Blog / Travel
How to choose a good travel agent. Expert advice.
Recently, there has been news of many travel agencies going bust. To regulate the industry and reduce incidences of fly by night travel agents, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has, thankfully, introduced new legislation. The new regulations are aimed at protecting consumers against malpractice by a small number of travel agents. The STB will be allowed to take more prompt and effective action against errant travel agents.
There are about 1,200 licensed travel agents in Singapore. Below are some tried and trusted ones.
This agency has won a number of prestigious awards and is reputed to be the No.1 travel agency in Singapore.
Chan Brothers offers the largest number of tours to a range of destinations in Asia, Europe and America, as well as unusual locations such as Serbia, Israel, Croatia, Armenia and Uzbekistan.
If you are planning a trip to China, this is the agency to visit. Since it was established in 1990, CTC has been coming up with creative itineraries to different regions in China such as Beijing, Guangdong, Chaoshan, Meizhou, Jiangxi, Jiuzhaigou and so forth.
CTC Travel does customised travel for different groups such as Muslim tours, Student tours, Self drive tours, Corporate tours, Golden Age tours and so forth.
SA Tours’ forte is in organising quality group tours to Europe. Their tour leaders are well versed with Europe and can be relied upon for useful recommendations.
The agency also often has promotions and deals for trips to the continent, so do look out for bargains if you are planning a trip.
This is a fantastic agency for group tours to Korea, which is great news for K-pop fans. The agency makes it a point to collaborate only with reliable tour operators in Korea to provide value-for-money tour packages.
Known for its exciting itineraries, Hong Thai Travel has long been providing private tours for government agencies, corporations, schools and community centres.
Well known for its Hong Kong and Macau packages, which often include Zhuhai and Shenzhen, the agency was voted the top agency by the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Dynasty Travel’s website and mobile app for viewing and booking tours are considered the best among its competitors. They allow customers to compare prices of packages on different departure dates as well as different airlines, and to book tours conveniently.
One of the biggest travel agencies in Singapore, New Shan Travel was founded in 1972. It has won many awards and provides everything from retail and online to corporate ticketing.
New Shan Travel caters for free and easy packages as well as hotel reservations.
C&E Holidays
A pioneer in the travel industry, C&E Holidays specialises in corporate travel and ticketing. It has provided this service to more than 100 SME companies.
Besides this, it also organises special tour packages for niche groups such as Muslim and Buddhist pilgrimages.
Whether you are planning to backpack or want a more luxurious holiday, ASA Holidays is well-equipped to cater to your needs. With the motto of making travel available for all, it caters for travel to different parts of the world.
Corporate travel is also an area it specialises in.
EU Holidays
If you are looking for a holiday to Europe or USA, EU Holidays is the agency to visit as they specialise in these two continents. Reasonably priced and carefully planned tours keep customers coming back for more.
You can visit any of their four offices in Singapore or check out their website to get going.
In operation since 1989, WTS offers a variety of travel services, including cruises, overseas package tours, worldwide hotel reservations, air-ticketing and coaches.
It has several branches across the island, making it easily accessible. You could also check out their website for updates and news of ongoing promotions and deals for your trip
Meanwhile, do check here to see if your travel agent is reputable and on the approved list of the Singapore Tourism Board.
Travel insurance advice
Finally, as you prepare for your holiday, make sure you get yourself some travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday so you’re covered should anything happen before your vacation begins including illness, earthquakes, haze or travel agents going bust. And check that your travel insurance does in fact include cover for travel insolvency. Not all travel insurance does. Find out the best ways to protect yourself if your travel agent does go bust.
Do buy your travel insurance direct from the insurer rather than from a travel agent. That way you know exactly what coverage you’re getting plus you can be advised of your best options by speaking to fully qualified insurance experts who can customize your cover to suit you and your budget. Going direct also means you pay less by cutting out the middleman and any agents’ commission.
