6 Questions to Ask a Travel Agent Before Booking a Trip

Travel agents are indispensable resources for planning complicated trips, finding out the ins and outs of a destination, saving time, preventing travel headaches and getting the best value. However, each agent is different. Be sure that your travel agent is a good match for you by asking these questions.

1. What is the agent’s specialty?

An agent who narrowly specializes in a destination or certain products, such as cruises, can provide solid advice that will be crucial to booking a rewarding, problem-free trip.

Does the agent specialize in adventure tours or culinary trips? Does he or she frequently book groups? Is the agent a cruise expert? You wouldn’t go to a podiatrist to treat a toothache. The same concept goes for travel agents. If you’re traveling to the Caribbean, work with a Caribbean travel specialist.

2. Has the agent traveled to your destination?

There’s no substitute for first-hand knowledge. An agent who has actually traveled to the place where you want to go will know first-hand about the activities in which you plan to participate and the hotels in which you plan to stay. An agent who has been to the destination can make informed recommendations to steer you in the right direction.

3. What are the agent’s fees?

Agents may charge a fee for each service, such as a flight, charge a flat rate, or earn a commission. Expect to compensate the agent for his or her time, advice, planning expertise and work. Still, it is a good idea to find out the fees and deposits up front so there are no surprises.

4. Does the agent have special relationships with travel suppliers?

Travel agents can often get you perks that are not available to the general public or published on the Internet. Hotels, car rental agencies and tour companies often make perks such as upgrades, discounted parking, and express check-in available only to agents who have negotiated them or to agents who have elite status. Find out if your agent is one of them.

5. What happens if something goes wrong?

Inconveniences are sometimes unavoidable. A flight may be canceled; the weather may be uncooperative. Find out how your agent responds to problems when they occur and what his or her policies are. It is also helpful to pay attention to how the agent interacts with you. Is he or she easy to reach? Does the agent get back to you promptly when you call or email? An agent should be there for you even after the trip is booked.

6. What questions does the agent have for you?

Make sure that your travel agent has the right information about you to make the best recommendations. Also, choose an agent who is receptive to your priorities.

Even if you request something as simple as a four-day trip to Rome, you should be asked a number of questions from whether you prefer fine dining establishments or street vendors to what type of hotels you like best. In the end, you will be offered a trip that is the best match for you.

How To Preserve Food With the Atacama Deluxe Food Dehydrator

Everyone is more health conscious these days. They are trying to eat healthier, cut out processed foods and eat organic foods. Food preservation is a touchy topic because some food manufacturers use ingredients that are a bit sketchy when it comes to elongating the lifespan of their products. In many cases, traditional methods take away the nutritional value of the food. The Atacama Deluxe Food Dehydrator offers a different way to preserve foods.

The Atacama Deluxe Food Dehydrator allows you to preserve food while maintaining its flavour. No other ingredients are added to this process so it tastes just as good after it has been preserved because it doesn’t lose the flavours. It delivers the vast majority of foods with the same vitamins and minerals as the fresh foods. The flavours, nutrients and enzymes are remarkably concentrated with this form of food preservation.

This catering equipment has 6 stainless steel trays so you can dehydrate a number of food items in the one unit. It has 6 automatic programs which offer you versatile use in terms of dehydration and food preservation. It may have 6 trays but the dehydration process is even throughout this food dehydrator due to wide flow technology. All the food on the different levels will dehydrate at the same level.

The food dehydration process is quite simple because this unit does it all on its own so you don’t need any specific skills to dehydrate the food products. You can dehydrate tomatoes, onions, peas, plums, beef, chicken, and cheese, amongst others. It gives you the freedom to be creative with your food, so you could create unique and interesting dishes with the dehydrated food. In addition, you will reduce your wastage because dehydration extends the shelf life of the food. For added convenience, this catering equipment has a maintenance cycle at the end of each dehydrating process and it has an energy saving on/off safety switch.

The Atacama Deluxe Food Dehydrator is a more natural way to preserve food as it maintains flavour, doesn’t require preservatives, and keeps the nutrients and enzymes locked in the food. Many people throw food away so this is a great way to eliminate wastage in your kitchen. If you think about it, it could save you money too. The food dehydration process is a more effective way to preserve food especially if you are on a mission to maintain a healthy lifestyle.