Question: What can a travel agent do for someone planning a business or vacation trip that they couldn’t do for themselves?

Answer: Travel planning is best left to the professionals. Travel agents are experts in travel (hotels, cruises, attractions) and the travel industry. We have the knowledge and expertise that allows us to easily navigate and provide direction for consumers that will offer them the best options for their specific needs and wants.

The itinerary that a travel agent would compile for a consumer is tailored specifically to their needs, whether it may be time, dietary or physical restrictions. The travel and hospitality industries are not perfect and sometimes do not provide all of the necessary information to allow for a consumer to make a fully educated decision on their own, which can result in problems when they book by themselves.

Q: How can a travel agent help consumers find the best value?

A: Many consumers will find a good deal on their own. However, these days there are many hidden costs that a consumer might not be aware of. Travel agents are provided with the best price possible for cruises, hotels, rental cars, even for museums, restaurants and other attractions. They will also be able to explain and navigate through the additional charges that many companies are changing these days. A rental car may be advertised at a certain rate; however, once all the additional chargers are tacked on, consumers may be faced with a much more expensive bill than anticipated. Use a travel agent and don’t be surprised by those charges.

Q: What’s the top mistake that FIT (free and independent travelers) or do-it-yourself travelers make?

A: Not reading the fine print. FITs generally will book and pay for more activities than are actually possible for a trip. It is understandable that consumers want to get the most for their money; however, not knowing the limitations for certain destinations will impair their ability to fully enjoy their trip and also lose money on certain activities. There is need to leave time for unexpected travel delays as well as unexpected adventure options, such as further exploring a hidden waterfall or a local cafe.

Q: Something has come up, and I need to cancel my trip. What options are available to me, and how do I go about using them?

A: There is not a universal rule. This is tricky because it really depends on the individual company and what’s in the fine print. Some hotels will require bookings to be canceled 48 hours prior to scheduled check-in, while others will charge a cancellation fee of one night’s stay not matter when you cancel. When booking a cruise, rental car or hotel, it is important to read the cancellation policy. Many times the dates for travel can be changed with a small fee, and unfortunately, others will be more problematic. If it is a big trip, cancellation insurance could play a big part of the outcome.

Q: I have gotten hurt or fallen ill on my trip. How do I find somewhere clean and safe for medical attention? And how do I make sure that I have insurance that will cover me before I leave for my destination?

A: It is important to know that anyone with Medicare insurance is not covered for medical coverage outside the U.S. You can buy either full coverage that includes cancellation, medical, baggage, delay or interruption insurance for about 7 to 10 percent of the total trip cost. If you don’t care about cancellation coverage, you can get all the other pieces for a minimal amount and well worth it. That also includes emergency evacuation coverage. If you buy insurance within seven to 14 days of your first deposit, you will be covered for “pre-existing conditions” as well. When you do buy insurance, you will be given information on who to contact directly in case of an accident or incident.

Q: What are the quickest ways to get through airline and other travel security?

A: Quick is not part of the security vocabulary. Security is time-consuming; however, it is a necessary part of the travel experience. It is important to know the types of things that are not allowed on the plane in your carry-on, in order to speed up the security process. Here are a few tips: Empty your pockets into a Ziploc bag while standing in line and put it in your carry-on bag. Don’t wear jewelry, pins or other metal items that will set off the detectors. Passengers are not allowed to bring aerosol sprays in their carry-on luggage. A passenger is allowed to carry a sandwich-size Ziploc bag with small bottles of liquids or creams, not to exceed three ounces per bottle.

Q: I have already booked my trip, but I want to change some details. What steps would you use to help me avoid headache and confusion?

A: It will depend on a number of factors. This is an important reason to use a travel agent because they have the ability to change certain details of a trip, easily and cost-effectively. The airlines or other companies will not allow us to make changes on anything booked direct or by another agency.

Interviewed by Allison Schafers. “Akamai Money” seeks out local experts to answer questions about business in Hawaii. If you have an issue you would like us to tackle, please email it to business@star-
advertiser.com and put “Akamai Money” in the subject line.