HOW do you plan your trip abroad? You would usually book travel tickets, hotel suites and arrange for sightseeing on your own.

For busy working professionals, going through a travel agent is not a bad idea. Here's a lowdown on what a good travel agent could offer you.

Discounts!
Here comes the D-word. Hotels give discounts on room tariff or hotel packages occasionally. To find a better deal, consider travel agents.

According to Ajay Kesavan, CEO, Trip Travels, New Delhi, "The long-term relationship with various hotels and airlines helps the agents get better deals."

For instance, he explains, if the hotel gives 10 per cent commission to the travel agent; the agent parts with five per cent of his commission to give discount to the customer (the traveller).

The frequent traveller
Do you holiday frequently? Kesavan suggests reason to cheer: "Frequent travellers avail of five to 15 per cent discount on booking hotels and tours through travel agents."

Places and hotels vary for each destination. And since you may not be a regular customer of a particular hotel or a resort, travel agents rescue you with discount offers.

The next time a hotel offers you a five per cent discount, hang on. There could be a better deal with a travel agent.

Illustration: Vaibav Shirke

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e-mail: Resmi Jaimon

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