Are you considering enlisting the services of a qualified travel agent for help in planning your next vacation? Have you considered some of the questions you should ask to make sure you’re prepared and that you’re getting the very best deal? A travel agency can be a valuable resource for assistance with your vacation plans, but you must remember that they too are in the business of making money and will essentially stop at nothing—including steamrolling you—to make the sale. Therefore, the following questions can, and should, be asked before you book your trip.

When it comes to the cost of your vacation, there are more things to consider than just hotel charges, flight costs and restaurant prices. In fact, a large part of your vacation budget will undoubtedly be spent on the cost of the activities you plan to engage in while you’re away. Whether your tastes lean more toward museums, shopping or more physical activities such as golf or tennis, you’ll need to allocate the extra money you’ll need to participate. To make sure you’re prepared for these extra costs, ask your travel agent how much these diversions will cost, or better yet, ask if there are more affordable locations offering these same activities. Sometimes traveling to less popular or less touristy spots–spots which offer the same activities for less—can end up saving you hundreds of dollars.

If you’re planning to vacation someplace you’ve never been before this year, you’ll definitely want to ask what activities and services are available in the area and how to access them. For example, if shopping is your thing, ask the travel agent for directions to the mall or specialty shops in the area. The last thing you want to do while on vacation is make endless calls and search for directions every time you want to go somewhere, and if you ask your travel agent the right questions beforehand you can generally avoid wasting this time and spend it instead doing something more enjoyable.

Another important question to ask your travel agent is “what travel documents will I need?” If you are planning on leaving the country, even if you’re merely going to Mexico or Canada, you will need to have a valid passport. Other documentation may also be required depending on where you go. In some locations you’ll need to provide proof of vaccinations or other medical clearances.

Are you prepared for your next vacation? Are you sure you’re getting the very best deal? The only way to get answers to questions such as these is to ask the right people—the travel agents who are trained to answer them. You worked hard all year to make this vacation possible, and to make sure you get the most out of every single minute while you’re away, don’t hesitate in asking your travel agent any question or questions that will help you have the most enjoyable experience possible.

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