My travel agent has been most helpful in planning a complicated independent holiday. This is the first time I have used this particular travel agent and I know that the travel agents I have used in the past would not be capable of making these arrrangements. I know that the travel agent will get commission from the company we are dealing with, but she seems to be more interested in getting me what I want instead of making a quick buck. I'm pleasantly surprised, she actually cares and is trying to make my holiday memorable. I would like to show her that I appreciate all her hard work. How can I do this? A gift? A referal? Repeat business? Which is appropriate/inappropriate? I don't want her to get the wrong idea. Any thoughts? Thanks.

I always give my TA referrals, repeat bus & a little something(flowers, a plant, chocolate)@ Christmas. Same as for everyone else in your life who helps you out throughout the year.

One other thought, if I do give her a gift what is appropriate, how much should I spend the holiday she is working on is about US$6,000.

There is no standard etiquette regarding gifts of the kind that you're referring to. Give what you feel conveys your sentiment and fits your budget.
By virtue of the fact that you're giving anything at all, you're in the minority and will make a nice impression.

SWilliams.....I always hesitate to refer anyone to my travel agent.I know him too well, and he may in fact be too busy for any new business.I do not consider a referral a "gift".What a traveller sees as a business opportunity may turn out to be a TA's worst nightmare.As far as a gift goes, you can go two ways.Take a gift with you when you pick up your final documents.Gift basket, fruit basket, bottle of wine.Or, bring her back something from the trip.Most of us are cramped for space in our luggage,but I always find a teenie nook for something.If you opt for the latter, then I would take an approriate Thank You Card when you visit her before the trip.That way she knows her efforts are appreciated.Hope this helps!

the only thing appropriate is repeat business. do not feel obliged in any way, it is the work they do.

Jasper: For crying out loud! Maybe for you, the only "appropriate" thing is repeat bus but many of us show appreciation for a job well done, for "the work they do"! Don't you tip your newspaper carrier, mail delivery person and others who help you out throughout the year? While it is certainly not necessary for SWillams to give the TA a gift it is clearly "appropriate" under the circumstances.

Jasper: are you anyone's boss?

i didn't want to sound harsh. i guess i'm in the wrong business then! now, with the internet, booking direct with the hotels, airlines, etc... you can save yourself the extra stuff...

travelis...no, i'm an assistant. i love it!

Wow, SWillams I could never afford to spend US$6000 on a vacation. The only travel agents I have dealt with are pushy and out to make a quick buck. Since your TA has gone that extra mile for you,I would give her a gift from the country/countries that you are visiting.

swilliams: what do you mean by her getting the wrong idea. is it because you're a guy and she's a gal? if so, then i can understand the concern. then give her repeat business and/or referral.
wow: are you serious, you tip your newspaper carrier and your mail carrier?

jasper: i didn't think you sounded harsh. you made a straight-forward valid point. the original poster did ask for all our opinions after all.

Yes

Caribtraveler: It's very c think nearly everyone tips their newspaper carrier and mail carrier, especially if you have the same people consistently serving you. They even have guidelines at the postal service (no more than $25, I think). If I did not receive good service, I wouldn't tip, though.

Most travel agents I encountered didn't go to most places people were booking and as yours did a gret knowledeable job. Bring the agent something that's relative to where you will be. A lobster in Maine? (they pack it for you)
Hand crafts from a state crafts store like in New Hampshire.
And if it is to Europe , it will be relative to that. Have a great time, whereever it is.

Oh for god's sake, just post the name of the travel agent with phone number and get it over with!

so what's the procedure if your mail carrier delievers to a central mailbox on the corner for the whole block?

O brother, next we'll be tipping the IRS agent for the wonderful job he did auditing us!

Some of you guys sure sound cheap.