HOLIDAY-MAKING

Normally people plan their holidays in advance. Holiday-making people, as a rule, prefer to stick to the same travel agency they have already used before and got their money's worth. On the one hand, they trust the travel agency they've got to know earlier, on the other hand, they expect to purchase a tour package at a reduced price as regular customers.

Suppose you are not an experienced holiday-maker. You are at a loss which travel agency to choose out of a large amount of agencies offering similar services.

You want an enjoyable holiday at some reasonable price, or at least you don't want to be trapped.

Here are some hints for you. Out of the travel agencies of­fering similar destinations and tours pick out 4 or 5. Their names should be familiar to you: their ads regularly appear in travellogues and in mass media. Compare the prices: they should be neither too high, nor too low. All the ad information should be clear to you: nothing should seem odd.

Call the travel agencies you have picked out, and if you lack some information or advice, don't hesitate to ask questions. Re­sponding to the callers' queries is a part of travel agents' duty. If you are still not disappointed, make an appointment with the travel clerk at the agency office.

Efficient travel clerks will always help you to make a deci­sion about where to go, what to see or where to stay in each area you plan to visit. Travel agents are sure to have the most com­prehensive information at hand about the destinations they of­fer. There are usually lots of travellogues, brochures, folders, tourist's guides and maps available for customers.

You may either choose and obtain a ready-made tour pack­age, or ask for a tailor-made tour package. Most of travel com­panies are able to arrange tailor-made tours according to their customers' requests.

Purchasing a tour you should pay in cash or by credit card. You will get a voucher for the services you have paid for, air tick­ets and other travel documents. Travel agents may offer you to pay for your travel insurance. Bear in mind that in high season the prices are up to 25 per cent higher than in low season, par­ty tours are cheaper than individual ones; children get discounts or even travel free.

Answer the following questions:

1. How do holiday-making people choose a travel agency?

2. Why are you at a loss when you are not an experienced holiday-maker?

3.There are some hints for an inexperienced holiday-mak­er, aren't there?

4.Why shouldn't you hesitate to ask questions?

5. What will efficient travel clerks always help you with?

6. What are most of travel companies able to arrange?

7. What do many travel agents offer you to pay for?

4. When are the prices higher?