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Book travel agencies in CA to send your team to Europe

No destination provided by your California travel agent will offer as much history and diversity as a European vacation. Don't let the poor Chevy Chase movie fool you; Europe is a premier destination. From Paris to Berlin, London to Rome, and everywhere in between, luxury and culture are simply teeming from the cobblestone walkways and ancient ruins.

I recommend: California's Davisville Travel encourages business travel to Europe and beyond. For something truly memorable, try a European cruise with Elegant Voyages.

Traverse the Outback thanks to a California travel agent

If you want to prove to your team that you are, without question, the most generous employer in California, travel agencies can send your team across the globe to Australia. There can be no greater reward than spending two weeks touring Melbourne, Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef. Sending your team to Australia will certainly say 'thank you' for all those 80-hour work weeks.

I recommend: One California travel agency that can have you traversing the outback is Carlson Wagonlit Travel. The Travel Store also features a number of attractive and affordable travel packages to Australia, among other locations worldwide.

Use CA travel agencies and cruise the Caribbean

Sending your team around the world is a great idea, but why not go with them and try to get a little work out of the sunbathing malingerers? The Caribbean offers not only scenic vistas, sun-drenched beaches and fruity rum drinks, but also features a number of resorts perfectly suited for corporate business meetings. Many travel agencies in California can help you reward your team with a Caribbean jaunt, but can also help you get a few hours of production from them while away.

I recommend: If you need a business travel agency, California features many options for Caribbean travel. Crystal Blue Vacations offers packages to the business-friendly Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos. Sacramento Travel Service features a user-friendly inquiry form designed for corporate traveling needs.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure to shop around for comprehensive travel insurance through CA travel agencies. All plans and packages offer differ coverage, so be sure to read the fine print and know exactly what you're paying for.

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Use a California travel agency that spans the nation

When you're looking for the right travel agency, California may be your starting place but you're sure to travel to other destinations at some point. Networking with large travel agencies that have a presence in multiple major cities--or with a network of small, independent travel agencies that span the nation--lets you enjoy the benefits of locally based businesses that offer quick, personal service and familiarity with local attractions and amenities, no matter where you happen to be.

I recommend: Tripology gives you a way of connecting with dozens of California-based travel agencies, and details how they may best serve you. Travel Leaders is a nationwide network of over 500 travel agencies, including 28 in California, that lets you get local service with nationwide connections.

Find travel agencies in CA that know the lay of the local landscape

Dealing with localized travel agencies--that specialize in customizing your trip to a specific city or region--lets you know you're getting the best information on local attractions, detailed information on your airport of arrival and connections to small, family-owned local businesses. You're also more likely to receive recommendations for shopping, eating and other local concessions, as well as coupons and discounts through partnerships with local businesses.

I recommend: About Our Town is an example of a travel agency that specializes in serving the Los Angeles area and southern California. Before you deal with a small local operation, be sure to read up on the American Society of Travel Agents list of common consumer complaints against travel agencies and how to avoid them.

Travel with corporate-savvy California travel agents

Travel agents in California that are specially trained to handle corporate clients can help you to establish--and stick to--a travel and expenses plan. Not only do they help to formulate and implement a plan, they are also in the perfect position to monitor and document compliance to the details of your travel and recreation expenses plan.

I recommend: Essortment provides useful tips on how to choose a travel agency to serve your small business. Montrose Travel, a family-owned business and the largest certified Women's Business Enterprise in southern California, is your source for corporate travel agents in southern California.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're concerned about the credibility of small travel agencies in CA, look for testimonials or reviews on the Internet; ask for references or inquire with the Better Business Bureau and the American Society of Travel Agents.

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Look for a program that offers certification for California travel agents

The travel business can be quite competitive. While you wouldn't need certification to work for California travel agencies, having training and certification will make companies more likely to hire you.

I recommend: Look at the travel agent certificate program at California State University East Bay. Galileo Travel School also offers both onsite and online training for travel agents in California.

Join an association to learn from other northern and southern California travel agencies

Associations offer the chance to network with others in the industry. They also often have special training opportunities that are only available to members.

I recommend: The California Travel Industry Association holds yearly conferences that publishes magazines that can further your education. The Central Valley Tourism Association offers regional education, including an education summit.

Attend trade shows for California travel agencies

California is a popular destination for tourism trade shows, which makes it easy for travel agents in California to network with other agents and learn at the same time.

I recommend: The Adventures in Travel Expo in Los Angeles allows you to try hands-on activities that will help you suggest tour options to your clients. The Mexico Tourism, Travel and Real Estate Expo is in San Diego and features free seminars.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many travel agents find that they are more successful when they specialize in a particular type of travel, such as honeymoons or business travel. Find an area that interests you and work with other travel agents in California to get the education you need.
• •  Take a seminar or online course at least once a year to make sure that your skills and knowledge are up to date.

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American Society of Travel Agents, ASTA

The American Society of Travel Agents is an advocate group for travel agents and the travel industry in the United States. The group provides information on California travel agents and handles consumer complaints.

I recommend: The American Society of Travel Agents provides more information about its services on its website.

Business travel services

Business travel services are provided by some travel agencies in California. These services provide customizable planning for business travelers.

I recommend: Montrose Travel provides more information on their Corporate Division website.

Meeting planning services

A larger company with representatives in various areas may wish to use meeting planning services. These services help a business to compare and select destinations and make other plans for meetings and corporate events.

I recommend: Sterling Travel provides meeting planning services and offers a description of what this service includes.

State-certified travel agency

A state certified travel agency is one that has met state requirements in providing services. They provide a travel program coordinator to help with managing the needs of each department of a business.

I recommend: The State of California Travel Portal provides more information on state-certified travel agencies and coordinators.

Business travel insurance

Business travel insurance provides protection to insured travelers for missing or lost baggage and personal effects. It also helps manage costs associated with a missed connection, trip delay and emergency medical expenses. Each policy is slightly different, so business travelers should read the details to learn what services are covered.

I recommend: TravelStore offers a detailed explanation of what their business travel insurance offers.

Corporate travel management

Some travel agencies in California offer corporate travel management, a service that aids the business owner in fully managing all travel plans within the company. These services differ from one company to another, but they commonly include providing travel related services to business owners, employees and clients. Services may include management of budget, electronic ticketing information, passport reminders and managing airport pickup and drop off.

I recommend: Willet Travel offers corporate travel management and describes their service in detail on their website.