Travel Agents - Would one be able to help me?

Question

I'm in NJ, and in december/january I plan on leaving my job. Before I find a new one, I would like to do a bit of traveling (and soul searching! :) I'd love to do something that perhaps involves some volunteer work... and also gives me time to see the sights. One place that I've always wanted to go is Australia, but I'm not 100% set that it's the only place I want to go. I wonder, would a travel agent be able to come up with something that would involve the volunteering, or at least me doing some good while vacationing? So, would it be worth it for me to go to one vs. taking the time to search out something for myself?

Also, do travel agents cost a LOT more than if I did it myself? I understand they charge for their services cause they need to make a living, but if it's a HUGE price spike, I'm not sure I'd use one...

Thanks!

Answer 1

You are going to have to base your travel around your volunteer work. Research the volunteer info first. (May I suggest Thailand or Cambodia. There are also many Orphanages in Vietnam.) Get this set up then book your ticket. Book it yourself and don't use a discount on-line service like Travelocity. You have no flexibility with these services and if you are injured or need to come home in an emergency they will not help you out and will charge you up to $250 for a ticket that cost less than a $1000 in the first place. This is just to change your flight. With a regular airline, you can go to their site and generally get lower prices than you would from the discounter and still have the flexibility to change your schedule with minimal hassle and costs.
Travel agents are all well and good, but I don't think that one would necessarily help in this instance.

Now. If you havn't traveled international before here is a list of do's and don'ts that will help you out.

Here we go.
Get travel insurance. It is not expensive and can save you in nasty situations. Make sure to inform your Credit card companies that you are going to be out of the country so they don't freeze your accounts when they get a charge from Saigon or where ever you end up. It can be a real pain trying to straighten that out over the international phone.
Carry copies of your passport and visas, your birth certificate, air line tickets and driver’s license in 3 or 4 different places. If your primary bag gets lost or stolen this will help you get back on track. Don't carry a lot of money with you. ATM's are just about everywhere now, so you can get more cash when you need it. Pack light. Most of the places that you are going have nice inexpensive clothing shops and you will need room to bring them back. Leave your computer at home. There are internet cafes everywhere and they are very inexpensive. Use them. That way you don't have to worry about someone stealing your brick and you don't have to lug it around. Keep your passport, tickets etc in a sturdy pouch that goes around your neck. Never wear it in back. I haven't lost mine in over a year on the road and there have been a couple of attempts. Bring your cell phone. Make sure it is unlocked so you can use different Sim cards from different countries. In most places, incoming calls are free. So your friends can reach you in an emergency and you can do the same. This works good. Just email the new number to those who need it and you have a safety net. Bring a basic medical kit. Band-Aids, antiseptic and antibiotics. Anti diarrhea meds, aspirin etc. If you get food poisoning to the point that you have a fever go the doctor immediately. (The Hotel usually has one on call) You can die from food poisoning so don't screw around. Wear slip on shoes. It saves time and trouble in airports and all Asian countries. Always let your hotels know when you leave. It’s best to give them the key, and tell them where you are going. Get a card from the hotel so you can find it again in case of extreme drunkenness or just a lack of directional ability. Also. Read your passport. It can pay to have the various Embassies know when you are in the country. They are not much help but they are a safety net in emergencies. Have I forgotten anything? I am sure I have but this is a good broad list to remember. and... Let the hotels handle booking your tours and local stuff. It costs a little more but it is worth it. Hey, Have fun. You are on vacation! Here are some good Web sites to remember.

Lonely planet.com
http://www.xe.com/ucc/ for currency quotes
Google earth for finding where you are.
Oh... get a good travel book. Lonely planet is good and gives you ideas about scams and rip offs in the areas where you are and good maps and directions to hotels and restaurants. Worth the money.
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Answer 2

I just happen to be a travel agent and would love to help you decide the best location for your sole searching. There are many alternatives... one suggestion that I have for volunteering is to become involved with Habitat for Humanity, they are the organization that helps to build homes for the many people who otherwise could not afford a home and those that have become victims of mother nature i.e. hurricanes, fire etc. The future homeowner puts "sweat equity into their home". You can travel all over the US. I do not charge any service fees like most travel agents. I would love to help you.