The internet… will it make travel agents extinct?

It’s time to start thinking of places where you’d like to spend Christmas, and when thoughts turn to actions, you will go online and start hunting around for great travel deals.  In previous years, you might have stopped in at a travel agency, picked up a handful of leaflets, checked the cheapest airfare prices and phoned around for the best accommodation options. This would have taken quite some time.

Travel agents were very helpful, and were able to convince you of what they thought would be the perfect holiday.  So what has happened to the good, old-fashioned travel agent?  The answer is that the good ones are still around.  Some people still want to be told where to go, and what they will enjoy.  However, many have not survived the open freedom of the internet.  The internet is now the primary source of information for travellers booking a trip.  In recent years even the internet has changed focus from websites to travel forums that convince travelers where to go and what to do.  Forums offer highly personalised information and critical reviews of places and their offerings, by people that have been and experienced – rather than some person behind a desk receiving the highest commission.

The traditional travel agent panicked with the internet revolution – with good reason, however, travel agents can give you some great advise, and shield you against fraudulant deals that may be offered. There are real dangers with online travel bookings, with places or tours not meeting expectations. The internet gives you a lot of options, but you don’t really know what you’re getting until you’re there. The experienced travel agent, on the other hand, has often been themselves, so they can give you good advice.  Travel agents have access to global reservation systems, enabling them to find the compare airline fares, car rental deals, and adventure packages.

Our suggestion would be to go to the internet first to look at what you want, and take the information you have gained to a professional travel agent. They will be able to offer great alternatives, and give you ideas you would never have thought about.  In many cases, you will rather go with the travel agents choice than the internet, but at least you are informed and will have a choice.  At least for now, the genuine travel agents that embrace the power of the internet will be in a good position – make sure you use all your resources for a tremendous holiday

fjxnkc6avu

Fin24 reported today:

Johannesburg – Petrol stations are compelled to accept cards, such as credit and debit cards, for fuel payments, the department of energy said on Thursday.
“Payment cards have historically not been allowed in South Africa because of huge costs associated with some of these cards,” said spokesperson Bheki Khumalo in a statement.
The new regulations take effect on Thursday and are expected to reduce the number of robberies that take place at petrol stations.
“Removing cash from retailing operations is the primary objective for this move. It should result in improving safety conditions at retail outlets across the country.”
He cautioned that not all petrol stations were immediately equipped to handle card payments.
One of the motivating factors behind the new regulations was the 2010 World Cup.
In May, Khumalo said card payments would be more convenient for the thousands of visitors to South Africa.
“We are expecting an influx of foreigners for… the World Cup and we think it’ll make it easier for them not to carry around cash.”

Procedure at a four way stop.
When approaching a four way stop, always take note of the following:
• If you are the only vehicle at the stop street, stop, look both sides, then proceed.
• If there is another vehicle already at the stop street, it has the right of way. Proceed once the other vehicle has Ieft the intersection.
• If you stop at the same time as another vehicle, common courtesy applies and either vehicle may proceed first.
• Always ensure that your vehicle comes to a complete stop before you proceed.
Procedure at a traffic light (also known as a “robot” in South Africa)
When approaching a traffic light, always take note of the following:
• If the light is green, you may proceed. It is always advisable to slow down at a green light and check for approaching traffic.
• If you are turning right, the approaching traffic has the right of way. Wait for the approaching traffic to pass and proceed.
• If you are turning left and the light is green, you may do so, but always check for approaching traffic also turning.
• If approaching a traffic light and the light turns amber, please slow down as amber indicates the light will soon be turning red. Never try to speed up and pass through an amber light, always stop until the light turns green again.
Identifying arrows at a traffic light.
• A flashing green arrow indicates you may turn in the direction indicated by the arrow.
• A flashing red arrow on your left indicates that you may turn, should no other traffic be turning left. This arrow must treated as a yield.
• A steady red or green arrow indicates you may proceed with caution.
• When traffic lights are out of order, please treat the intersection as a four way stop. Refer to the above procedure
Approaching a traffic circle.
• Always yield at a traffic circle.
• Yield to vehicles already in the traffic circle and those vehicles entering the circle on your right.
• Once all vehicles have passed your right hand side, proceed with caution.
• Please note that all vehicles already in the circle always have the right of way.
Parking.
It is illegal to park a vehicle on the opposite side of the road facing oncoming traffic.