In my capability as the Uk Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, over time, it came to my attention as to what a minefield in could be booking a vacation in a vacation spot like Egypt through the myriad of "internet" based travel companies; especially local Egyptian companies
I therefore though it might be helpful to suggest a sort of "checklist" of things to look for and questions to ask "prospective" holiday suppliers.
1. Are they a vacation agent or a Tour operator?
Particularly at a local level, service from a tour operator is frequently greater than that of an agent as tour booked through local agents "can" risk the reality that the agent is purely transferring on your booking to some 3rd party. This isn't always the case, but it is something to think about. Comeback if you have issues is also to be considered as an agent can blame the third party and vice versa.
2. Do they require a deposit or are they offering payment in full on arriva ?
If the company you are possibly booking through take payment in full on arrival, it indicates one thing - you aren't booked. Will a business risk booking hotels, tour guides, drivers etc on the chance you may really show up ?
3. Do they accept credit cards as payment?
This is essential whether you are planning on paying that manner. Accepting credit cards (particularly in travel fields) will generally imply the company has been pretty well vetted and certainly will offer you certain additional assurances (and of course safety)
4. Do they provide Testimonials?
The second half of this query perhaps the most important part, "Do they offer Testimonials.and can you get in touch with them"? If their testimonials are genuine then surely there's no reason why they cannot be reached.
5. Do they possess a recognized complaints procedure?
Any forward thinking and truthful company will know that there will always be the odd issue. Getting a complaints procedure available shows that the company won't just attempt and fob you off, but from the ground up, they'll try to fairly look after any problems you might have.
Hopefully these 5 things might assist you to with respect to your future plans when considering a trip to a country like Egypt
I therefore though it might be helpful to suggest a sort of "checklist" of things to look for and questions to ask "prospective" holiday suppliers.
1. Are they a vacation agent or a Tour operator?
Particularly at a local level, service from a tour operator is frequently greater than that of an agent as tour booked through local agents "can" risk the reality that the agent is purely transferring on your booking to some 3rd party. This isn't always the case, but it is something to think about. Comeback if you have issues is also to be considered as an agent can blame the third party and vice versa.
2. Do they require a deposit or are they offering payment in full on arriva ?
If the company you are possibly booking through take payment in full on arrival, it indicates one thing - you aren't booked. Will a business risk booking hotels, tour guides, drivers etc on the chance you may really show up ?
3. Do they accept credit cards as payment?
This is essential whether you are planning on paying that manner. Accepting credit cards (particularly in travel fields) will generally imply the company has been pretty well vetted and certainly will offer you certain additional assurances (and of course safety)
4. Do they provide Testimonials?
The second half of this query perhaps the most important part, "Do they offer Testimonials.and can you get in touch with them"? If their testimonials are genuine then surely there's no reason why they cannot be reached.
5. Do they possess a recognized complaints procedure?
Any forward thinking and truthful company will know that there will always be the odd issue. Getting a complaints procedure available shows that the company won't just attempt and fob you off, but from the ground up, they'll try to fairly look after any problems you might have.
Hopefully these 5 things might assist you to with respect to your future plans when considering a trip to a country like Egypt
About the Author:
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