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Is a travel agent worth it the pros and cons.

Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner.

The Pros & Cons of Using a Travel Agent

Married couple with baby son in modern travel agency talking to a travel agent.

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A travel agent can save you money and time.

Need to pivot your trip plans but don't want to deal with the extra time, money and hassle of rebooking flights and accommodations on your own? That's just one area where a knowledgeable travel agent (also commonly known as a travel advisor) can help. Read on to discover the other benefits – as well as the downsides – of using a travel agent, so you can confidently decide whether or not a travel agent is worth it for your next trip.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks.

"In some cases, you'll actually get a better deal by working with a travel agent," says Jackie Steele, travel expert at MagicGuides . "This could be in the form of a cruise onboard credit (free spending money to use on the ship), access to special agency/group rates, or even just learning about a discount you qualify for but weren't aware of." The best agents will even keep an eye on new discounts as they're announced and apply them to your trip even after you've booked, he notes.

Travel agents handle all the details

Hotel room? Booked. Dinner reservations? Made. Tour tickets? Ready to go. A travel agent handles every detail of your vacation itinerary. "The traveler still gets to be involved in the fun part of dreaming up ideas and providing their travel wishes, while we take and perfect them," says Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer .

Molly McShea, owner and travel advisor at McShea Travel , points out that travel agents can also help with timing logistics. "Travel agents know how many days should be spent in each destination, which tours go together, and how many things you should do in a day," she says, adding that crafting an itinerary can be challenging if it's not something you regularly do. Additionally, travel agents can help you choose the best time to visit your preferred destination(s) based on seasonality and your budget, and sift through travel insurance policies to find the best option for your needs.

Travel agents can provide local expertise

"A travel advisor's industry connections and relationships provide added value to their clients," says Valerie Edman, a luxury travel advisor and agency owner at Cultured Travel LLC. She says when working with a travel agent, travelers gain access to a global network of connections including:

In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about
Exclusive experiences not available to the general public

You'll avoid surprise fees

When deciding if a travel agent is worth it for you, remember this: A reputable agent can guarantee you won't encounter any surprise fees on accommodations and activities once your trip is booked.

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

A travel advisor is essentially your personal vacation concierge. "Because they've been around for so long, agents really know what to look for," says Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and journalist. "Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays , making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away."

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

It might not be your cheapest option.

There are some instances when it makes more sense to plan your own trip. "If you're planning a quick flight from New York City to Los Angeles, it's easy enough to book it yourself online directly or through a third-party booking site," says Elliott. "If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or bucket list honeymoon , that's when you call the experts."

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

The upside of working with a travel agent is having someone plan an epic vacation for you based on industry knowledge and local expertise. But this can also be a downside in the event you discover an activity you'd like to do or a restaurant you'd like to try that isn't on your pre-planned itinerary. If you alter your plans, you risk losing money; plus, the time it takes for you and your travel agent to coordinate your change of plans may not be worth the hassle.

You still have to do some research

It's important to find an agent you can trust, which means you still have to do some of the vacation planning. For this part, Parker recommends picking up the phone. "Lots of people avoid or don't pick up the phone as much anymore," she says. "That's where you get the high-touch service, tone of voice, excitement or concerns to manage." She advises to look for the following red flags:

No fees: " Travel advisors are charging planning fees more now or increasing them, so the client knows more confidently than ever, we work for them, not the suppliers with the best commissions," Parker explains. "There are a lot of things that are non-commissionable and the advisor's time and expertise shouldn't be given away for free, either. That's the best way to show an advisor takes their business seriously."
Limited options: If you work with someone who is inexperienced or has an incentive to book you with a certain supplier, they may not be prioritizing your best interests. "It's important to check if they are with a larger consortia, accreditations and network, typically listed on their website and signatures," says Parker. "That level of mindshare doesn't come with a lone advisor unless they have many, many years of experience."
Slow response times: If communication is delayed, that's a sign they may be too busy to plan your trip – but again, this is something you can avoid by having the right conversations early on.

Edman suggestes starting your search with the American Society of Travel Advisors . "ASTA-verified travel advisors are committed to the highest industry standards and have verifiable industry knowledge so consumers can feel confident in working with them," she says.

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seaplane on a white sand beach if you book with a travel agent

Breaking Down the Pros and Cons of Using a Travel Agent

You're convinced that having a travel expert by your side will be useful. But how do you go about knowing when and how to book with them?

What to know when you’re thinking of booking your next trip with a travel agent

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Confession: I’m a big fan of travel agents (whoops, sorry, travel advisers ), even though I could technically book all my trips through websites and apps. And despite the fact that many of us might consider this industry old-fashioned and out-of-date, research shows that travelers, and millennials in particular, are once again turning to these specialists to help plow through TripAdvisor detritus. If you’re wondering: how much does a travel agent cost, and why would I book with one anyway? Read on.

How to Know If You Need a Travel Agent

Once you’ve come around to the idea of hiring a travel agent, ask these three questions before booking:

Is this a domestic trip or one that involves traveling to a part of the world you’ve never been? If it’s the former you don’t need a travel agent.
Can I get a better deal by using a travel agent? (This question requires you pricing out your trip with and without one.)
Is this a big-budget, special-event kind of trip? If the answer is yes, go with a travel agent.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

They can find crazy deals..

This is literally their job. If they have been in the travel business for many years, they likely have supplier relationships in place that can help leverage better deals for you. Many travel agents specialize in locations (i.e., cruise vacations in Europe). Some travel agents offer package deals, with more savings passed on to you then booking the trip on your own—that is good news to your wallet.

They will be your advocate.

One of the best ways to utilize a travel agent is as an advocate should something derail on your trip. They can help you with lost luggage, in the case of natural disasters, if you get stuck in a location before your trip, etc. They are there to help you get your trip back on track.

They’ll take care of the little things.

I love my travel agent, and I love all the extras she provides when we use her services for a trip. For instance, when we traveled to the Bahamas, she made sure there was a nice bottle of champagne and strawberries in our room on our arrival, and she also upgraded our room free of charge. While this certainly is not a guarantee when you use a travel agent, there are a lot of added-value extras you can expect when you use a travel agent. Why? Because travel agents know you don’t have to use them to book your trip, and they want to say thank you.

They’re true experts.

Most travel agents have been working in the industry for years now, and it’s their job to stay on top of travel trends and upcoming hot destinations. When I spoke with my travel agent about a trip to Europe recently, she offered a few alternate destinations. I was not thinking about the destinations she suggested, but the alternatives offered great activities, culture, food, interesting boutique hotels, and more options for less money than my original destination.

They don’t usually cost extra.

It’s a myth that working with a travel agent will automatically cost you more; most get paid via commissions from the hotel or outfitter. Sure, some travel agents do charge a fee for putting together an itinerary, but most will credit you that fee if you end up booking the trip through them. Make sure you know all the potential fees before you use a travel agent, and do not hesitate to negotiate away.

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

They’re not going to help with cheaper airfare..

Back in the day, you would use a travel agent to book every aspect of your trip. However, with so many options to find low-cost airfare, like Google Flights , Scott’s Cheap Flights , and Skyscanner , booking your own flights is easy and cost-effective. Most travel agents cannot score discounted flights, and many travel agents will not even bother. Follow these tips on how to find the cheapest flights possible , instead.

They’re not you.

This may seem obvious, although it’s still important to consider. A travel agent not only finds you the best deals, but they also offer suggestions for activities, restaurants, and more. This is great if you’re someone who doesn’t like to research these things, but you run the risk of working with someone who doesn’t get your personal preferences (maybe they lean toward road tours rather than technical singletrack). Do your own research first, and come up with a list of activities that you want to do. Once you have that list, pass it along to your travel agent to see if they can rustle up any deals as they book.

How to Find a Great One

One of the best ways to find a reputable travel agent is to get referrals from your friends and family. Anyone that has used that travel agent for a previous trip and enjoyed their service is someone worth checking out. As with anything, I always suggest talking to at least two different travel agents to see who you feel most comfortable with. Remember, they are there to work for you.

Know your travel budget before you reach out to a travel agent. Likely, this will be the first question they ask you and will help steer them toward the best destinations for that budget. If you are traveling somewhere that’s specialized, like going on that once-in-a-lifetime African safari , find a specialist that knows that region inside and out. They will usually have the best deals and relationships with hotels and activity companies in that area.

How Much Does a Travel Agent Cost?

Usually, the cost of hiring a travel agent to organize a trip for you is fairly minimal. Many agencies charge a flat fee of around $100, and others may charge a certain small percentage of your trip. Most of their take-home profits come from the hotels, wholesalers, resorts, and businesses they work with, but be sure to as your travel agent about fees upfront and before you start working with them to plan your next dream vacation. (No one likes hidden fees and surprises.)

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The Pros and Cons of Booking Through Online Travel Agencies

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You’re likely already familiar with online travel agencies, even if you don’t travel often. These companies — such as Priceline , Expedia and Orbitz — act as intermediaries between you and a travel provider.

Booking your travel through an OTA can be a good idea in some circumstances, but you’ll want to be wary of its pitfalls. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of online travel agencies, so you’ll know what to use to book your next vacation.

Pros of booking through online travel agencies

There are certainly advantages booking through online travel agencies, though you’ll find different experiences whether you’re using public OTAs — such as Kayak — or private ones like those offered by your card issuer, such as the Chase's travel portal .

✅ It may be cheaper

When searching for flights online, you may see different prices for the same routes that vary across websites. Although it may be a result of fare type — for example, some search results may not clarify that a fare is basic economy rather than main cabin or economy — other times, the difference comes down to competition for your business.

Online travel services will often offer slightly lower prices on flights in an effort to entice you as a customer. This is true for both hotels and airlines.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for online travel-booking websites

✅ It can earn you more rewards

Have you ever heard of shopping portals ? By logging into a shopping portal, you can earn rewards for purchases made with many online merchants. Some hotel chains, such as Hilton , Marriott and IHG , can be accessed through shopping portals while still booking directly on the hotel website. In this way, you can earn rewards with the hotel directly as well as with the shopping portal.

The same isn’t true for shopping portals and most airline sites. However, many public online travel agencies are accessible through shopping portals, which can then earn you rewards for airfare bookings. By opting to book in this way, you’ll be able to earn points or cash-back rewards through the shopping portal that you’d otherwise miss.

Some card issuers will also reward you heavily when using their online travel services. Clear examples of this can be seen with Capital One and Chase. With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , for example, you’ll get 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel .

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is similar. With this card, you can get 10 Ultimate Rewards® points per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase's portal.

While these numbers are high, it’s important to remember that there are trade-offs when booking through an OTA rather than directly with a hotel or airline. We’ll get into that a little later.

Online travel agencies offered by your card issuer may not feature the same prices as booking directly; you’ll want to compare these before committing to a purchase.

Some card issuers will go so far as to give your points more value when redeeming through their online travel agencies.

This is true with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . When redeeming points on Chase's travel portal, you’ll get 1.25 cents in value per point rather than 1 cent elsewhere.

» Learn more: How much are your airline miles and hotel points worth this year?

Cons of booking through online travel agencies

There are several downsides when it comes to using online travel services for booking travel. It mainly comes down to the fact that travel providers prefer that you book directly with them — and offer more perks to woo your business.

❌ It can be harder to change a booking

Ever needed to change a flight after it's booked? No matter the reason, attempting to alter or otherwise cancel a flight can be a hassle — especially if you’ve booked through a third party.

Generally speaking, rather than offering you direct assistance, both hotels and airlines will recommend you contact the online travel agency you’ve booked with in order to make any changes.

While you may be able to make changes or get refunds with the travel agency, airlines and hotels can — and will — offer much more flexibility when you’ve booked with them directly. You may also be subject to additional fees charged by the online travel agency, which can erase any savings you’ve received.

❌ You may not receive elite benefits

This is the real kicker for anyone wanting elite status. Although airlines will almost always recognize your elite status and allow you to earn miles even for bookings made through an online travel agency, hotels and rental car companies will not.

This is especially important for hotel chains. Earning elite status with hotels generally relies on elite night credits. Although these can be earned in a variety of ways — including having complimentary status by holding certain credit cards — the main method of acquiring elite night credits is by spending nights in hotels. Rooms booked through an online travel agency do not count toward elite status as elite night credits.

Additionally, you will not receive any of the benefits of your existing elite status if your booking is through a third party. This can mean the loss of perks such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfast and even free Wi-Fi.

» Learn more: The best airline and hotel rewards loyalty programs this year

❌ It may be more expensive

Did you know that many hotel chains have best price guarantees? Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott and IHG all have a guarantee that’ll give you either points or a discount if you find a better rate elsewhere.

These guarantees are generous; Hilton, for example, will match the rate and then discount it by a further 25%.

Although you’ll need to file claims for these guarantees and they face limitations — such as a 24-hour window from when you made the booking — you can save a lot of money on your stay if your request is approved.

Online travel agencies can be hit or miss

There are two sides to every coin and this is no different, as there are several benefits and limitations of online travel services. Depending on your needs and loyalty program status, you’ll want to choose whether to book directly with a travel provider or rely on OTAs to do the job for you.

Booking travel through credit card portals from issuers like Chase and Capital One can earn you big rewards. But if you anticipate altering your travel plans or aim to earn elite status instead, booking directly is the way to go.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent? We say yes

Going online to book an airline ticket or hotel stay is a familiar and fairly easy transaction. When you book a cruise, however — particularly your first cruise — you might want to reconsider the impulse to handle the transaction yourself through a cruise line website or an online advertiser with cheap prices. This DIY approach might not be the best way to find your dream vacation at sea.

In reality, it's not that simple to book a cruise. You will likely run into a lot of questions to which you have no ready answer.

That's where specialized cruise travel agents come into play. Their expertise can help you avoid mistakes, whether you are a first-timer or a repeat cruiser checking out a brand you have not tried before.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Why you should book through a cruise travel agent

You should consider booking a cruise through a travel agent because a knowledgeable agent can help you understand the nuances of a cruise purchase and help you make the best decisions for your vacation preferences.

When you book a cruise, you are making a vacation decision that goes way beyond a flight or hotel nights. Which ship you choose determines your dining and evening entertainment choices for the duration of your vacation. Which itinerary you choose impacts which destinations you'll visit and which shoreside activities will be available to you. It can be overwhelming to evaluate the options on your own if you've never cruised before.

In addition, cruise fares can be hard to understand and compare. You might, for instance, see a fare listed online without the port charges, taxes and fees, which you only see after you give your personal details.

Plus, the price of your cruise includes accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities — and in some cases drinks, tips, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and other extras. There's a lot bundled into some fares and not as much with others. A travel agent can help you determine what your cruise fare gets you. The cheapest base cruise fare does not always provide the best value or best overall vacation deal.

Related: 4 scenarios when you should use a travel agent

You aren't just booking general passage on a ship, either, as you will be asked to pick a specific cabin and when you prefer to dine. Making a mistake in these categories can ruin your cruise experience, as there are such thing as "bad" cabins and dining times (think noisy or claustrophobic cabins, dinner at 8 p.m. with cranky children, etc.).

With cruises, you typically don't pay for your whole vacation upfront but rather put down a deposit, with final payment due at a later date. A cruise travel agent can ensure you don't miss any due dates.

Remember, you might be a DIY type when booking airlines and hotels, but booking a cruise is more complex. If you enjoy doing your own research, focus on what to do and see in the ports of call. Read about different ships, cruise lines and itineraries. However, when it comes to booking the cruise, we recommend you still contact a travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you learn a few tips and avoid any rookie mistakes.

Travel agents can get better deals on cruises

If you're concerned that working with an agent will make your cruise more expensive, don't be. Cruise travel agents receive the bulk of their income via commission from the cruise lines. Their service to you is usually free, though some might charge first-time clients a minimal fee. It's worth it.

In addition to sharing their expertise, the agent may have negotiated group space at lower rates with the cruise line, which could save you money on the cruise fare. The agent might also have first access to sale prices because the cruise lines notify their agent partners and loyalty club members first before they announce a sale to the public.

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Some cruise travel agents even throw in booking perks , such as a complimentary bottle of Champagne, awaiting your arrival in your cabin.

How to find a travel agent for a cruise

Cruise lines prefer that you use a travel agent rather than going online and booking directly. They have small in-house reservation teams, and when you have a question while making a booking, good luck in getting an expert on the phone in a timely manner.

Companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line provide online directories to help you find an experienced cruise travel agent near you.

You can also find experienced and certified cruise travel agents through CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association , which is the industry's main marketing group. Asking friends who have cruised to recommend a travel agent is another good idea.

Related: 5 unexpected places that sell cruises

You might get more personalized care from smaller agencies than from the huge online agencies, though websites such as icruise.com, Cruise.com and Cruise411.com also have experienced cruise agents. These larger online travel agencies can be a good option for those who prefer to make decisions and ask questions via chat. Just make sure you get the name and phone number of the representative for any follow-up questions.

Questions to ask a cruise travel agent

In choosing a cruise travel agent, you will want to tap into the person's specific expertise about the cruise line and ship you are considering. Anyone can read a ship deck plan outlining ship spaces (which you can find online), but you are looking for people who really know their stuff.

Look for travel agencies that are cruise-only or a home-based agent who specializes in cruises. If you are using a full-service travel agency, ask for the cruise desk.

Here are some questions to ask a travel agent to determine their expertise:

How often do you cruise?
Have you cruised on the line I am considering?
Have you cruised on the ship that I am considering, or do you have clients who have cruised that ship and provided a review of their vacation?
Do you have firsthand knowledge about the cruise destination? The itinerary?

You will also want to ask the travel agent if they have a preferred relationship or negotiated agreement with any specific lines that could lead to special perks for you.

Be aware that not all agents work with all cruise lines; some represent only a few preferred suppliers or specialize in higher-end cruises. They get bigger commissions from their preferred lines.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, but be aware if the agent seems to be putting you off the line you were originally considering, as this could be the reason. On the plus side, an agent who is a preferred supplier might have negotiated rates with the cruise line and be able to call in favors, such as that bottle of Champagne or a cabin upgrade .

You should also ask if the travel agency offers 24/7 assistance (usually an 800 number) in case you have last-minute questions or something goes wrong before or during your trip.

The cruise travel agent should have questions for you as well, to better understand your dream vacation desires. If you are calling a cruise agency for the first time, the agent should be interviewing you as much as you are interviewing him or her. The agent should be focused on helping you choose the cruise line , ship and cabin that is right for you. Making the correct choices is very important to your overall cruise experience.

Bottom line

Booking a cruise is a complex enterprise. A cruise travel agent will guide you through choosing your cabin and dining times, deposits and final payment, and options for shore excursions and specialty dining. If you need to cancel the trip, the agent will also help you through the refund process. You'll have a lot less stress before and during your vacation if you book with an experienced agent.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
Top ways cruisers waste money
The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

We are reader supported. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links.

Do Travel Agents Get Discounts On Flights? (Explained)

One frequently asked question is whether booking a flight with a travel agent or online is cheaper. The most challenging aspect of planning a trip is sticking to a budget, which means finding more affordable flights.

Table of Contents

Here’s whether travel agents get discounts on flights

Yes, travel agents get discounts on flights. Travel agents establish and maintain relationships with air travel and have specific tactics and methods of obtaining low-cost tickets, e.g., consolidation fares.

Let us take a look at how they go about it.

How do travel agents get a better discount on flights?

Travel agents understand how to maneuver and employ techniques that result in airline savings. The most significant factor that travel agents consider is developing relationships with airlines to obtain lower airfare prices.

Travel agents have access to the information necessary to acquire better deals. They get a lot of their information from the same sites everyone uses. Furthermore, they receive daily discounts via e-mails and fax that are not usually available on the Internet.

They get rebates on flights and discounts on flight rates and can easily upgrade from one class to another.

Here is how they get discounts

Booking consolidator rates

These cheaper seats on less popular flights allow travel agencies to get fantastic discounts. They are a reliable means to sell a percentage of fares, negotiate annual contracts, set revenue targets, and closely regulate sales via a particular booking class.

The fares are frequently referred to as “private” or “bulk” fares. When consulting with a travel agent, an established travel agency is your best choice for finding a consolidator airline fare.

Time to book flights

Searching for flights at the beginning of the week will result in higher savings. This is because, at the beginning of the week, fares are primarily regulated by algorithms. Humans influence sales in specific directions.

Travel agents suggest that buying trends can lead to flash sales at the start of the week. This time is your greatest bet for finding lower-priced tickets.

The “Open Jaw” strategy

Travel agents use this booking strategy that takes advantage of the fact that airlines periodically discount routes with stops over direct flights—for example, a flight from New York to San Francisco.

The open jaw technique would involve routing yourself from New York to San Francisco to Los Angeles but leaving the San Francisco to Los Angeles portion unused. This strategy may not work for the most cautious travelers.

If you employ this method in the middle of an itinerary, the sequential legs after the unused trip may be canceled by the airline.

Searching the airline websites directly

Travel agents know that airlines occasionally offer connecting flights via a codeshare agreement that does not appear while searching on flight comparison websites. Therefore, they buy multi-carrier or interline tickets that airlines will not sell on other flight comparison websites.

However, those interline tickets can only be purchased through a reputable full-service travel agency.

Book in advance

The ideal time to buy summer flight tickets is 3-4 weeks before the day you want to travel. Beyond that, prices are likely to be higher. Travel agents anticipate increased domestic round-trip flight rates due to regular seasonal demand.

Prices will rise through the summer period before beginning to dip during the winter season. As a general travel agent rule, it is always advisable to start watching pricing early to secure a decent offer.

Travel package discounts

Travel agents know the discounts that come with complete booking packages. They are known for slipping huge discounts into all-inclusive packages. This is commonly seen in hotels.

The same applies to air travel. If you book lodging, car hire, and flight together, you are likely to pay at a discounted rate than a person who booked all three separately.

Agreements with airlines

Some travel agencies have contracts with airlines and therefore buy the airline’s flights in bulk at reduced prices. The agents sell these flights to customers at lower prices than regular airfare. Travel agents also have access to coupons and codes that also offer tickets at low prices.

Connections with discount airlines

Most travel agents are well connected with airlines that offer discounts. Therefore, it is easier for them to earn deals on airfare.

Airline specials

Travel agents know when airlines offer specials because they constantly browse airline websites for the best offers. Specials are provided mainly as a last-minute deal to sell any leftover seats. Specials are way cheaper than standard flight rates.

Price alerts

Travel agents establish a price alert to be notified when the price of a ticket rises or falls. Ticket prices can change daily, and even a slight decrease might result in significant discounts, especially if you need to purchase a ticket for every family member.

Booking two-one way tickets

Rather than booking a return ticket, travel agents book two cheaper one-way tickets that offer even better route options.

Weighing all costs

Travel agents understand that the base price of a ticket rarely covers the entire cost of flying. Therefore, they go out of their way to find the best overall value in terms of ticket costs.

They thoroughly investigate add-ons such as baggage fees, overweight charges, WiFi, and other options. Costs are also significant to travel agents, especially regarding “use it or lose it” tickets.

If you miss a trip, need to rearrange your flight, or cancel a leg of your vacation, restrictions might rapidly become prohibitively expensive. They pay close attention to notes regarding upgrading using frequent flier miles because they may not always be able to use particular fare classes or even pay to upgrade to another fare class.

Searching for alternative airlines

Travel agents save hundreds of dollars by traveling through a different airport – even if that airport is in another nation.

Other cities may have a few airports within a few hours’ drive that provide lower-cost flights. To discover the cheapest fare, travel agents consider all available options, including the cost of parking, gas, and possibly a rental car.

Read more: Do travel agents get discounts on cruises? & Do travel agents get discount on hotels?

In summary, travel agents get discounts on flights by having connections with airlines, having better access to information not commonly available on the internet, and booking in advance.

In addition, travel agents can buy tickets in bulk, resulting in discounted prices. Booking at the start of the week and in advance are also some of the ways travel agents get discounts on flights.

troubleshooter

Is it cheaper to hire a travel agent or book on your own? We looked into it

How much time do you spend researching your next vacation? According to Expedia , Americans visit 140 travel websites before booking their next vacation. Could you be saving time and money using a travel agent?

"Really truly what we work on is value, you're getting someone with knowledge and experience on your side, so you don't have to do all of the work," said Crystal Seaton with Road to Relaxation Travel .

Seaton says booking through a travel agent typically won't cost you more. She says while some agents will charge you a nominal planning fee, many agencies like hers do not charge anything extra for their services.

"We get paid a commission on the back end from the vendor, so that's how we make our income," she said.

She did say they sometimes charge a fee if it's for a major complex trip with extensive planning.

When it comes to getting the same deals offered online, Seaton says, "99 percent of the time we can get the same deals."

"What I caution people," she said, "is to look beyond price to value because sometimes those digital deals come with a lot of small print that you don't notice upfront."

You need to make sure the advertised price is the final cost, and there are no extra taxes and fees added on after booking.

Seaton gave examples of when travel agents can save their clients' money on trips to Disney.

"We monitor promotions," she said. "Disney had a fall promotion that's come out recently. Our agents were up through the night waiting for it to drop based on what we're hearing, and then we go through the reservations that are booked for us and see who qualifies for it and apply it."

She says agents do the same thing when it comes to cruises and all-inclusive trips.

When you book on your own, you could be locked in on the price. The biggest difference is time.

According to Expedia, Americans spend nearly 23 hours on travel websites six weeks prior to booking a vacation. Those are hours that you could save for other things and let a travel agent do the work for you.

If you prefer booking your trip on your own online, Rob Stern, with RobPlansYourTrip.com says consider this: " Travel agents offer many things that the Internet does not, including personal knowledge of destinations and our recent travel experiences, knowing the quality of different travel suppliers, and providing a live resource for help during your trip. We have access to some industry only booking engines for travel packages as well."

If you book through an agent, they can also help when problems arise on your trip.

"Travel agents can help with troubleshooting when suppliers don't come through, in cases of bad weather, labor strikes, lost luggage, flight delays and cancellations," he said. "If there's an issue at a hotel or with a car rental when can often resolve it. We can explain what types of travel protection plans are the best for your type of trip."

Whether you are booking on your own or with an agent, Seaton says, "My best advice is to plan early. Your better deals are almost always early."

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Best Online Travel Agencies

Booking.com is our top choice for making your trip arrangements

Ligaya Malones is an editor, blogger, and freelance writer specializing in food and travel. Ligaya's work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet and BRIDES.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Planning a trip can be easier through an online travel agency than if you handle each aspect of the planning separately. You can book hotels, air travel, rental cars, and more through a single site, and booking everything together sometimes results in discounts. By inputting a destination, a range of dates, and other preferences, you will see a list of options for each aspect of travel.

The best online travel agencies offer options from the largest number of airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and more. Look for sites that offer discounts for combining reservations for different aspects of your trip. For example, the best sites will have lower rates if you book both plane tickets and a hotel through their services. The best sites also provide reviews from customers who actually have booked through the service. These are our top picks.

Best Overall: Booking.com
Best Budget: Skyscanner
Best Price Predictor: Hopper
Most Innovative: Kiwi.com
Best for Eco-Conscious: Kind Traveler
Best for Social Impact: I Like Local
Best for Design-Forward Homestays: Plum Guide
Our Top Picks
Booking.com

Kind Traveler

I Like Local

See More (4)

Final Verdict

Frequently asked questions, methodology, best overall : booking.com.

Booking.com

This industry leader offers one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms on the Internet.

Lots of options to choose from

Interface is easy to use

Numerous filters to customize your search

Tricky to tell whether changes/cancellations can be made with Booking.com or the vendor directly

Booking.com was founded in 1996 and has grown into an industry leader that stands out for being one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms out there. From one website, you can compare and book accommodations, flights (including one-way and multi-city flights), sightseeing activities, and even airport taxis. The website lists more than 28 million accommodation options, from hotels, hostels, and B&Bs to vacation homes and luxury resorts—you can browse more choices per destination on Booking.com than other online travel agencies. The website also performs well on cost and typically returns lower-than-average prices for flights and hotels.

Booking.com's interface is also easy to use. On the home page, search for a hotel by entering your chosen destination and dates. Then, use the extensive list of filters—such as price range and distance from the city center—to narrow the results down and find the best fit. You can also search for a specific hotel, or seek inspiration by clicking through options grouped by destination or property type or by topic such as the country’s best Michelin-starred hotel restaurants or the top cities for vegan travelers. The flights, car rental, and other tabs are just as intuitive.

Best Budget : Skyscanner

Skyscanner

You can compare prices across airlines, hotels, and car rentals.

Simple interface

Option to toggle searches between specific dates or by monthly calendars

Search Everywhere button is great for spontaneous planners

Extra clicks are required to make a final purchase

Must read fine print for changes/cancellations—may need to deal directly with the vendor

Ads on the sidebar can be distracting

Find deals on airfare, hotels, and car rentals with an aggregator site like Skyscanner , which uses a metasearch engine to compare prices from all online travel agencies and the airline, hotel, or car rental company in question. Run searches with fixed dates, opt to compare airfare prices month to month, or click “Cheapest Month.” Searches also include options for nearby airports or non-stop flights only. With hotel searches, you can choose to select only from properties with free cancellation, a cleanliness rating of 4.5/5 or higher, or 3- or 4-starred hotels only. Car rental searches include an option to select “return car to different location.”

Once you’ve found the best rate, click on the link to be redirected to the third-party site to make your booking. Feeling spontaneous? The Search Everywhere button on the homepage offers a list of the cheapest flight deals for destinations both locally and across the world—just plug in your departure airport first.

Best Price Predictor : Hopper

The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting when flights and hotel rates will be cheapest.

Color-coded system makes it easy to determine cheapest days to buy

App is easy to use

Option to track flights and receive alerts when the best time to buy arises

Some have mentioned the app functions better as a research tool than a booking tool

Unclear whether Hopper will price match if you find a cheaper flight elsewhere

Hopper is a travel app available on iOS and Android that aims to help travelers save on airfare by usng historical data and their own algorithm to predict when flights will be cheapest. Just type in where and when you’d like to fly and Hopper will present you with a color-coded pricing calendar indicating how much tickets are likely to cost. (Green is the least expensive, then yellow, orange, and red for most expensive.) Hopper will also recommend you either buy now or wait, or you can choose to watch a trip and receive notifications on the best time to buy. In addition, the app has expanded to offer hotel and car rental price predictions, too.

Some newer features since the app’s inception in 2009 include an option to freeze a price for a limited time—for an extra fee—as well as exclusive app-only discounts. Hopper is free to download, and you can choose to book directly through the app, though some users mentioned they use Hopper as more of a research tool before booking directly with the airline or hotel. The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting flight rates up to a year ahead.

Most Innovative : Kiwi.com

This metasearch engine scours the web to piece together the ideal itinerary using planes, trains, buses, and more.

Creative itineraries get you where you need to go, especially if you’ve got a multi-stop trip

Kiwi Guarantee offers rebooking or cancellation protections

Nomad option appeals to travelers with a lot of flexibility

Creative itineraries mean you may not fly out of the same airport you flew into

Kiwi Guarantee has an additional fee

Charges all-in-one fee for booking flights, trains, buses (though you can always purchase a la carte)

Travelers planning multi-city destinations and seeking a bargain, as well as those looking to take planes, trains, and automobiles to get there, might consider Kiwi . Kiwi is a metasearch engine that scours and pieces together itineraries from various airlines (even if they don’t have a codeshare agreement), considers multiple airports (even if your arrival airport is different from departure), and offers booking options, whether you’re looking at very specific dates or more general ones (up to 60 nights).

Some will find the ability to make multiple bookings for a particular trip more convenient than going at it manually several different times, though note that you must opt into the Kiwi Guarantee program to access rebooking and refund protections should your reservation change or be canceled. Kiwi’s Nomad option allows you to plug in a bunch of destinations you’d like to visit and the length of your intended stay, and the website will churn out the most affordable itineraries for review.

Best for Eco-Conscious : Kind Traveler

A give-and-get business model means booking accommodations with exclusive perks, a donation to environmental organizations, and more.

All participating hotels include a local give-back component

Exclusive savings and perks

Participating hotels are located in some of the most beautiful places in the world

Inventory is much smaller compared to other booking platforms

Some of the amenities mentioned are based on availability only

In 2022, Kind Traveler (an online trave agency focused on hotel bookings) announced an increase in environmentally and socially conscious hotels, charity donations, voluntourism opportunities, and additional perks like waived resort fees or a welcome amenity.

Unlock exclusive hotel rates and perks from participating Kind Traveler hotels with a minimum $10/night minimum donation to a local charity. For example, stay at the Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives and receive up to $33 off the nightly rate and perks such as a food and beverage credit and an Earth Lab or Alchemy Bar workshop when you make a donation to Manta Trust. The organization funds coastal research to protect the island nation’s large yet fragile population of reef mantas.

Select from more than 140 participating hotels from the Hawaiian Islands to Bozeman, Montana, and the Maldives. Charities include wildlife, human rights, arts, education, and environmental preservation organizations.

Best for Social Impact : I Like Local

Choose from a host of travel experiences with the peace of mind that 100 percent of the cost goes directly to local partners.

Social impact mission woven into organization’s business model

Immersive experiences led by local guides

Range of experiences offered

May not be best fit for those seeking upscale, luxury experiences and stays

Can’t sort experiences by a list of countries (though an interactive map is available)

No experiences outside of Africa and Asia

For an online travel agency with a booking platform designed to route dollars spent directly to the communities travelers intend to visit, consider I Like Local . Visit the website to browse a host of travel experiences in countries including Indonesia, Kenya, and Cambodia. Experiences include homestays and farmstays as well as wellness and culturally oriented experiences—from cooking and cycling tours to weaving classes.

To search for an experience, select from drop-down items like travel dates and experience categories, or view a global map and click on a country to view experiences that way.

The platform got its start in 2014 and has grown to 4,000 local hosts across nearly 20 countries. As a social impact organization, 100 percent of each booking fee goes to local hosts. To date, 16,000 travelers have booked with I Like Local.

Best for Design-Forward Homestays : Plum Guide

Browse and book seriously vetted, design-forward vacation homes.

Highly curated inventory of vacation rentals across the world

Design-forward

Thorough vetting process

Does not publish guest reviews

Other platforms have homes available across more destinations

When it comes to booking a vacation home, serviced apartment, or condo, travelers are spoiled for choice. Plum Guide is an online travel agency that specializes in accommodations—though not just any home makes its directory. The company claims that each potential home listed on its site must jump through 150 hoops to be included, from internet speed and mattress and pillow quality to the showers’ water pressure and the home’s proximity to dining, shopping, and attractions.

Search by a featured collection on the website such as “ pet-friendly homes ” or “one-of-a-kind homes in Palm Springs.” Scroll to the bottom of its homepage to view its top destinations, as well as a list of all destinations where Plum Guide homes are available, including Barbados, Mexico, Portugal, Switzerland, the U.S., and Turkey. Note: From the top right-hand corner of the site, use the dropdown menu to select currency of choice.

As long as you know what you value most out of your travel experience—such as affordability, social impact, or luxe accommodations—there’s an online travel agency to help plan your next trip. Be sure to read the fine print, as some agencies are third-party websites and not direct vendors. If you're not sure where to start, Booking.com is your best bet for a smooth user experience and hard-to-beat offers on flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements.

What Is the Biggest Travel Agency?

Our choice for best overall, Booking.com, is known as an industry leader with listings for all major hotels, airlines, car rental companies, and more. It boasts more choices for accommodations per destination than any other site, and we found its interface to be user-friendly.

Are Online Travel Agencies Worth It?

This depends on your needs and priorities. The best online travel agencies certainly can save time by booking everything all at once. However, if you're someone who is good at haggling and enjoys the details of planning a trip, you might be able to find better deals by reaching out to hotels or other destinations and speaking to someone personally.

Is It Cheaper to Book Online Than With a Travel Agent?

Not always. A travel agent you know and trust should have the experience and connections to find deals that can match or surpass what you'll find online. Additionally, if something goes wrong, travel agents provide you with an actual person you can use as an advocate to correct the problem . But if you don't have access to a good travel agent, online sites still provide plenty of ways to streamline planning and save money .

We considered dozens of online travel agencies and narrowed down the options based on user experience, volume and quality of inventory, unique offerings and specials, and customer reviews. We also assessed travel companies’ environmentally and socially conscious policies.

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

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Saving Money on Your Summer Vacation

Compare flights from 100s of sites.

Big names, great deals, filter for what you want, track prices, more than flights, start your travel planning here, search flights , hotels & rental cars.

Hi New York City Hostel $58+
West Side Ymca $106+
Pod 51 $159+
Radio Hotel $163+
Pod Times Square $170+
OYO Times Square $173+
Pod 39 $179+
The Gallivant Times Square $180+
The Washington $182+
Paramount Times Square $190+
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown $193+
Westgate New York Grand Central $200+
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square West $200+
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel $208+
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel $211+
Flight Fort Lauderdale - Newark (FLL - EWR) $33+
Flight Atlanta - New York (ATL - LGA) $42+
Flight Miami - Newark (MIA - EWR) $54+
Flight Miami - New York (MIA - LGA) $55+
Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - LGA) $59+
Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - LGA) $60+
Flight Fort Lauderdale - New York (FLL - LGA) $61+
Flight Dallas - Newark (DFW - EWR) $66+
Flight Tampa - Newark (TPA - EWR) $69+
Flight Chicago - Newark (ORD - EWR) $78+
Flight Orlando - Newark (MCO - EWR) $78+
Flight Orlando - New York (MCO - LGA) $79+
Flight Houston - New York (HOU - LGA) $90+
Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - JFK) $95+
Flight Fort Lauderdale - New York (FLL - JFK) $111+
Monumental Movieland Hotel $51+
Grand Hotel Kissimmee At Celebration $54+
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Orlando Resort & Suites Intl Drive $69+
Flight Cleveland - Orlando (CLE - MCO) $38+
Flight Atlanta - Orlando (ATL - MCO) $40+
Flight Cincinnati - Orlando (CVG - MCO) $52+
Book A Bed Hostels $23+
Generator London $34+
Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage $35+
Nx London Hostel $37+
Flight Boston - London (BOS - LHR) $323+
Flight Los Angeles - London (LAX - LHR) $330+
Flight New York - London (JFK - LHR) $360+
Flight New York - London (LGA - LHR) $378+

Fort Lauderdale

Red Carpet Inn Airport Fort Lauderdale $64+
Fort Lauderdale Grand Hotel $66+
Days Inn by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Airport Cruise Port $68+
Flight Atlanta - Fort Lauderdale (ATL - FLL) $39+
Flight Baltimore - Fort Lauderdale (BWI - FLL) $40+
Flight Newark - Fort Lauderdale (EWR - FLL) $40+
Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle $64+
Travelodge by Wyndham Seattle By The Space Needle $174+
Coast Gateway Hotel $178+
Flight Ontario - Seattle (ONT - SEA) $52+
Flight Los Angeles - Seattle (LAX - SEA) $61+
Flight Denver - Seattle (DEN - SEA) $76+
Fabhotel Royal Residency Ii $21+
Taj Mahal Hotel Abids $22+
The Altruist Business Hotel Hitech $27+
Flight New York - Mumbai (JFK - BOM) $596+
Flight Washington, D.C. - New Delhi (IAD - DEL) $631+
Flight San Francisco - New Delhi (SFO - DEL) $678+
Smile Hotel Premium Sapporo Susukino $45+
Best Western Sapporo Odori Koen $49+
Sapporo Tokyu Rei Hotel $50+
Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - NRT) $567+
Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - NRT) $628+
Flight Dallas - Tokyo (DFW - NRT) $743+
Kuhio Banyan Club $108+
Royal Grove Waikiki $123+
Ohia Waikiki Studio Suites $129+
Flight Los Angeles - Honolulu (LAX - HNL) $184+
Flight San Francisco - Honolulu (SFO - HNL) $199+
Flight San Jose - Honolulu (SJC - HNL) $209+
Super 8 by Wyndham Dallas Love Field Airport $51+
Dallas Love Field Inn $53+
Wyndham Garden Dallas North $62+
Flight Fort Lauderdale - Dallas (FLL - DFW) $33+
Flight Miami - Dallas (MIA - DFW) $40+
Flight Ontario - Dallas (ONT - DFW) $53+
The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower $15+
Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino $20+
OYO Hotel And Casino Las Vegas $22+
Excalibur Hotel & Casino $38+
Flight Los Angeles - Las Vegas (LAX - LAS) $34+
Flight San Francisco - Las Vegas (SFO - LAS) $38+
Flight Burbank - Las Vegas (BUR - LAS) $39+
Flight Oakland - Las Vegas (OAK - LAS) $42+
Freehand Chicago $41+
Chicago Getaway Hostel $60+
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago $128+
Flight Boston - Chicago (BOS - ORD) $40+
Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - MDW) $47+
Flight Dallas - Chicago (DFW - MDW) $50+

San Francisco

Hi San Francisco Downtown Hostel $47+
The Mosser $69+
Axiom Hotel $126+
Flight Ontario - San Francisco (ONT - SFO) $46+
Flight Santa Ana - San Francisco (SNA - SFO) $48+
Flight Los Angeles - San Francisco (LAX - SFO) $62+

Washington, D.C.

Generator Hotel Washington DC $45+
Days Inn by Wyndham Washington DC/Connecticut Avenue $102+
Citizenm Washington DC Noma $132+
Citizenm Washington Dc Capitol $136+
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center $137+
Henley Park Hotel $141+
Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters $144+
Washington Plaza Hotel $145+
Omni Shoreham Hotel $145+
Hyatt Place Washington DC/US Capitol $147+
Hamilton Hotel - Washington DC $150+
Georgetown Residences by Luxurban $158+
Flight Atlanta - Baltimore (ATL - BWI) $54+
Flight Tampa - Baltimore (TPA - BWI) $55+
Flight Orlando - Baltimore (MCO - BWI) $56+
Flight Boston - Baltimore (BOS - BWI) $61+
Flight Dallas - Baltimore (DFW - BWI) $66+
Flight Los Angeles - Baltimore (LAX - BWI) $84+
Flight Chicago - Baltimore (ORD - BWI) $95+
Flight Houston - Baltimore (HOU - BWI) $114+
Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - IAD) $115+
Flight Chicago - Washington, D.C. (ORD - IAD) $115+
Flight Miami - Washington, D.C. (MIA - DCA) $127+
Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - DCA) $133+
Hotel Casa Mallorca $53+
Wyndham Garden Cancun Downtown $66+
Suites Malecon Cancun $80+
Flight Dallas - Cancún (DFW - CUN) $174+
Flight Fort Lauderdale - Cancún (FLL - CUN) $182+
Flight Houston - Cancún (HOU - CUN) $196+

United States

Flight Fort Lauderdale - Newark (FLL - EWR) $39+
Flight Newark - Miami (EWR - MIA) $40+
Tip Top Motel Cafe & Bakery $154+
Kauai Palms Hotel $189+
Kauai Inn $239+
Flight Los Angeles - Hawaii (LAX - USHI) $94+
Flight San Francisco - Hawaii (SFO - USHI) $162+
Flight San Diego - Hawaii (SAN - USHI) $190+
Stay Classy $56+
California Suites Hotel $95+
Super 8 by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle $99+
Flight San Jose - San Diego (SJC - SAN) $50+
Flight Oakland - San Diego (OAK - SAN) $51+
Flight Phoenix - San Diego (PHX - SAN) $62+
Shared Living Not A Hotel $32+
Super 8 by Wyndham Phoenix West $49+
HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof Phoenix - Black Canyon Highway $56+
Flight Ontario - Phoenix (ONT - PHX) $41+
Flight Dallas - Phoenix (DFW - PHX) $53+
Flight Portland - Phoenix (PDX - PHX) $64+

Los Angeles

Boutique Hostel $34+
Freehand Los Angeles $48+
City Center Hotel $100+
Rotex Western Inn $107+
Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport $110+
The Dixie Hollywood $116+
USC Hotel $128+
Flight Oakland - Los Angeles (OAK - LAX) $39+
Flight San Jose - Los Angeles (SJC - LAX) $48+
Flight San Francisco - Los Angeles (SFO - LAX) $59+
Flight Seattle - Los Angeles (SEA - LAX) $61+
Flight Portland - Los Angeles (PDX - LAX) $69+
Flight Atlanta - Los Angeles (ATL - LAX) $79+
Flight Denver - Los Angeles (DEN - LAX) $83+
Selina Gold Dust $50+
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Miami Airport North $71+
Motel 6 Miami. Fl $78+
Miami Gardens Inn & Suites $80+
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miami Airport East $81+
Days Inn by Wyndham Miami International Airport $83+
Life House, Little Havana $91+
Holiday Inn Miami West - Airport Area $95+
Holiday Inn Miami-Doral Area, An IHG Hotel $102+
Staybridge Suites Miami International Airport $105+
Pullman Miami Airport $106+
Flight Baltimore - Miami (BWI - MIA) $38+
Flight Detroit - Miami (DTW - MIA) $40+
Flight Philadelphia - Miami (PHL - MIA) $40+
Flight Atlanta - Miami (ATL - MIA) $50+
Flight Dallas - Miami (DFW - MIA) $52+
Flight Charlotte - Miami (CLT - MIA) $55+
Flight Chicago - Miami (ORD - MIA) $60+
Flight Boston - Miami (BOS - MIA) $61+
Flight New York - Miami (LGA - MIA) $63+
Flight Raleigh - Miami (RDU - MIA) $73+
Hometowne Studios by Red Roof Denver - Glendale/Cherry Creek $68+
Super 8 by Wyndham Denver Stapleton $77+
Baymont by Wyndham Denver International Airport $87+
La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Denver Airport Dia $104+
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Denver Airport $109+
Renu On Wazee $120+
Renaissance Denver Central Park Hotel $126+
Flight Austin - Denver (AUS - DEN) $48+
Flight Atlanta - Denver (ATL - DEN) $60+
Flight Ontario - Denver (ONT - DEN) $63+
Flight Chicago - Denver (ORD - DEN) $65+
Flight Baltimore - Denver (BWI - DEN) $68+
Flight Minneapolis - Denver (MSP - DEN) $70+
Flight Houston - Denver (HOU - DEN) $72+
Hi Boston Hostel $65+
Ramada by Wyndham Boston $147+
The Revolution Hotel $170+
Flight Newark - Boston (EWR - BOS) $45+
Flight Chicago - Boston (ORD - BOS) $50+
Flight Baltimore - Boston (BWI - BOS) $61+
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Atlanta Airport $63+
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Atlanta Airport North $95+
Sonesta Atlanta Airport North $98+
Flight Chicago - Atlanta (MDW - ATL) $37+
Flight Fort Lauderdale - Atlanta (FLL - ATL) $39+
Flight New York - Atlanta (LGA - ATL) $39+
Generator Madrid $25+
Toc Hostel Madrid $33+
C&h Aravaca Garden $40+
Flight New York - Athens (JFK - ATH) $248+
Flight New York - Rome (JFK - FCO) $290+
Flight New York - Barcelona (JFK - BCN) $310+
Rodeway Inn Fairgrounds-Casino $65+
Econo Lodge Airport at RJ Stadium $69+
Tampa Inn Near Busch Gardens $72+
Flight Baltimore - Florida (BWI - USFL) $38+
Flight Newark - Florida (EWR - USFL) $40+
Flight Atlanta - Florida (ATL - USFL) $50+
Flight Atlanta - Tampa (ATL - TPA) $44+
Flight Raleigh - Tampa (RDU - TPA) $47+
Flight Baltimore - Tampa (BWI - TPA) $48+

New Orleans

Super 8 by Wyndham New Orleans $52+
Maison Saint Charles by Hotel RL $84+
Hampton Inn and Suites New Orleans Convention Center $92+
Flight Dallas - New Orleans (DFW - MSY) $29+
Flight Houston - New Orleans (HOU - MSY) $41+
Flight Houston - New Orleans (IAH - MSY) $41+

Frequently asked questions about KAYAK

How do i find travel deals on kayak.

Simply use one of our travel search engines to scan for prices gathered from hundreds of travel sites. KAYAK’s search results pages have loads of filter options to help you find deals, discover exactly what you’re looking for and make booking seamless. Plus, there’s no extra fee from KAYAK.

What makes KAYAK a great travel app?

On the KAYAK app for iOS and Android you’ll find all the great travel offers found on the website and much more. There are special mobile rates and app only deals that allow you to save even more money. Plus, you can get notifications straight to your phone letting you know when prices for your next trip have dropped. But the KAYAK app is much more than just a travel app. Use the Trips function to manage your travel itinerary and get up to date status alerts on flights, check-in changes and to store your boarding pass. Even if you’re in the middle of nowhere on your travels, you can still access your travel notes via Trips, as no internet connection is required.

How can I use KAYAK to manage my travel bookings?

KAYAK Trips creates a travel itinerary for you that will give you flight status alerts, can be shared with friends and more. Simply forward your booking confirmations to [email protected] or use the KAYAK app and sync your email account to keep all your travel plans organized in one app, even if you didn’t book with KAYAK. You can share your holiday plans with friends and family and also check out your travel stats for past vacations, like how far you’ve traveled, your most popular cities and how many times you’ve traveled around the world. Even if you don’t have signal, don’t worry, as you can access Trips to check out your itineraries whilst on the road. Your data is safe and secure with us and you won’t have to re-enter credit card info when booking future trips. If you want to make changes or cancel bookings, then you should contact the travel provider, which is provided on the booking confirmation.

What are KAYAK Price Alerts?

Instead of manually checking back in on the price of your next flight or stay, let KAYAK do the hard work for you with KAYAK Price Alerts. Once you’ve saved your search, our data will determine how the price will rise or fluctuate over the coming days. You’ll then get a push notification letting you know when’s the perfect time to book.

Search flights , hotels , rental cars , travel guides and more with KAYAK. KAYAK searches hundreds of other travel sites at once to get you the information you need to make the right decisions.

GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences. These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site. We are not a comparison-tool and these offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products.

Travel Agents: Here’s Where We’d Travel This Summer on a $1,000 Budget

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Summer’s just around the corner, which means now’s the time to iron out those travel plans, buy plane tickets, reserve hotels and gear up for what should be an amazing trip. If you’re still on the fence about taking a trip this summer because of budgetary reasons, you might need to get a little creative.

And that means choosing places you can visit without exhausting your savings account or taking on credit card debt.

The good news is that there are quite a few such places — many of which are within the continental U.S. Depending on where you’re starting from and how much time you’ve got, you could very well have a wonderful vacation without spending more than around $1,000.

GOBankingRates spoke with several travel agents and professionals about where in the country they’d go on a $1,000 budget this summer. Here’s what they said.

Oxnard, California

“If an affordable domestic getaway is what you are after, I suggest exploring one of the many U.S. beach towns that offer way more than the sun and sea,” said Maya Kapoor-Miller, travel agent and travel manager at Dreamport.

One such place is Oxnard.

“Oxnard in Southern California is an idyllic and somewhat underrated vacation spot on California’s southern coast with a small-town feel,” Kapoor-Miller continued. “Located only 60 miles northwest of LAX and near other central destinations, including Santa Barbara, Oxnard is one of Cali’s best-kept secrets. It is home to miles of pristine golden duned beaches, including the famous Mandalay Beach, as well as historic Victorian-era architecture and some of the best taquerias in the state.”

It generally gets around 80 degrees during the summertime, so you won’t have to worry about the sweltering heat.

The beaches aren’t the only thing Oxnard’s got going for it, though.

“Its picturesque harbor offers kayaking and cycling opportunities while serving as the closest access point to the stunning Channel Islands National Park,” Kapoor-Miller continued. “The surroundings of the islands are protected so that you can experience truly diverse marine life. Rent a kayak for the afternoon or explore the park’s five islands on foot.”

And you don’t have to worry too much about going over your budget either as Oxnard is pretty affordable.

“Whether you are dining and shopping downtown or exploring the breathtaking coastline or one of the many maritime museums, Oxnard is an enchanting yet reasonably-priced beachfront destination to add to your bucket list this summer,” Kapoor-Miller said. “The average cost for a solo traveler to visit Oxnard on a budget is below $200 per day, including accommodation, dining, sightseeing and local transportation costs.”

Florida Beaches

If you live on the East Coast or in the South, Florida’s another affordable travel destination this summer. Depending on how you go about it, and how much you need to spend on gas or airfare, you could enjoy a lovely beach trip for about $1,000.

“Florida is an excellent choice if you’re longing for a classic beach vacation,” said Tim Hentschel, the CEO and co-founder of HotelPlanner , one of the world’s largest group travel booking sites.

In particular, he suggested Miami, Tampa and Orlando — depending on what you want to do.

“Miami boasts a vibrant nightlife with trendy clubs, diverse dining options, and cultural landmarks like the Art Deco Historic District and Little Havana,” he said. “Tampa is known for its lively waterfront, featuring the Tampa Riverwalk, and thrilling amusement parks like Busch Gardens.”

In Orlando, you can also go to world-class theme parks like Walt Disney World or Universal Studios. You can book accommodations a little further out of the city to compensate for the ticket prices.

Waco, Texas

Another affordable summer travel destination for those in the Southwest or West Coast is Waco, Texas. It’s about halfway between Austin and Dallas and has a lot to offer.

“If you have the slightest bit of interest in the HGTV craze with Chip & Joanna Gaines at the forefront, Waco, Texas, is a great, under-the-radar destination that’s extremely affordable and offers a ton to do,” said Hans Mast, an agent with Golden Rule Travel . “You can allocate your $1,000 budget several different ways.”

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To start, Mast suggested sticking with cheaper accommodations so that you have more money for shopping, food and sightseeing.

“You can expect to pay $65/night (including tax) for a highly-rated 2-star hotel like the Days Inn. Or $103/night for a gorgeous, unique tiny home experience like The Hacienda Container Tiny Home,” Mast said. “Or if you prefer to spend more of your budget on lodging, SkyBox Cabins in Glen Rose (close to Fossil Rim) is an amazing splurge for $250/night.”

The food in Waco is very affordable, he added, so you won’t have to spend much of your budget on dining out. Instead, you can spend it on unique experiences like the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center — a self-drive African safari that costs $30 per adult or $25 per child.

Any National Park Near You

There are some stunning national parks in the U.S., so if you happen to live near one — or even just a state or two away — summer’s the time to check them out.

Some national parks are free to visit , though you may have to pay for parking. Others have an entry fee of around $15 to $20 per person — sometimes a little more. Of course, if you already have an annual pass, which costs $80, you won’t even have to pay to visit.

“For those who love nature and crave adventure, a road trip to one or more of the stunning national parks in the U.S. can be incredibly thrilling,” Hentschel said. “Yellowstone National Park offers a unique geothermal landscape with geysers like Old Faithful, hot springs, and abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, and bears. Yosemite National Park is famous for its majestic waterfalls…The Grand Canyon provides breathtaking vistas of the Colorado River and layered rock formations, with challenging hikes like the Bright Angel Trail and opportunities for rafting and helicopter tours.”

New Orleans

If you’re not as into nature or the beach, you can always opt for affordable urban destinations instead. One such location is New Orleans.

“New Orleans is a city full of charm,” Hentschel said. “[It’s known for its delectable food — like beignets and gumbo — a lively music scene with jazz at every corner, and rich cultural heritage.” This includes the French Quarter and Mardi Gras celebrations.”

And if you don’t live near Louisiana or if you want to explore somewhere new, Hentschel suggested Las Vegas or Nashville instead. Both cities have a lot going for them, depending on your interests.

Keep in mind that popular urban areas like these tend to have higher accommodation costs, especially if you’re interested in staying in the city center. A weeklong trip to New Orleans in July, for example, could cost anywhere from about $350 to $800 for the hotel alone, though mid-range options hover at closer to $600 for the week.

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Travel agent vs do it yourself

With so many websites offering discount holiday bookings, do you even need a travel agent.

booking a holiday online vs using a travel agent

We wanted to compare travel agents with DIY travel bookings to see which option saved the most money and uncovered the best holiday deals.

So we set up three hypothetical trips to one of the most popular holiday destinations for Australians – Bali – and approached travel agents as would-be travellers looking for prices.

Our three types of hypothetical holiday-maker are:

a couple wanting a luxury romantic escape
a solo traveller seeking adventure
parents with young children needing some time out.

As well as reaching our own verdict, we also checked in with the travel agents to get their take on people arranging their own trips.

On this page:

Our verdict

Scenario 1: luxury romantic escape, scenario 2: solo traveller, scenario 3: family holiday, what the travel agents say, your rights and travel agents.

It may take more time to DIY your holiday, depending on how computer savvy you are, but it can lead to huge savings.

Doing it yourself

Booking holidays ourselves worked out cheaper than using an agent in all three scenarios. The DIY booking for the luxury holiday saved a massive $2451, more than a third less than the agent's price.

In most cases it was pretty quick and easy to make bookings online, although this was because we knew exactly what we were looking for and the itineraries were fairly simple.

Using a travel agent

If you didn't know what to look for, travel agents' suggestions and advice could save hours of research by quickly narrowing down the endless options of hotels and tour packages available in Bali.

Each agent was knowledgeable about the destination and happy to tweak the itinerary according to our preferences.

Booking holidays ourselves worked out cheaper than using an agent in all three scenarios

Booking through an agent also came with a comforting certainty that all the details were correct, whereas when booking online we had to keep double checking that dates and details all lined up. This would become even more laborious with more complex itineraries.

Combined approach

If you want the best of both worlds, you can always get an itinerary and quote from an agent, do your own search for the cheapest prices online, and then ask the agent to match or beat the prices you've found (although not all offer a 'price beat' guarantee). At the very least, it's worthwhile quickly checking the hotel's and airline's own websites in case they're offering a significantly lower price than the agent.

It's also worth looking at flights with other airlines. Although this introduces many more variables, changing airlines can result in big savings. But make sure you're aware of the airline's safety record and track record for delays and cancellations.

What about hotel comparison sites?

We checked at least one hotel price comparison website for each itinerary, but their price always came in higher than both the agent's quote and the hotel's own website.

Booking a romantic luxury escape ourselves rather than through an agent saved us the most out of the three scenarios. Credit: themulia.com

7 nights' accommodation at The Mulia in a Baron Garden View Suite, including breakfast, flights and airport transfers.

We presented as a couple wanting to stay somewhere luxurious on a total budget of $7000.

Travel agent

The travel agent responded to our online enquiry within a couple of hours, suggesting two resorts: Anantara Uluwatu and The Mulia.

We chose The Mulia in Nusa Dua and the agent quickly sent through a package quote just under budget at $6887.

The package included seven nights' accommodation with breakfast, airport transfers and return Qantas flights, as well as an add-on product ($49 per person) giving extra benefits and services such as price-drop protection.

We asked for the add-on product to be removed and for a price breakdown. The agent sent through a revised quote for $6789, but said a price breakdown wasn't possible.

Seven nights in The Baron Garden View Suite at The Mulia including breakfast, airport transfers and Qantas flights
Total: $6789

The Mulia's own website offers hotel and flight packages, so we checked this option first.

A package including the same room (with breakfast, but no airport transfers) and return flights with Garuda Indonesia airline cost $6113 – significantly less than the agent's quote. We emailed the hotel about adding transfers to this package and were told it would cost $84 return (800,000 in Indonesian rupiah, or IDR), taking the total price of the package to $6197.

We then looked at booking the room and flights separately. The Mulia website offered seven nights' accommodation in the Baron Garden View Suite including breakfast and transfers for $3045 (IDR 29,148,000).

We then found the same return Qantas flights for $1293 using a price comparison site. Combined with the accommodation and transfers booked directly through The Mulia website, the flights took the total DIY package cost to just $4338, saving a whopping $2451 on the travel agent's quote.

Seven nights in The Baron Garden View Suite at The Mulia including breakfast and transfers – $3045
Qantas flights – $1293
Total: $4338

Result: DIY is $2451 (36%) cheaper

Booking a solo trip with adventure activities was straightforward without the help of a travel agent.

9-day Intro Travel Bali Intro tour with activities, accommodation and flights, plus one extra night's stay in Bali and airport transfer.

The second enquiry was for a solo traveller who had a budget of $3000. We asked for adventure activities and the chance to meet other solo travellers.

The agent asked some questions about what kind of activities and experiences we were looking for before talking us through three different tour packages.

We chose the Bali Intro tour and the agent sent through a quote several hours later for $2204, which included the tour (eight nights' accommodation, one-way airport transfer, eight meals and activities), return flights with Virgin, two nights' stay in a hotel before the tour and one night after it.

After some discussion about the extra accommodation, we decided to remove the two-night stay before the tour but keep the post-tour stay, as the agent recommended allowing plenty of time to return to the main island for the flight the next day.

The revised quote was well under budget at $1984. A $2 charity donation was added to the bill, which the agent hadn't mentioned.

Bali Intro tour – $1099
Flights – $797
Departure transfer – $35
Post-tour hotel – $51
Charity donation – $2
Total: $1984

Booking the same holiday online was straightforward. We booked the Bali Intro tour directly through the company's website for the same price ($1099). Using Virgin's own site, we found the same flights for $777. The Virgin flights were also available on a flight comparison site for $723. Flying with Jetstar on the same dates would have cost $629, including 20kg of luggage, entertainment and meals.

The post-tour hotel (with breakfast) was available on Agoda for $54, $3 more than quoted by the agent. We emailed the hotel and were told an airport transfer would cost $21 (IDR 200,000).

Overall, it cost $181 more to book through the agent. And although some people use agents for the perceived convenience, all the emails back and forth actually ended up taking up more time than the DIY option.

Flights – $629 (Jetstar)
Departure transfer – $21
Post-tour hotel – $54
Total: $1803

Result: DIY is $181 (9%) cheaper

We saved $585 by booking a Bali family holiday ourselves. Credit: booking.com

9 nights at Bali Mandira Beach Resort and Spa including breakfast, flights and transfers.

The third enquiry was for a family of four (two adults, a five year-old and a three year-old) with a budget of $7000. We said we wanted a family-friendly resort that had child-minding or kids' club facilities.

The travel agent responded to our online enquiry with two flight options and detailed information on three resorts, along with pricing for each package.

We chose the Bali Mandira Beach Resort and Spa and flights on Malindo Air, which the agent said was $350 cheaper than flying with Garuda.

The agent sent through a package including return Malindo Air flights (with 20kg baggage per person but no meals), nine nights at the Bali Mandira in a Superior Room with breakfast, and two-way airport transfers – all for a total of $6570.

The accommodation came with a number of extras or 'value adds', including a 10% discount at an on-site restaurant, a half-price kids' meal at a buffet and theme dinner, free meals for kids when dining with their parents from the à la carte menu at the main restaurant, and $11 spa credit for each adult. The agent said they weren't able to break down the package pricing.

Nine nights at Bali Mandira Beach Resort and Spa including breakfast, flights and transfers
Total $6570

We found the same room on the hotel's website including breakfast and return airport transfers for $3349. This room also came with some value adds: 10% discount at an on-site restaurant, 15% discount at the main restaurant, 10% spa discount for one treatment, and 20% discount for pre-booked signature spa treatments.

The flights on Malindo Air's website cost $3481, which, combined with the accommodation found on the Bali Mandira's website, would take the total package to $6830 – higher than the agent's quote. But flights on the same dates with Jetstar (with 20kgs luggage, no meals) cost $2636, although the outbound flight arrived in Bali at 9pm rather than 4.50pm, which might be less convenient for people with young children. The total for the DIY package with Jetstar flights was $5985.

Nine nights at Bali Mandira Beach Resort and Spa including buffet breakfast and transfers – $3349
Return flights – $2636 (Jetstar)
Total: $5985

Result: DIY is $585 (9%) cheaper

A professional travel agent can make your entire experience hassle free.

The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) says booking with an ATAS (AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme) accredited travel agent has many benefits.

Professional and personal travel specialists

A professional travel agent is trained to make your entire experience – from start to end – hassle free. They also tailor the itinerary to suit specific requests and find packages and products that suit your unique wants and needs.

Customer advocacy

If you experience a problem while travelling, your agent will act on your behalf, and is there to rectify any travel-related issues you encounter.

Expert guidance

Agents are trained destination and product experts and know how to sort through the myriad of travel information available. Their knowledge and network means they also have access to the best deals.

Time saving

An agent has a world of travel information at their ﬁngertips, saving you countless hours of online searching and frustration.

Convenience

Travel agents are a 'one-stop shop' that can handle every aspect of your travel – from booking airline tickets, ground transfers, tours and activities to arranging travel insurance.

A personal touch

A travel agent will ensure the accuracy of your booking details, advise with visa applications, assist with travel documentation, and provide valuable travel hints and tips.

In 2014 the Australian travel industry became deregulated as the Travel Compensation Fund (TCF) was abolished, backed by industry and government.

The TFC had ensured consumers were compensated when travel agents went broke, but under new rules travel agents no longer have to be licensed. It means you could be left stranded and out of pocket if a travel agent goes bust (although if you act fast, you can ask your bank for a credit card chargeback .)

There's now only the voluntary Australian Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS), run by the peak body Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), which vets travel agents to make sure they meet certain standards such as being reliable and properly trained.

Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.

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7 secrets to booking cheaper flights, according to travel experts

Booking travel can be easier and cheaper with some tricks of the trade.
Clearing your computer cookies can help.
Consider all of your expenses.
Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories .

If you're looking to take a trip, you probably know that one of the biggest hassles of travel planning is putting together a budget — and finding affordable airfare.

Travel agents, booking experts, and concierge services work hard to establish relationships and have specific strategies and secrets they use to score reasonably priced tickets. However, the professionals aren't the only ones who can save major money on flights. Read on for five DIY pro tips you can put to use on your own, whether you're traveling for business or pleasure.

Find a consolidator fare

Travel agents score good deals by booking consolidator fares, which are discounted seats on less popular flights. According to Travel + Leisure , " Airlines now see consolidator fares as a reliable way to sell a percentage of fares , and negotiate annual contracts, establish revenue targets, and tightly control sales through a specific kind of booking class. The rates are also known as 'private' or 'bulk' fares."

While working with a travel agent who has established relationships is your best bet for scoring a consolidator airline fare, you can also find them on sites like Travelocity . Multiple travel agents affirmed to INSIDER that this is often an easier feat while buying tickets to Europe, as fewer consolidator fares are available on domestic flights nowadays.

Search for deals during the beginning of the week

Travel data shows that you're likely to find better savings if you search for flights toward the beginning of the week. This happens because while fares are mostly controlled by software, humans push sales in certain directions. "Buying trends can even cause flash sales," an agent from a boutique travel company in NYC told INSIDER. "The beginning of every week, in advance, is your best bet for searching for lower-priced tickets."

Book sooner, rather than later

A recent report from travel site Hipmunk shows that the sweet spot for booking summer airfare is 21-28 days out from the date you hope to travel. Prices are likely to be higher outside of this window.

Weigh out all the costs

Travel agents know that the base price of a ticket rarely covers the total cost to fly, and they do the legwork to find customers the best overall value when it comes to ticket prices.

You can do the same by adequately researching add-ons, like baggage fees, overweight charges, WiFi, and more. Travel agents also pay close attention to fees, especially around "Use it or lose it" tickets.

Restrictions can quickly become extra expensive if you miss a flight, need to change a flight, or cancel a leg of your journey. "Pay specific attention to notes about upgrading with frequent flier miles," one seasoned agent cautioned INSIDER. "With certain fare classes, you may not always be able to use them — or even pay to upgrade to another fare class."

Search on the airline's website directly

Freddie Julius, the CEO of Tourist England , told INSIDER that he suggests looking on an airline's website, rather than a price comparison site, for the cheapest connecting flights.

"Airlines sometimes offer connecting flights involving a codeshare agreement that doesn't show up when searching on flight comparison websites," he noted.

Consider booking a travel package

Travel agents can often score better prices for customers who book a full package. Some cruise lines, for example, offer specially priced airfare for travelers.

Will you book a hotel or car rental in addition to your flight? If so, search for packages rather than booking separately. While hotels are known for hiding deep discounts within inclusive deals, you can score big on discounted airfare too.

Try your hand at 'open jaw strategy'

Not planning to check bags on your flight? Karl Backlund of private travel agency Marchay told INSIDER about "open jaw strategy," an agent booking tactic that plays on the fact that airlines occasionally discount routes with stops vs. direct flights.

"If you need to book a flight from New York to San Francisco, open jaw strategy would mean routing yourself from New York to San Francisco to LA, but leaving the San Francisco to Los Angeles portion unused," he explained.

This tactic may not work for the most risk-averse travelers. "If you use this strategy in the middle of an itinerary, the sequential legs after the unused flight may be canceled by the airlines (not necessarily but not unlikely), so the unused portion should always be your last leg," Backlund noted. "Pay attention to that."

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FinanceBuzz

8 Proven Ways To Find Cheaper Airline Ticket Prices

Posted: November 26, 2023 | Last updated: April 7, 2024

Hopping online to purchase airline tickets can cause quite a shock due to their high prices.

Earn Points and Miles: Find the best travel credit card for nearly free travel

Thanks to the cost of gas, staffing issues, and pilot shortages, it’s not cheap to travel by plane. That’s why we’re here to help you get the best deals on airline tickets so you can start traveling more .

Here are the best tips to help you find the most affordable airplane tickets for the times you just need to get away.

Use a travel or airline credit card

One easy way to save on airline tickets is to purchase them with the best travel credit cards, which give you points for each dollar you spend.

The best airline credit cards offer similar rewards programs, allowing you to acquire miles that you can save up and redeem for discounted or even free flights.

Some credit cards will also offer free companion tickets. Just be sure that you don’t carry a balance on either type of credit card, as interest rates and annual fees can negate any benefits you rack up if you let debt build up without paying it off in a timely manner.

Get expert advice on making more money - sent straight to your inbox.

Plan your trip far in advance

You may have heard that there are magical times when you can book a flight to snag the best possible price on airline tickets.

However, that might not always be the case, especially considering the fluctuating price of oil and general market uncertainty.

To that end, it’s best to book your flight as soon as you know you will be taking one. Travel experts suggest booking your summer trip in winter, and vice versa. Think of it like buying a bathing suit when it’s chilly or a parka when it’s beach weather.

<p> You’d be hard-pressed to find a person who delights at getting up at 3 a.m. for an early flight or boarding at 11 p.m. for a red-eye flight. However, the discomfort and exhaustion of traveling at the crack of dawn or the dead of night might translate into some serious savings for you. </p> <p> Also, purchasing your airline tickets on certain days of the week, like Thursdays, and planning to depart on a Wednesday can chip away at the cost as well. </p><p>Although the savings may not be huge, any savings helps. So yes, the days and times you both book and fly can spare your wallet.</p><p class=""> <a href="https://financebuzz.com/money-moves-after-40?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=4&synd_postid=14659&synd_backlink_title=10+brilliant+ways+to+build+wealth+after+40&synd_backlink_position=6&synd_slug=money-moves-after-40">10 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40</a> </p>

Book on certain days and fly at unpopular times

You’d be hard-pressed to find a person who delights at getting up at 3 a.m. for an early flight or boarding at 11 p.m. for a red-eye flight. However, the discomfort and exhaustion of traveling at the crack of dawn or the dead of night might translate into some serious savings for you.

Also, purchasing your airline tickets on certain days of the week, like Thursdays, and planning to depart on a Wednesday can chip away at the cost as well.

Although the savings may not be huge, any savings helps. So yes, the days and times you both book and fly can spare your wallet.

Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40

<p> Let’s face it, booking a direct flight is certainly the easiest and most hassle-free way to go about air travel. Your bag travels with you in one plane, you don’t have to run through the airport to catch a connection and delays will stress you out far less this way. </p> <p> However, you’re likely to pay more for a direct route. If you want to save some cash, then book a connecting flight. </p><p>You do run the risk of arriving at your connecting flight a sweaty mess and will have to add extra time to your overall travel schedule, but you’re going to the same place in the end. </p>

Add a connecting flight

Let’s face it, booking a direct flight is certainly the easiest and most hassle-free way to go about air travel. Your bag travels with you in one plane, you don’t have to run through the airport to catch a connection and delays will stress you out far less this way.

However, you’re likely to pay more for a direct route. If you want to save some cash, then book a connecting flight.

You do run the risk of arriving at your connecting flight a sweaty mess and will have to add extra time to your overall travel schedule, but you’re going to the same place in the end.

<p> We’ve all heard the horror stories of flying on a budget airline, but take those with a grain of salt. The reason? These airlines have grown significantly in recent years, and have quadrupled in size since the last time oil prices were soaring into oblivion. </p> <p> Additionally, more people are turning to budget airlines to book their flights, from a mere 4% of travelers in 2008 to 15%, and growing today. </p> <p> You do have to be mindful of hidden fees on budget airlines, including for carry-ons and such, but in the end, you can wind up with serious savings.</p>

Book with a budget airline

We’ve all heard the horror stories of flying on a budget airline, but take those with a grain of salt. The reason? These airlines have grown significantly in recent years, and have quadrupled in size since the last time oil prices were soaring into oblivion.

Additionally, more people are turning to budget airlines to book their flights, from a mere 4% of travelers in 2008 to 15%, and growing today.

You do have to be mindful of hidden fees on budget airlines, including for carry-ons and such, but in the end, you can wind up with serious savings.

Sign up for sites like Travelzoo

If you have flexibility about when and where you want to travel, you can find some of the best airline tickets and travel packages around on sites like Travelzoo.

This company has an entire staff of experts who spend their time scouring the web to find the best deals on a wide variety of trips, from quick beach getaways in Mexico to bucket list trips like African safaris, eco getaways to the Galapagos Islands, and more.

All you need to do to access these deals is sign up with your email address, and each week you will get a list of their top 20 picks, with cheap airfare included in many of them.

Retire Sooner: Take this quiz to see if you can retire early

<p> Another way you can save money on plane tickets is by booking your flight on sites like Expedia. For one, you can often (but not always) find cheaper flights on Expedia as opposed to booking them directly with a carrier. </p><p>Additionally, if you’re willing to bundle your flight, hotel, and car rental, you’ll often find that doing so comes out cheaper than the sum of its parts. </p> <p> Expedia also offers last-minute deals similar to Travelzoo if you’re up for a spontaneous adventure. Just be sure to compare shops, and read the cancellation policies very carefully. Finally, Expedia also offers reward programs, but airline and credit card reward programs tend to be more lucrative. </p>

Book with a site like Expedia

Another way you can save money on plane tickets is by booking your flight on sites like Expedia. For one, you can often (but not always) find cheaper flights on Expedia as opposed to booking them directly with a carrier.

Additionally, if you’re willing to bundle your flight, hotel, and car rental, you’ll often find that doing so comes out cheaper than the sum of its parts.

Expedia also offers last-minute deals similar to Travelzoo if you’re up for a spontaneous adventure. Just be sure to compare shops, and read the cancellation policies very carefully. Finally, Expedia also offers reward programs, but airline and credit card reward programs tend to be more lucrative.

<p> This last bit of advice might sound like a relic from a time gone by, but booking with a travel agency can still save you money, even in the era of oodles of travel websites. </p><p>For one reason, they have expertise that can be exceptionally valuable, especially if you are planning a complicated trip to a place you’ve never been, like South Asia or the Middle East. </p> <p> Additionally, you often don’t have to pay extra to utilize an agent, as their compensation comes from the hotels and services they work with. Just inquire about fees up front, and prepare to save.</p>

Use a travel agency

This last bit of advice might sound like a relic from a time gone by, but booking with a travel agency can still save you money, even in the era of oodles of travel websites.

For one reason, they have expertise that can be exceptionally valuable, especially if you are planning a complicated trip to a place you’ve never been, like South Asia or the Middle East.

Additionally, you often don’t have to pay extra to utilize an agent, as their compensation comes from the hotels and services they work with. Just inquire about fees up front, and prepare to save.

Bottom line

While flying in general is more expensive lately, especially if you have to book at the last minute, it’s not impossible to score some savings. This is especially true if you do a little recognizance beforehand.

If possible, consider saving money on travel by taking the train if you can reach your destination, as those fares can be far cheaper. You can see more of the country, too.

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Apply for your First Adult Passport

Apply for a Child Under 16

Apply as a 16 or 17 Year Old

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Respond to a Letter or Email

Both parents or guardians must approve that we can issue a passport to a child, and go with the child to apply in person.
If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply with their child, you will need to show us more documents.
You cannot renew your child's passport using Form DS-82.
Passports for children under age 16 are only valid for 5 years.

Steps to Apply

1. fill out form ds-11 and print it.

Use our Form Filler tool to fill out your child's form on a desktop or laptop computer and then print it. If you are experiencing technical issues with the Form Filler, download a PDF .

Tips to complete your child's form :

Do not sign your child's form until asked to do so by a passport acceptance agent or employee.
You can apply for a passport book , a passport card , or both documents.
You may ask for a larger passport book with more visa pages, at no extra cost, by checking the 'large book' box at the top of the DS-11.

2. Get Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (and a photocopy)

Your evidence must be an original or replacement copy. The document must have the official seal or stamp of the office which issued it. You must submit one of the following documents for your child:

Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
Lists applicant's full name, date of birth, and place of birth
Lists the parent(s)' full names
Has the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
Has the registrar's signature
Has the seal or stamp of the city, county, or state which issued it
Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
Certificate of Citizenship
Please note you must also provide a document, such as a birth certificate, that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child. Full validity means the document is or was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.

If you cannot submit one of these documents, go to our Citizenship Evidence page for more information.

Paper only : You cannot submit digital evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a mobile or electronic birth certificate. You must submit physical evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of the document.

Returning your child's document : We will return your child's document in a separate mailing up to 8 weeks after you receive the new passport.

Tips for making a photocopy :

Black and white (no color)
Use 8.5 inch by 11 inch paper
Use a single side of the paper

If you do not submit a photocopy, you must submit a second copy of your citizenship evidence. We will keep this copy for our records.

3. Show Your Relationship to Your Child

You must submit a document that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child. Examples include:

U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
Foreign birth certificate
Adoption decree
Divorce or custody decree
A court order

Some documents, like a U.S. birth certificate, show both U.S. citizenship and parental relationship. These documents must be originals or certified copies (not photocopies).

You and your child may have different last names, as long as the document showing your relationship to your child lists your full name.

If your name is different than the one on the document showing your relationship to your child, submit proof of your legal name change.

4. Get a Photo ID (and a photocopy)

Both parents or guardians must bring a physical, photo ID and a photocopy of it. If your photo ID is from a different state than the state in which you are applying, bring a second photo ID.

You must show at least one of these photo IDs:

Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card
In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
U.S. military or military dependent ID
Current (valid) foreign passport
Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
In-state, fully-valid learner's permit with photo
In-state, fully-valid non-driver ID with photo
Temporary driver's license with photo

If you do not have one of these photo IDs, go to our Identification page for more information.

5. Show More Documents (if both parents or guardians cannot apply)

Both parents or guardians must approve that we can issue a passport to a child, and go with the child to apply in person.
If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply in person with their child, you will need to show more documents.

Important : Submit Form DS-3053 and other notarized statements within three months of signing them.

6. Provide a Photo

You must provide one photo with your child's application. Go to our Passport Photo page for photo requirements and to see examples of photos.

Do not attach or staple your child's photo to the form. The acceptance agent or passport employee will review the photo and staple it to your form.
Some passport acceptance facilities
A company which offers photo services
Home. Ask your friend or family member to take your child's photo. Print it on glossy or matte photo quality paper.

7. Calculate Fees

When applying using Form DS-11, you will pay two separate fees - an application fee and an execution (acceptance) fee. You will pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State, and the execution (acceptance) fee to the facility which takes your application.

Add $60 to your application fee if you want expedited service .
Add $19.53 to your application fee if you want us to ship your completed passport in 1-2 days after we issue it.

Child Applicants :

For more information on how to pay and a full list of fees, go to our Passport Fees page.

*How to fill out your check and pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State. Please note you must pay a separate execution (acceptance) fee.

Families may write one check or money order to the U.S. Department of State if they are applying at the same time. The check or money order must include the name and date of birth of each applicant.

8. Find Location to Apply

In the United States:

Traveling in more than 3 weeks? Go to a passport acceptance facility such as a post office, library, or local government office. Check with the facility to see if you need to make an appointment.
Traveling in less than 3 weeks? Make an appointment to apply at a passport agency or center.

In another country:

Contact your U.S. embassy or consulate .

9. Track Your Application Status

You can subscribe to email updates about your application status, and learn more about each status update .

It may take 2 weeks from the day you apply until your child's application status is “In Process.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you send my child's passport and supporting documents.

You will get multiple mailings. The number of mailings depends on what document(s) you asked for.

Passport Book : You may get your new passport and citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We will return the passport book using a trackable delivery service.

Passport Card : You may get your new passport card and your citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We only send the passport card via First Class Mail. We do not send cards using 1-2 day delivery services.

Both a Passport Book and Card : You may get three separate mailings:

New passport book
New passport card
Citizenship documents

Contacting Us : If you have been waiting more than 8 weeks for your documents, call us at 1-877-487-2778 to report that you have not received your documents.

If you want us to reimburse you for a lost supporting document, you must contact us within 90 days of the date which we mailed your passport. You will also need to provide a receipt to show the cost of replacing the document.

Can I pay for faster delivery and return shipping?

Yes. You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:

Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster shipping. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
Returning the passport to you : Pay $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport 1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with postage pre-paid.

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings. If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services if you only applied for a passport card.

What countries require Form DS-3053 "Statement of Consent" to be notarized at an embassy or consulate?

In certain countries, a DS-3053 must be notarized at a U.S. embassy or consulate and cannot be notarized by a local notary public. Currently, these countries include:

Special Passport Fairs

Find a Special Passport Fair near you!

We're holding special passport fairs all across the United States to help you get your passport more easily. New events are added to our site every week.

Most events are for first-time applicants and children, (who use Form DS-11). If you can use Form DS-82, you can renew by mail at your convenience!

Processing Times

Routine: 6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel. Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it.
Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel: See our Get my Passport Fast page.

How to Apply for your Child's Passport

Watch this video to learn how to apply in person for your child's U.S. passport!

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

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Protect Your Trip »

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents handle all the details

Travel agents can provide local expertise

You'll avoid surprise fees

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

You still have to do some research

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The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

They will be your advocate.

They’ll take care of the little things.

They’re true experts.

They don’t usually cost extra.

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They’re not you.

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The Pros and Cons of Booking Through Online Travel Agencies

Pros of booking through online travel agencies

✅ It may be cheaper

✅ It can earn you more rewards

Cons of booking through online travel agencies

❌ It can be harder to change a booking

❌ You may not receive elite benefits

❌ It may be more expensive

Online travel agencies can be hit or miss

How to maximize your rewards

Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent? We say yes

Why you should book through a cruise travel agent

Travel agents can get better deals on cruises

How to find a travel agent for a cruise

Questions to ask a cruise travel agent

Bottom line

Do Travel Agents Get Discounts On Flights? (Explained)

Here’s whether travel agents get discounts on flights

How do travel agents get a better discount on flights?

Booking consolidator rates

Time to book flights

The “Open Jaw” strategy

Searching the airline websites directly

Book in advance

Travel package discounts

Agreements with airlines

Connections with discount airlines

Airline specials

Price alerts

Booking two-one way tickets

Weighing all costs

Searching for alternative airlines

Is it cheaper to hire a travel agent or book on your own? We looked into it

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