Disapointed with Travel Agent

RailWayWife

My Fiance and I are planning our month long Honeymoon in Thailand, Cambodia, & Vietnam. This is our first international trip and first time being away from home for so long where English is not the first language. Needless to say we were overwhelmed and got a travel agent to help us plan the trip.
We told her everything we wanted in the trip, I even proveded her with a detailed list. After waiting 2 weeks for her to come back to us with the plan it is everything we didnt want. 3 musems everyday, a whole day spent in a rose garden.... That is nothing we wanted. We want ADVENTURE. Cave exploring, rafting, elephant trecks, jungle hikes, fishing. I emailed her back explaining the issues but I can't help but be upset and disapointed. I am beyond excited for this trip and waited anxiously for 2 weeks for the intinerary. To make it worse she spelt most of the major city names wrong...

Should I be concerned and look for a new travel agent? Is this common?

Jells2dot0

If you went to a large generic agency (AmEx, Liberty, AAA) , you are not going to get expert advice. Those agents are just there to plug in info and pop out a price. I recommend checking out the tourism websites for those locations and see if they have a listing of specialist for those areas. Pick a specialist who has been to those areas as well. Only a specialist will be able to know what you are asking for and provide personal accounts of what to do, what to see, and where to stay.

Jells2dot0

I have used an agent from this supplier before. They only list agents that are truly specialists in the areas listed!

http://www.travel2-us.com/default.asp

alithebride

there are other agents-GOOD ones. you were working with one who didn't care what you wanted.
finding one that cares what you want will make all the difference   and they're worth their weight in gold.

good luck!!

and LOL do you mean she SPELLED most of the names of the cities wrong?

JoanE2012

Drop this travel agent now.  Find one that specializes in the type of vacation you're looking for.  Or, have an agent book you airfare, hotel, transportation and book the excursions youself when you get there.  We always prefer waiting until we get to our destination to book most excursions anyway because you never know how you'll feel that day or what the weather will be like.  The only time we've been locked into a schedule was when we did a group tour.

HoneymoonMe

You definitely got a bad agent. 2 weeks?? That's the most ridiculous thing ever...and it definitely sounds like she just went the generic route and "plugged in" an itinerary. You found a lazy agent.

Travel and Leisure puts out the Top Agents in the world and has them ranked by country/destination/focus. Check out their lists and don't get discouraged if the particular agent refers to you someone else within their company that they recommend. You're looking for a recommendation you can count on.

Ask each agent if they've ever been before, or how frequently they send clients so you know you're in good hands. Talk to them about how they travel personally. I wouldn't want someone who hates being outdoors to plan a trip for me when all I want to do is go exploring. Travel-2 is a good operator as mentioned above and will have good suggestions. Also be up front about your expectations. If they explain why it might take them a week to get back to you, you'll feel less left in the dark. Lastly---always check an agency's credentials. No IATA number = no go. Most of the good ones are consistently recognized and awarded...vet through their websites and ask if they have any past clients you could speak with about a recommendation. Don't get discouraged!!