You can always book a plane ticket and make a hotel reservation without help from a travel agent. You can even have a fun and memorable Las Vegas experience just by wandering up and down Freemont Street and The Strip. However, you may be missing out on some fun and exciting experiences if you decide to forego using a travel agency. A Las Vegas, Nevada travel agency is familiar with Sin City’s hidden gems.
Finding a Vegas travel agency is a breeze, just perform a quick online search. You’ll end up with an extensive list of travel agencies, all ready to help you plan and book your ultimate Vegas experience. However, not all travel agencies are the same and if you go with the wrong one your trip may end up being a disappointment.
Here are some tips on how to find the best travel agency for your Las Vegas, Nevada vacation.
4 Tips to Help You Find the Best Vegas Travel Agency
Check for Certification
Certification isn’t a necessity. Travel agents aren’t required by law to be certified. However, when the travel agent or agency is certified, it can give you a little peace of mind. You don’t need to worry about your bookings getting lost or not going through. In other words, you’re not going to run into any unpleasant surprises like not having a reservation at your preferred Vegas hotel.
Some certifications that indicate the travel agency is reputable include being a member of the ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents). Certification from The Travel Institute is another good sign. The institute also provides courses on travel destinations and other specialties to help travel agents provide a better experience for their clients. Some other types of certificates to look for include an affiliation with AAA or a large travel-based corporation like Carlson Wagonlit.
Even though certification isn’t a requirement for travel agents, all must follow local, state, and federal laws. Insurance is also a requirement for all travel agents, regardless of certification.
Look for a Local Travel Agency
A local travel agency can be one in your area or based in your destination. With a local travel agency, you get the advantage of being able to talk to your travel agent in person. Sometimes, this can make it easier to plan your Vegas trip.
There are also advantages of working with a travel agency located in your destination city. For example, a travel agency like Vegas Vacations VIP has an office in Las Vegas, Nevada. Working with a travel agent familiar with your destination city can open up new possibilities. Since the travel agent is local, they are often familiar with sights and attractions that don’t always make it to the guidebooks. They can help turn an already special Vegas vacation into something truly spectacular.
Something else to consider is the agency’s size. There’s nothing wrong with choosing a large travel agency. However, you may miss out on the more personal aspect you get with a smaller travel agency. Sometimes, smaller is better when you’re planning a Las Vegas, Nevada trip.
Conduct Interviews
Remember, it’s the money you spend on your Vegas vacation. You want to ensure it’s being handled by a pro. Don’t be afraid to talk to different travel agencies and agents. You don’t have to go with the first listing you contact.
Find out how long the agency or agent has been in business. This will give you a good idea of their level of experience. Ask if they’re familiar with Las Vegas. This can be a vital question if the travel agency isn’t based or have an office in Sin City. Don’t forget to ask about fees. Yes, travel agencies charge booking fees. However, the fees vary and there’s no reason to pay more than absolutely necessary.
You may not want to go with the lowest priced travel agency. Even though the fee amounts are tempting. You may be sacrificing service quality just to save a few dollars. This doesn’t mean choosing the agency with the highest booking fees. Often, the travel agency with fees in the middle range is your best option.
During your interviews, pay attention to the travel agent’s body language. Are they focusing their attention on your or do they look like they’re lost in thought? If the travel agent can’t concentrate during your interview, they may not pay attention when you submit your vacation itinerary wish list. Instead of staying on the Strip, you may find yourself further out from the action.
Read Their Reviews
All travel agencies should have an active website like Vegas Vacations VIP. The website should be easy to navigate, including the listings of the destinations they serve. The website should also have a customer review page. If it doesn’t, take it as a red flag. This often indicates their reputation isn’t the best in the business.
Look for other red flags in the reviews. Some examples include missed or incorrect bookings. Travel hiccups will happen, regardless of how great a travel agency is, so find out how the agency handles these little bumps. If a flight is delayed and you miss your connecting one, is the travel agency ready to help you find the next available flight? If you come across negative reviews, does the travel agency respond? This is a good indicator of how the agency treats its clients.
This can also help you determine how the agency reacts under pressure. This is something you’ll want to know before heading off on your Las Vegas adventure.
Bonus Tip
A quick and easy way of verifying the legitimacy of a travel agency is to contact the BBB (Better Business Buruea). The BBB grades businesses on a variety of aspects, including customer satisfaction. Anything below a B rating is usually a business best avoided.
Whether it’s your first time to Las Vegas, Nevada, or you’re an old friend of Sin City, you’ll never go wrong booking your trip through Vegas Vacations VIP. You’ll feel like a celebrity and have the ultimate Vegas experience.