fit. The allocentric personality is the wonderer. This type of personality is a confident and outgoing tourist. If you are in this category, then you want to meet new people and experience a new culture. You do not shy away from interacting and immersing yourself into a certain cultural group. Such a tourist is going to shy away from modern hotels, but instead, he is going to prefer local hotels. For this type of tourist, the travel agent will recommend a travel package which is not structured.

The psycho-centric (or the repeater), does not like adventure. They have a preference for familiar destinations; perhaps somewhere they have been before and would like to give another try. They already know the type of food they want, the possible hotels, and the expected lifestyle. For this type of tourist, the travel agent will recommend a structured tourist destination.

Closely connected to this is the need to align your travel expedition with your budget. You will realize that some sites are overly expensive, others are cheaper, and others are free. The travel agent will not tell you to take the free one if you want the expensive one. But all what he will ensure is that you can afford any option that you take. Unfortunately, some American businesses do not have a transparent pricing policy, and they carry hidden fees. Ask this question right before the vacation.

A travel agent to NYC will help you in the organization of the trip. He or she will guide you on the best day to visit a certain place. For instance, your travel agent can help you in monitoring the political activities in the targeted tourist sites. It is never a good idea if your day of a visit coincides with a high profile political event. Similarly, the travel agent may help you monitor the weather patterns and inform you of the need to change your plans.

NYC

You should remember that New York City is a very busy city. New York City goes hand in hand with cities like Tokyo which do not sleep. Whereas this is good for business, it may not be a plus point for a vacation. Your travel agent will help you maneuver such challenges. For example, if you prefer serenity, he could suggest that you try areas with less traffic, and the city, much as it is a busy place, does not have a shortage of them.

Working with a travel agent is going to save you time. With the modern social and professional commitments, you might not have the time to peruse through the travel opportunities. Just leave that to the travel agent, and he is going to save you precious time. Some travellers state that they take months to plan a trip, but with a travel agent, it takes a very short time. Typically, the traveller will pay the travel agent in a lump sum, and the travel agent will pay the individual service providers. In such a situation, the tourist can focus on the trip and leave the other details to be handled by the travel agent. Therefore, using a travel agent for your trip in NYC is convenient.

By choosing a travel agent, you are choosing an experienced person who is well versed in the dynamics shaping the industry. They are well trained in the field, and have accumulated years of experience. With that, the assumption is that such a training and experience will translate to better services.

Some travelers may have different needs and preferences. One critical issue concerns health. For example, people with a chronic disease could get sick when on a vacation in a remote area. If you inform your travel agent on such needs, he is going to offer you customized services, and ensure that medical intervention is provided at the time of need. For example, he may inform you of the nearest medical facility and the phone number of an ambulance facility.

Similarly, some travels could need to work when on vacation. This usually involves taking critical assignments which cannot wait till the end of the vacation. Again, people who are self-employed may not have the privilege of resting during their entire vacation. In such a case then, the travel agent is going to facilitate some hours of work. This is through availing certain facilities such as a temporary working space. You do not have to abandon your vacation just because there is a professional commitment. In the right circumstances, the two can go together.

travel agent for the Big Apple

The travel agent can help you when things are not right. For example, the prices can increase prior to reaching your destination. Travel agents are informed enough to make such a prediction and advice you on the best thing to do. Similarly, the issue of insurance is a very important component of your vacation. Bear in mind that you might need a refund due to one reason or the other. It is only a professional travel agent which can give you the refund, or at least, a percentage of it.

New York City enjoys the protection of vigilant police. However, you need to take individual effort to be cautious, and ask your travel agent on security tips. For instance, visiting Bronx or Harlem may not be a good idea unless you sort out the issue of security first. Similarly, in any place, avoid walking late in the night, but instead, use a taxi. Ordering a taxi using an app tends to be safer than using other types of taxi. Be careful of being pick-pocketed as this is a very common thing in NYC public places.

Cost of a Travel Agent

A lot of travelers think that hiring a travel agent is an expensive undertaking which is not necessary. The fact is that a travel agent will help you save the cost of the trip. This is because they have an insider connection and have access to professional discounts and loyalty points. They will be in a position to negotiate more economical packages for you. In addition to that, the travel agent will add value to your trip.

If the travel agent is directly booking a ticket, he may get a commission of $ 25 to $ 75 on the ticket. Others may ask for a deposit in order to prevent the clients contacting multiple agencies. In some cases, you do not have to pay anything to the travel agent. Some of them earn a commission that is paid by the partner vendors.

Where to get a Travel Agent

The best starting point for seeking a travel agent is to start with seeking a referral from a friend or a relative. The good thing with this option is that such travel agents have a firsthand experience with the professional in question.

You can do an internet search of a travel agent. When you visit the chosen site, be sure to check the reviews at the bottom of the page. They will surely inform you of the past interaction of the agency with other clients. Moreover, some clients give the travel agent a rating which you can use in order to make an informed decision.

Whereas you can be living anywhere in the US, planning a trip to New York City will warrant that you choose a travel agent who is familiar with the city. This will be the only way of ensuring that you have a smooth experience. Such a travel agent is going to inject a local flavor in your vacation. For example, whereas NYC is considered a modern city, you will be surprised at the cultural opportunities that the city offers.

Factors to consider when choosing a travel agent

Perhaps, the most important thing you should evaluate, when seeking a travel agent, is customer support. The travel agent in question should not only be responsive in communication, but also timely. Remember, you are going to keep in touch with the professional throughout your vacation, and you cannot make the wrong decision in this.

You should consider the cost of the travel agent. In most cases, a travel agent is going to be affordable. However, a few are not, and you should be sure that you can fit their cost without compromising the quality of your trip. It is always good to check the combination of quality and affordability. Generally, and contrary to what many people think, the travel agents are affordable and worth it.

Be sure to evaluate the experience of the travel agent. The more experienced he is, the better it will be for your vacation. It is good to look for someone who is well conversant with the little details that matter in the travelling market. In addition to that, the travel agent must be well conversant with the local environment of the destination. Experience easily translates to outcomes. Another important thing with experience is that your travel agent is going to understand the best way of handling a crisis.

When doing business in the US, one rule is to check if a business is certified and licensed, and the travel field is no exception. Businesses which are certified and licensed tend to meet the minimum professional standards. In addition n to that, as a consumer of their products and services, you are protected.

You should not settle on one travel agency alone. Instead, make a number of calls, perhaps three, and make a comprehensive comparison. Their responses will help you make an informed decision. Be sure to check red flags. For instance, if you ask the travel agent a question, and he is dismissive, then it is time to move to the next one. This is because he might behave the same way when you are on vacation.

Conclusion

As you can see, a travel agent is a critical component of your travel experience. You need to think about one because of the various benefits that you are going to get. What is important is the need to have an optimal and memorable travel experience. Overall, a travel agency will play a critical role in your vacation.

 

Why a Los Angeles Travel Agent Should Consider Advanced Dispute Resolution

Los Angeles ADR Attorney

 

The coronavirus crisis and accompanying government-mandated shutdown has wreaked havoc on the travel industry. Canceled flights, delayed cruises and resorts that have completely shut down have ruined the plans of many would-be travelers. And their travel agents are left to deal with the mess. Let’s learn why a Los Angeles travel agent should consider advanced dispute resolution to handle legal problems.

It Is Cheaper

There has been a sixty percent decline in international tourism due to the coronavirus that could hit eighty percent if the government-mandated shutdown extends too long. Domestic tourism has crashed, though not as badly. This is leaving many travel agents and the service providers they hire short on cash. That’s why you should attempt advanced dispute resolution instead of taking things to court. The costs are far lower than what you’d pay if you went to court.

mediation

You Have More Control

The courts may not have any solution for the customer except to order you to pay what you can. Or they may demand that you pay money you don’t have. If you go to mediation, you have far more options. You could offer a rain check on a cruise, helping them book their dream trip to be taken next year instead of returning the money for this year’s canceled cruise. You could turn their beach vacation into a luxury stay at a lakeside resort that is open. Or you could help them find a remote working venue in the area they’d love to visit. Now they could stay in an upscale hotel or short-term rental for several weeks while enjoying hiking, biking or beaches. You can’t control airlines going bankrupt or resorts closing due to a Wuhan virus case. But you could use ADR to push clients into accepting a new travel itinerary with destinations and travel options that are open, so you don’t have to pay out for canceled tickets. A side benefit of booking a Los Angeles advanced dispute resolution service is that you don’t have to travel to the courthouse.

It Is Faster

The travel agency has been hammered on all sides. You may be faced with hundreds of angry clients and dozens of lawsuits. Alternative dispute resolution is much faster in every regard. You may settle an individual case in an afternoon. You can book mediators in your area who are available when you are, allowing you to deal with cases as soon as possible. This eliminates the looming threat of future court dates with uncertain outcomes months from now.

advanced dispute resolution

It Is Confidential

A Los Angeles advanced dispute resolution case is confidential. You don’t have to worry about lawsuits against you becoming public knowledge. Furthermore, you can require them to maintain confidentiality as a condition of the settlement. Now you don’t have to worry about a former team member’s false promises becoming news fodder.

It Is More Likely to Preserve Goodwill

There are people who will want to fight tooth and nail. However, the adversarial nature of the court system leads to many cases becoming combative that do not have to be so. Going to arbitration and involving your client in a settlement improves the odds that you’ll preserve the relationship. And this means they may book a future vacation with you, while they’re much less likely to seek vengeance by posting very negative reviews online.

How Does a Travel Agency File Chapter 11 Bankruptcy?

traveling agent filing bankruptcy chapter 11

 

The coronavirus from China has wreaked havoc around the world, and no industry was as hard hit as the travel industry. Canceled flights and cruises were compounded by resort closures and people staying home for fear of their lives. This has caused travel agencies to see revenue collapse. Yet travel agencies have very low overhead expenses, so they have the potential to bounce back when things reopen. This means they could survive if they can refinance or shed debts, while liquidation bankruptcy isn’t of much benefit. So how does a travel agency file Chapter 11 bankruptcy?

Submit a Bankruptcy Petition

A chapter 11 bankruptcy can be filed by the debtor. It can also be filed by creditors in certain circumstances. They would do this to force the business to continue to operate and, ideally, meet its legal obligations.

Any business can file for Chapter 11 unless they have had a prior petition dismissed because they didn’t appear in court or failed to comply with prior orders from the courts. If you’re a sole proprietor, you may be required to seek credit counseling from an approved credit counseling agency.

If the courts think you cannot successfully reorganize the business, they may reject the petition. Then your petition is converted to a Chapter 7 liquidation.

chapter 11 bankruptcy for a travel agency

You Continue Business Operations

In Chapter 11 bankruptcy, you continue to operate the business under supervision of the courts, assuming a short list of exceptions isn’t met. For example, if your creditors file a petition claiming fraud, theft or gross incompetence, they may ask the courts to appoint someone else to run the business. In every case, you’re allowed to continue operating the business, though you’ll run major decisions by the court-appointed trustee.

The court will have to approve the selling of assets unless you’re selling them as part of ordinary running of the business. This means you’ll need permission to sell a company car but not little trinkets in the front office. You’ll need court permission to enter or break the lease, though renegotiating a lease can significantly lower your overhead expenses. You must have court approval to enter a new contract or modify existing licensing and vendor contracts. You’ll have to have court permission to shut down the business, too.

Creditors can support or oppose actions submitted to the court for approval. Fortunately, they really only have a yeah or nay decision when you submit the initial Chapter 11 plan. And they’re not likely to complain if you ask for permission to break an expensive lease so you can move to a smaller, cheaper office or break a union contract and lay off 20 people to lower costs.

loan restructuring for a travel agent

Submit Regular Reports and Pay Your Bills

Under a Chapter 11 plan, you’ll submit financial reports that tell the court and your creditors how much money you bring in and how much you’re paying out. This allows everyone to know how much money is available to pay your debts.

Furthermore, you’re obligated to pay your creditors. The creditors may only be paid a fraction of what they are owed, but the bankruptcy plan will distribute the money paid to each creditor in what is considered a fair way.

Secured creditors must be paid at least what the item secured by their loan is worth. This category includes liens and mortgages. Fail to make payments, and they can go back to court to get permission to seize the underlying asset.

Unsecured creditors are paid in accordance with the bankruptcy plan. They are probably going to be paid much less than they are owed, but this is why unsecured debt has a higher interest rate.

Complete the Bankruptcy Plan

Studies suggest that less than fifteen percent of Chapter 11 bankruptcy plans result in a functional business emerging from bankruptcy. Then why do businesses do it? Filing for bankruptcy automatically stays or stops collection activities like foreclosure and judgements. This may give you breathing room to decide what you’re going to do next. That next step may include the orderly shutdown of your business and dividing up the proceeds between your creditors. In fact, that may be part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan approved by the creditors. By ensuring clients make it home and collecting revenue while winding things down, they get more money than if you just closed your doors.

Why a Travel Agent Would Need an SEO Training Course

seo expert

 

Search engine optimization is not just something you need to learn if you’re working in marketing or sales, though travel agencies should see their job as including these things. Let’s learn why a travel agent would need an SEO training course.

Local SEO Matters as Much as Conventional SEO

Travel agents need to use local or location based search engine optimization far more than the average business. When you’re posting on social media about a great vacation package, you need to include hash tags and search terms related to the destination. This is on top of the local SEO required to attract local clients to your service-oriented business.

why travel agents need seo training

You Have to Differentiate Your Business from the Competition

The travel industry is diverse. You’re competing against airlines, cruise lines, hotels, resorts, and travel bloggers for traffic. This is why you need to be able to do detailed analysis to find out what key search terms are used by your target audience, whether it is college kids planning a Spring Break trip or retirees ready for the trip of a lifetime. You can’t risk your ads and content being outranked by RVers with better social media branding or travel bloggers who make money from paid endorsements.

Furthermore, you want to stand out relative to the competition based on your distinguishing characteristics. It doesn’t matter if you offer unique luxury trips or budget travel. Ensure that your key characteristics are prominent in your SEO so that you capture the right audience. Travelers who want to travel in luxury who land on a budget travel service homepage will bounce away, hurting your reputation with search engines.

travel agent SEO marketing

SEO Is Essential in Visual Marketing

Visual marketing engages the audience, because humans are a visual species. Here is the high resolution picture of the view from our resort. Here’s the amazing cliff diving, scuba diving and fishing available on our premium package. This is the theme park within walking distance of our luxurious hotel rooms. You’re posting pictures. However, it is has tags and keywords included in the description of the post and its title that will bring people to your visual marketing pieces. If you rely on one or two place related hash tags, your visual marketing will literally be lost in a sea of images.

It Is Cost-Effective

Online ads are expensive. Paid placement of links can be expensive, and it isn’t always effective. Upping your SEO game is one of the most cost-effective marketing solutions available. If you attend a SEO training course, you’ll be able to improve the SEO of everything from new marketing content to social media posts to your homepage.

Furthermore, you can go back and improve existing content based on what you’ve learned. Tweak a title. Change the first few sentences to better impress readers and increase your search engine results page rankings. Or learn how your content generation needs to change so that you’re not downgraded because of a spam penalty. This can happen when you stuff the content with too many keywords, especially if it interferes with the readability of the content. Learn how to add related keywords that help search engines show your article in relation to people planning a trip to Athens, Georgia instead of Athens, Greece.