Visiting new places abroad provides on-site learning and experiences that could last a lifetime. While it is easy to book travel online, first-time travellers and persons who may need more time to focus on booking arrangements can use the services of travel agents. We have prepared a few important questions you must ask your travel agent before booking.

What can a travel agent help you with?

Travel agents understand some technicalities that may arise before and while in transit. So, they can prepare you for challenges, saving you time and money. They can book your flights, tours, and hotel, arrange transportation, or recommend dining and other activities. Despite this, the agent may only know some of the details of your travel plans. So, asking the right questions will help your agent better guide you.

Find out if you will need a visa.

Some countries offer visa waivers or e-Visas for citizens of several Caribbean countries. Others require a visa to enter. If you are travelling through a country that requires a visa to connect to your intended destination, your agent might suggest you apply for a transit visa.

A transit visa allows you to enter the country temporarily to switch flights or get another type of transport to your next destination. Transit visas are crucial, especially if your passport is not eligible for visa waivers or online visa alternatives in the country you are transiting through. Knowing this can help you avoid delays leading to missing your connecting flight or paying for a new ticket.

Will you need travel insurance?

Many travellers try to avoid travel insurance because of the additional cost it attracts. Missed flights, injuries, illness, accidents, delays, and other emergencies can create additional expenses during travel. However, insurance can help in an emergency and protect against financial losses.

Also, medical travel insurance is mandatory and is part of the visa application process for travel to Schengen countries. Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Antarctica, and Ecuador are some countries where travel insurance is mandatory. When purchasing insurance, ask what is in the coverage.

When is the best time to travel?

Mid-June through to August is peak travel season, which means many people are travelling and willing to pay a premium, making flights typically more expensive. You can ask your travel agent for recommendations on booking your flight to access more affordable tickets. If you need to travel during peak season, find out which days are best to book an international flight. Also, ask your agent to compare ticket prices to give you the best deals if your travel dates and time of day are flexible. Even if it means leaving waking up a little earlier, travelling mid-week, or catching a red eye to your destination, you can save money that you can use for other expenses.

Ask your agent about their travel experience.

Many travel agents enjoy travelling and can provide insight into what to expect during transit or at your destination. Although your experience will differ, their input can allow you to prepare for your trip. If you are new to flying, ask about the airport processes, immigration, currency, best shopping areas, affordable hotels, and tour deals. Even if they have yet to travel to the destination you are interested in, they can help with researching laws and guide you in obtaining other relevant information you may need.

What relevant laws do I need to know?

Each country has laws providing general safety, human rights, and justice. While most travellers avoid criminal activity during travel, unfortunate incidents might require legal action. Your travel agent might know about specific laws that tourists should know in different countries.

For example, Middle Eastern countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc.) have civil, criminal and Sharia (Islamic) laws that differ from the Caribbean and other Western countries. So, if you plan to travel to a country in the Middle East, and your agent needs to learn Islamic laws, do your research. When you research, you can ask specific questions based on your travel needs.

Please use our Find Yello listings for travel agents or related services.

Sources: Nerd Wallet, Travel Online, World Travel Service, and Travel Team.