On this blog, we’ve talked about the benefits of booking with a BC-licensed travel agent. We recently heard from a coworker how her holiday was saved by her travel agent and we thought we would share Joan’s story with you. 

If your travel agency has closed or if your travel service provider has gone out of business, we have tips for you! This information is also available in Chinese, Korean and Punjabi.

When it comes to planning your winter getaway (or any vacation for that matter), you have many choices to make: where to go and what to see, and if you should head to the slopes or somewhere warm. But what many British Columbian travellers don’t realize is the most important vacation decision of all may lie with the choice to book with a BC-licensed travel agent.

The internet has given us the ability to take care of a wide range of consumer transactions online. We can bank, shop, and even make dinner reservations all from the comfort of our own home. So If I wanted to book a vacation, why would I get out of my pajamas and over to a travel agency when I can book online with the click of a mouse? Well it turns out that there are a number of great reasons for using the services of a travel agent.

Have you ever heard of the Travel Assurance Fund?  We received a call today from a consumer who wanted to access it but wasn’t really sure what it covered.

We were interviewed recently by CTV's Olsen On Your Side who had some questions about the flight cancellations and BC's Travel Assurance Fund.  The segment aired on March 2, 2011 - watch it here!

We are gearing up for another cold and wet week here in Victoria.  This is about the time of year where I’m dreaming of getting away to a place with great food, beautiful beaches, and lots of great snorkelling.  My more realistic travel buddy has reminded me that many things need to be put in place before we get to go anywhere. Who are we booking our trip with? Are our passports up to date? Are there any travel advisories on our destination?  What about booking accommodations and even excursions?

Consumer Protection BC is responsible for licensing travel agents and travel wholesalers in British Columbia. Some consumers don't know that travel agents are required to be licensed in BC.