Protect Your Trip »
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
Getty Images
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."
Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter
Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.
Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .
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.
You might also be interested in:
- Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
- How to Renew Your Passport Online
- TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Which One Is Right for You?
Tags: Travel , Travel Tips
World's Best Places To Visit
- # 1 South Island, New Zealand
- # 4 Bora Bora
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.
You May Also Like
The best black friday travel deals.
Amanda Norcross Nov. 14, 2024
MSC vs. Royal Caribbean
Holly Johnson Nov. 14, 2024
The 9 Best Harry Potter Tours in London
Marisa Méndez Nov. 12, 2024
Top-Rated St. Augustine Ghost Tours
Holly Johnson Nov. 12, 2024
The Best Iceland Tours
Ann Henson Nov. 12, 2024
The Most Festive Holiday Hotels
Rachael Hood Nov. 11, 2024
Spooky Charleston Ghost Tours
Holly Johnson Nov. 11, 2024
The Best Florence Tours
John Rodwan Nov. 11, 2024
The Best All-Inclusive Cruises
Gwen Pratesi Nov. 11, 2024
The 10 Best Chicago Tours for 2024
John Rodwan Nov. 8, 2024
GIFT YOURSELF OUTSIDE+
Unwrap full access to digital content and more!
TRY IT FREE
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?
- Share on Facebook
- Share on Reddit
New perk: Easily find new routes and hidden gems, upcoming running events, and more near you. Your weekly Local Running Newsletter has everything you need to lace up! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Subscribe today .
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.)
- Adventure Adviser
- Budget Trips
Popular on Outside Online
Enjoy coverage of racing, history, food, culture, travel, and tech with access to unlimited digital content from Outside Network's iconic brands.
© 2024 Outside Interactive, Inc
More From Forbes
9 pros and cons of using a travel agent.
- Share to Facebook
- Share to Twitter
- Share to Linkedin
The thought of using a travel agent to book your travel, versus doing it yourself, has given some travelers pause. After all, what’s to say that you won’t end up in a Thomas Cook-type situation where you’re left stranded after your travel agency collapses? But for some, this risk of trusting someone else to plan all your travel is a minimal worry when they can avoid all the stress of travel planning.
Connections travel shop / travel agency in Belgium. (Photo by: Arterra/Universal Images Group via ... [+] Getty Images)
If you’ve considered using a travel agent before, but are still on the fence, here are nine pros and cons to think on before deciding either way.
1. You’re Not The One Planning Your Travel
For some people using a travel agent, it’s all about the convenience. You tell your agent where you want to go and what kind of travel you like, sit back and relax and then hop on a plane. Easy.
This one can go either way. Some travel agents can snag you great bundled deals on your travel. Other times, the cost of using a travel agent means you won’t actually save any money.
3. Someone’s Always On Your Side
One great thing that a travel agent can provide is advocacy. They’re always on your side. If an airline cancels your flight or a hotel suddenly doesn’t have your reservation on file, your travel agent can help things get sorted, fast. Though, this doesn't really help when they also own the hotel or airline, as was the case with Thomas Cook.
Best Travel Insurance Companies
Best covid travel insurance plans.
On a more dire scale, travel agents can also help you in the instance of a natural disaster or some other type of event that would require you to evacuate a destination quickly.
4. They Want You To Be Happy
An airline or a hotel brand might not care that you rebook. There will always be another traveler in line to take your place. However, with agents, they often have a limited number of clients. They want to earn your repeat business.
To do so, you’ll find that agents will go out of their way to make sure you’re pleased with your experience. That might mean throwing in something for free or upgrading your experience.
5. They Make Seeing A Brand-New Place Easier
If you’re traveling somewhere that’s entirely brand new and completely foreign, having a travel agent can make things easier. They can recommend the best places to go, stay, eat and play, and often they have first-hand experiences with these places. This way, you’re not relying on internet research or a potentially out-of-date guidebook.
They can also clue you in to various little things that are easier to convey person-to-person, such as local customs, and any “do’s” or “don’t’s.”
While not planning your travel is a pro to some, for other travelers, it’s a major con. Some travelers thoroughly enjoy the planning part of the travel experience. Everything from reading travel blogs, searching for inspirational destination photos on Pinterest and flipping through guidebooks can be an exciting part of the process.
They’d never dream of letting someone else take the reins.
2. You Add Another Person To The Equation
One nice thing about booking your travel experience yourself is that you can literally do it anytime, anywhere. When you have a travel agent, you have to consider someone else’s schedule.
If you decide you want to go to Bermuda at 2 p.m. on a Sunday and you want to book it right that second, your travel agent won’t be able to help you until Monday morning. If you’re booking things yourself, you can secure your travel plans right then and there. There’s no waiting around for a returned call or email.
3. You Actually Have To Find The Agent
Shopping for a travel agent is a little like shopping for any kind of assistant. You want to find the perfect one for you and your family. You want someone who preferably specializes in the type of travel you like, someone who makes you feel comfortable and someone with good references.
This kind of shopping around for the perfect travel agent takes time and patience, something you may not have. And, even if you do find a travel agent you think you like, you could always get burned in the end.
4. They’re Not Great For Spur-Of-The-Moment Changes
If you’re the type of traveler that really likes to just fly by the seat of your pants while you’re traveling, that’s not going to be so easy when you have a travel agent. See a cool restaurant that you suddenly want to try? Calling your agent, just for your agent to call the restaurant where you already have a reservation to get your reservation switched to this new restaurant, can be a pain.
With no travel agent involved, you can cancel your old reservation straight from your phone and walk right into the new restaurant. Or, just skip reservations altogether and go with the flow.
- Editorial Standards
- Forbes Accolades
IMAGES