BY JOHN JAWORSKI
Planning a trip? Going out of the country? The most important
part of your vacation is to have a knowledgeable and reliable
travel agent.
I advise people to book through a travel agent who is covered
by TICO, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario, so you can be
confident in your travel purchase.
When choosing a travel agent, get referrals. Find an agent who
has travelled extensively. If you are planning a cruise, talk
to an agent who  knows the cruise lines. This person can
tell you which lines have a good reputation for accommodation
and food.
A good travel agent should know all the documents you need.
Travelling to a warmer climate? Do you need to be inoculated?
Do you need a visa?
(The Sudbury and District Health Unit offers travel and
immunizations.  Book an appointment for a travel clinic
consultation at Sudbury and District Health Unit at 522-9200,
ext. 202.)
A travel agent should always be on alert about areas of the
world where it may be dangerous to travel.
You can always check by going to the Government of Canada
website to Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and
look up Assistance for Travelers.
Book early to get what you want. The earlier you book, the
better. When booking a cruise in advance, you have a good
chance of an upgrade.
Don't forget to purchase out-of-country medical insurance and
cancellation insurance.
Be wise. Shop around and get a travel agent who will look after
you. My wife and I did and we always travel with
confidence.
Some people use the Internet to book trips, but I prefer to
deal with a knowledgeable person.
Check prices. Are they in Canadian or American dollars? Get the
bottom line on final invoice, port taxes, departure tax, and
gasoline surcharge because it could add from $300 to $700
depending on your vacation package.
Here is an example from my own experience. One day while
reading The Globe and Mail, I noticed a Barrie travel agent was
advertising an Alaskan cruise. I called his toll free number
and talked with Paul Wray.
He advised my wife and to extend our trip by four more days and
travel the interior. He suggested we tour the Alaskan interior
because we would probably not go that way again. It was a good
suggestion.
When all the arrangements were made, Wray kept in contact with
us. He even sent an intelliguide report of the places we were
to stop, along with DVDs about ports of call.
We have been with our travel agent for seven years and are more
than satisfied. Good luck on choosing your travel agent.
John Jaworski is a Sudbury man who enjoys travelling.
