Shop smart – ask for options, ask what the service fee is for the travel agency for which you are dealing, do you want self catering or do you want 5 star. Be specific ask the right questions, this foes for you the client and you the travel agennt – engage the travel agent or client which ever side of the desk you are sitting.

Another example is for the clients and the travel agents, if you want to compare the indirect options to the direct otions then ask – also do make the decision for the client that there is only a R100 or so price difference between in direct and direct so you will go ahead and only quote direct. Give the client the options and the choice, with the onslaught of the internet and the world of choice your client and you the traveller are getting used to it, so in a way you should really expect and request it if need be.

Be upfront with the agency and the client – advise what your service fees are, if the client is not happy with them then so be it – work this out before you spend hours formulating packages and quotes only to find out the client is not happy paying a service fee! Again both sides of the desk – shop smarter in travel….