With scammers now posing as travel agents, we asked experts how best to avoid losing time and money on a fake travel agent.

Travel agents can save you time and money—and don’t even think about booking a cruise or a Disney vacay without one. But you wouldn’t hire a doctor, a lawyer, a babysitter, or a handyman without checking their credentials. Why should a travel agent be any different?

After all, this could just be someone sitting behind a computer who has no idea what they’re doing, or worse, it could be a scammer who disappears as soon as you hand over your vacation money.

In one instance, Christine Hayes, of Pennsylvania, posed as a fake travel agent and managed to allegedly steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from more than 80 people whom she tricked into purchasing vacation packages. The reality: She sold them tickets to nowhere, according to NBC. We spoke with the experts to learn what you need to research before handing over your money and your personal details to anyone claiming to be a travel agent.

Look for Qualifications and ASTA Membership

While there aren’t any specific certifications that travel agents need to acquire to become travel agents, each host agency should have its own training program, which could range from attending classes on geography, business management, and marketing to simply watching several YouTube videos, says Nicole Donoway, a travel agent and the owner of Destinations by Donoway.

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But travel agents should have (but aren’t required to have) membership with the American Society of Travel Advisors, which is an association ensuring ethical business practices. ASTA also offers a Verified Travel Advisor program, which teaches professional knowledge. 

Travel agents specializing in cruises should be trained by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), which provides several levels of training based on the number of years you’ve been an agent and the level of knowledge you have. The first level is Certified Cruise Counselor, which gives agents a good starting point for selling cruises. The Better Business Bureau also recommends contacting the American Society of Travel Agents to check if the travel agent you’re considering belongs to this organization. You should also check their Better Business profile for any complaints.

Be Wary of Travel Agents Who Aren’t Specialized

Each travel agent should have a specific specialty, and this could range from Disney to cruises to exotic vacations, says Sandra McLemore, a travel industry expert, travel TV host, and business coach to travel advisors.

“In the same way that you see a specialist for your body: a cardiologist, dermatologist, dentist, etc., do the same for each vacation that you take,” McLemore says. “If I am going to a Disney resort or on a Disney cruise ship, I will only work with a Disney specialist, but if I’m taking a cruise down the Nile River to see the pyramids in Egypt, I’ll switch to a different travel advisor and work with a river cruise specialist.”

Check the Agent’s Travel ID and Registration

Travel advisors are either registered with a host agency or have jumped through hoops to become independently certified. These travel advisors have insurance called Errors & Omissions that can protect them and the traveler, in addition to standard travel insurance. Look for the agent’s travel ID and any registration, insurance, and certification details on the website, and don’t be afraid to Google them to back up their website claims, McLemore advises.

Don’t Skip the Reviews

We do it before buying a car or a refrigerator, so why not check out your potential agent, too?

“Looking for evidence that they know what they are talking about is important, but also that they listen and support clients with not only booking but also when problems arise because, let’s face it, it happens,” says Dawn Kidd, a certified cruise counselor and certified travel advisor with Kidd Travel.

Come Prepared With Questions

Before hiring an agent, ask about their expertise in the area you hope to travel—and be specific, says Stephanie Chastain, the owner of Infinite Ireland Travel Co., a boutique travel agency specializing in Ireland itineraries.

“Have they planned multiple trips there? Have they traveled there themselves? Can they name an experience, a hotel, or a restaurant that might be a good fit for you in the course of a quick conversation?” Chastain asks. If they answer “no” or cannot give a specific answer, you may want to keep looking for another agent.

The best agents have an established network of on-the-ground partners that focus on providing authentic, local experiences. Plus, Chastain says, travelers these days have easy access to packages and hotel rooms online, so when seeking professional service for expert advice, make sure that they really are the experts.

Keep an Eye Out for These Red Flags

If there’s no phone number to reach them, this is a major red flag, says Emily Smith, a former travel agent and the owner of the blog, The Female Abroad. Another red flag: They only work specific hours, and there’s no way to reach them after hours if you have an emergency.

You should also get a written copy of the quote or contract stating what is included in your travel, along with the dates, the full cost, the payment schedule, and anything else you need to know about the vacation. If any of these are missing, then run to the next agent stat, Smith says.

 
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12 Travel Souvenirs That Are Perfect Holiday Gifts

Go beyond the airport gift shop to find truly unique items and gifts.

Keyrings, postcards, and magnets make sweet souvenirs to buy and are often the go-to at the end of a trip, but memorabilia of greater sentiment and rarity can make for a better gift and a way to remember your travels by.

Bringing back a token from our holidays is like bringing back a piece of a place. Throughout my travels, I have collected items from various destinations to add to my home or to wear. Whether it’s art or pottery, clothing or jewelry, having something unique from your travels not only makes for a special souvenir but can also prove a thoughtful gift.

To tell a story to guests when asked about an item in your home or to share the origin of a keepsake when gifting a special souvenir allow us to retain and share wanderlust. Inspired by my own travels, here are some of the more unique and special items I’ve found that make for memorable keepsakes and gifts (and are infinitely more exciting than an airport keychain).

1 OF 12

Murano Glassware

WHERE: Murano, Italy

Glass made on Murano Island in the lagoon of Venice is like no other. Vases, candlestick holders, glassware, and ornaments are handmade with delicate designs and exquisite colors, making its craftsmanship unparalleled. While Murano Glassware is world famous, each creation is unique, so any chosen item is of great value in both price and sentiment and an exceptional gift to bring home from Italy.

2 OF 12

Ceramics

WHERE: Marrakech, Morocco

No matter how many times I visit, I cannot help but come away from Marrakech with some kind of ceramic piece. The decorative plates, bowls, and tea cups come in a range of fine designs, which display a great deal of love applied. Morocco, as a whole, is rich in culture, much of which is found in its handicrafts, so it’s only right to have a little piece of the culture come back with you. Wander through Jemaa El-Fna, the main square and marketplace of Marrakech, to find plenty of beautiful ceramics.

3 OF 12

Paintings

WHERE: Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is home to the world’s largest covered market, the Grand Bazaar, where just about anything can be bought. Furniture, accessories, spices, ornaments, the options are endless, making it impossible to come away empty-handed. I particularly fell in love with the calligraphy and miniature Ottoman paintings at Galeri Sufi owned by Zekai Dönerkan, who contributes to keeping a historic tradition and beautiful practice of calligraphy, alive.

4 OF 12

Gold Pendants

WHERE: Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

There is a plethora of items to choose from when visiting Rajasthan, including pashmina shawls, sarees, spices, teas, pottery, and gorgeous gold jewelry. I found that the gold pendants in Udaipur are striking due to their fine craftsmanship in designs and icons that hold significant meaning. For example, Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings and remover of obstacles, or Om, a sacred symbol of Hinduism known to represent the universe and to be the sound of creation when said as a mantra.

5 OF 12

Leather Bags

WHERE: Mijas, Spain

I love the leather bags in Spain. They’re so wonderfully made, strong, and sturdy, with pretty patterns engraved at the front. Mijas is a great spot to shop for bags, purses, or any leather goods in general, and since I bought mine ten years ago, it’s come with me on pretty much all of my travels.

6 OF 12

Crystal Crafts

WHERE: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil is a playground for crystals, many of which can be found in Rio de Janeiro. The city is particularly known for popular crystals like amethyst and citrine, as well as a few other favorites like rose quartz. Whether it’s clarity, prosperity, or abundance, lovers of crystals are familiar with the many properties crystals have, making them a great keepsake. Even if one is unfamiliar or not a believer, crystals make nice features in the home, whether as huge clusters and tumble stones or mini ornaments shaped like trees or animals.

7 OF 12

Wooden Animal Carvings

WHERE: Nairobi, Kenya

Anyone visiting Nairobi will more than likely go on a safari. From the unspoiled landscapes to the incredible wildlife, safaris are one of the best opportunities to escape the digital world and admire the wonders of Mother Nature. A bucket list moment like this is definitely one to be treasured and can be done so through a keepsake such as a wooden animal carving. Not only would you be taking home a piece of Mother Nature, but you will be buying into a long-living tradition, a tradition that is a livelihood for many in Kenya with a great amount of passion and effort applied to each creation.

8 OF 12

Books From Les Bouquinistes

WHERE: Paris, France

Since the 16th century, Les Bouquiniste, which are the outdoor booksellers of Paris, have been trading along the Seine River, selling used and antiquarian books. The charming book stalls add to the beauty of this Parisian landscape with books covering a range of topics like art, philosophy, and history and in various languages too. Picking up a book along the Seine River makes for not only a great souvenir but also a thoughtful holiday gift.

9 OF 12

Thai Silk

WHERE: Bangkok, Thailand

Did you know that Thai silk comes from silkworms? Fed a diet of mulberry leaves, the silkworms spin silk cocoons as they mature, which are then later woven on traditional wooden looms. The process of hand-woven silk consists of intricate work and a great deal of patience. It is this process and tradition that make Thai silk incredibly beautiful to look at and touch and one of the most desired souvenirs from Thailand, a souvenir largely available in the capital, Bangkok.

10 OF 12

Amber Jewelry

WHERE: Krakow, Poland

Often referred to as “Baltic Gold,” amber has always been the primary gemstone of Poland. Essentially amber is fossilized tree resin, formed as a liquid response to breakages in the trunk or branches of trees to protect the wood. The oldest amber of the Baltic region, however, traces back to an estimated 44 million years ago. Today, amber is said to have healing and positive energy, which makes it one of the most sought-after gemstones in Poland and can be bought as various pieces of jewelry like earrings, rings, and pendants. It is widely available in Krakow through stores and stalls such as Kraków Cloth Hall, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls within an incredible renaissance structure.

11 OF 12

Religious Iconography

WHERE: Athens, Greece

You may or may not be religious or spiritual, but many can certainly appreciate the Byzantine and Christian art of Athens for its intricate designs and significance. Found as symbolic ornaments and paintings within churches, museums, and even along the streets of the city, religious art here deserves much admiration. As a result, religious pieces, whether small or large, are popular souvenirs throughout the city and make wonderful tokens from a trip to Athens.

12 OF 12

Rugs & Carpets

WHERE: Isfahan, Iran

Rugs from Isfahan are some of the finest in the world. Due to their high knot density and elegant patterns, they are known globally for their exceptional quality. Woven with fine wool and silk, the tradition of making Isfahan rugs date back to the early 16th century, with some of the most expensive rugs ever sold originating from this city of Iran. They may not be the typical holiday memorabilia, but they’re definitely worthy of being within the home and make fabulous statement pieces.