In this modern digital age, travel agencies launch innovative marketing campaigns in order to increase sales for airfare, lodging and accommodations.

Professional travel websites are now loaded with in-depth articles and other rich multimedia. For example, slideshows featuring dozens of high-quality photos can be displayed to emphasize the highlights of a tourist hot spot. Panoramic 360-degree virtual video tours can also be displayed in order to give tourists an immersive experience. Blog-style posts by actual travel experts who visited specific destinations also provide some insight that is not available anywhere else.

Travel agencies often compile digital brochures that could be downloaded onto smartphones, tablets and laptops. Passengers can explore such in-depth presentations while waiting to board an airplane and on the actual flight. Virtual brochures could be viewed offline if there aren’t any Wi-Fi connections nearby. Of course, most modern airport terminals provide free wireless Internet access to the public.

Mobile and desktop apps might also be custom developed by travel agents. Such applications might provide real-time information such as weather and news about specific destinations. Additionally, links to official government resources might also be included in such travel apps.

While being in a foreign country, tourists should know what to do in case of emergencies. American travelers should know the locations of U.S. embassies and consulates in specific destinations that will be visited. Additionally, it is also a good idea to find out some information about local hospitals and other certified facilities that may provide medical help.

Travel agents might offer customers insurance plans that cover medical expenses. Paying out of pocket at foreign emergency room departments is not a good idea. For U.S. tourists, American health insurance plans are only valid on domestic soil. Many emergency room departments around the world refuse to provide any assistance to individuals who don’t have travel insurance with health insurance coverage.

Major travel agencies have their own websites that have “click here” links which redirect to pages dedicated towards travel insurance. Tourists can read about all of the protection plans that are available for foreign travel. For example, expensive items in the luggage should be insured. Additionally, carry-on electronics such as smartphones and tablets could also be covered if they are damaged, lost or stolen on a trip. Tourists are advised not to bring excessive jewelry to foreign destinations.