travel agent perks

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

How to Become a Travel Agent: Turn Your Passion Into Perks and Cash

After spending seven years in the U.S. Air Force as an Arabic linguist, Carissa is now a freelance writer using points and miles to fund a four-year (and counting!) adventure. She previously worked as a reporter for The Points Guy. Her writing has since been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and The Balance. When she's not flying, you'll usually find her in a Priority Pass lounge somewhere, sipping tea and cursing slow Wi-Fi.

Megan Lee joined the travel rewards team at NerdWallet with over 12 years of SEO, writing and content development experience, primarily in international education and nonprofit work. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for websites like GoAbroad and Go Overseas. When not traveling, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Raise your hand if you love to travel. Whether you’re often on the road or take a vacation just once a year, you’ve probably heard of travel agents. These folks help plan and book itineraries for you, eliminating a lot of the pain points when it comes to traveling.

These days many people skip out on a travel agent in lieu of booking their trip online, but if you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to become a travel agent yourself. Why? Because it can save you a lot of money — and may even earn you some in the process.

Let’s take a look at how to become a travel agent, why it’s something you may want to consider and the ways it can work for you.

Why become a travel agent?

Have you ever obsessively researched the best hotels in a city you’re planning to visit? How about checking seat maps on an airplane? If getting into the nitty-gritty of travel logistics is something you do in your spare time, you might also enjoy becoming a travel agent.

Not only do you get to plan trips for others, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of special discounts on many facets of travel.

This is true for your clients, but also for yourself. Travel agents have access to a variety of discounted rates on both airlines and hotels, even when booking travel for themselves.

» Learn more: How to get a refund from a travel agency

How to become a travel agent

Find a program.

Becoming a travel agent isn’t as simple as declaring yourself one. Typically, the first step is to sign up for a program that’ll teach you the basics of running your own travel business.

There are a variety of programs to choose from, depending on your interests and career goals. Most programs will teach you about the business side of being a travel agent as well as how to plan trips, so your courses in itinerary planning and travel insurance will be coupled with business ethics and customer service.

If you’re wondering how to become a travel agent from home, don’t worry. Many of these courses don’t have to be done in person; there are online programs that will teach you everything you need to know from the comfort of your living room.

Apply for certification

Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll want to apply for certification. Although there is no single standard that designates you a travel agent, there are a number of different identifiers that you can acquire. Some of the more common ones are:

International Air Transport Association, or IATA, which allows you to book travel on domestic and international airlines.

Travel Industry Designator Service, or TIDS, which allows agents to book trips with a variety of travel suppliers and receive commissions.

Cruise Lines International Association, or CLIA, which provides agents the ability to book trips on cruises around the world.

In order to access Marriott’s travel advisor rates, for example, you can use any three of these designations, along with a variety of others.

Each of these associations and identifiers have different implications for your business, so you’ll want to be sure you’ve fully researched them before applying for membership.

» Learn more: Do travel agents really save you money?

Save money as a travel agent

Once you’ve qualified as a travel agent, what comes next? If you travel frequently, becoming a travel agent can be a huge benefit to you, as it offers discounted rates and access to luxury travel options.

Discounted rates

Travel agents have access to negotiated rates that aren’t available to the general public. The exact amount will vary depending on the business. Hilton, for example, will give personal travel discounts of 50% off at newly-opened hotels and up to 25% off at the remainder of hotels within Hilton’s portfolio.

Hyatt, meanwhile, will give you a discount on personal travel of up to 50%, but only during select dates of the year. And although not all airlines give discounts to travel agents, many do.

Regardless, these are some pretty spectacular savings, and if you’re looking to save money on your vacations, being a travel agent can help.

Luxury programs

Becoming a travel agent isn’t only about saving money, however. It also grants you access to many hotel chains’ luxury travel programs.

If you’re big into elite status benefits, this is definitely something you’ll want to consider — especially since you don’t need any status at all to receive these perks, as long as you book through the hotel’s agent portal.

Most major hotel chains have these programs, including Hyatt Privé, Hilton Impresario, Marriott STARS & Luminous, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Belmond Bellini Club, Rosewood Elite, Mandarin Oriental Fan Club and Shangri-La Luxury Circle.

While benefits vary by brand, many of these offers include things like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in or late checkout and credits for expenses like dining or spa services. General consumers aren’t eligible for these programs, but once you’ve become a registered travel agent, they become accessible to you; however, some programs — such as Hyatt Privé — are invitation only.

For the most part, booking rooms through these programs shouldn’t cost more than the standard rate you’d be paying anyway, so you have the potential to get big benefits without shelling out any additional money.

However, note that these numbers don’t take into account any other discounted rates for which you may be eligible, such as those offered to American Automobile Association members and veterans .

» Learn more: Uncommon tips for saving money on travel

Earn money as a travel agent

Of course, becoming a travel agent isn’t all about scoring discounts for yourself. If you’re looking to earn some money, being a travel agent can be a good way to do so.

Note that travel agents operate in a customer-facing role, so you’ll also need to be able to build client relationships and be comfortable with sales. Courses such as those mentioned above can help train you to do this and run a successful business.

If booking travel and organizing trips for others is something that appeals to you, there’s definitely money to be earned. Marriott, for example, gives agents a commission of between 8% and 10% for all eligible stays booked.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of booking through online travel agencies

If you’d like to become a travel agent

There are a few good reasons to become a travel agent, especially if you travel a lot. Although it takes time and effort to complete training and apply for accreditation, the benefits you’ll receive as a travel advisor can be significant. This is true whether you’re booking personal travel or have built yourself a client base. Either way, there’s money to be had — and saved.

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.

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

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.

You might also be interested in:

• Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
• First-Time Cruise Tips

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

• What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
• The Best Luggage Brands

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 7 best key west snorkeling tours.

Gwen Pratesi June 21, 2024

The Best San Diego Whale Watching

John Rodwan June 21, 2024

6 Top Boston Harbor Cruises

Brittany Chrusciel and Marisa Méndez June 21, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Oklahoma

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 20, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Amanda Norcross June 20, 2024

Amanda Norcross June 18, 2024

What to Bring to a Water Park

Top Things to Do in New Hampshire

Timothy J. Forster and Mariya Greeley June 14, 2024

The Best Scotland Tours

Marisa Méndez June 13, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross June 13, 2024

Search Travel Market Report

• Packaged Travel
• Hotels & Resorts
• Destinations
• Retail Strategies
• Niche & Luxury
• Training & Resources
• Brian Israel
• Briana Bonfiglio
• Dan McCarthy
• Dori Saltzman
• Jennifer Arango
• Kelly Fontenelle
• Keri-Anne Slevin
• Louis Intreglia
• Sarah Milner
• Tom McCarthy

The Perks of Being a Travel Agent

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Despite all that can go wrong in the world of travel, agents are still some of the most enthusiastic, career-driven people you can find. Whether dealing with hurricanes or unplannable life events or trying to succeed in an uber-competitive marketplace , travel professionals remain optimistic about the industry.   This is what we heard back when we asked travel agents around the country what the perks are of their daily work that keep them motivated, even on the most challenging days.   1. You get to share your passion. “As a travel agent, the travel insights and sharing of experiences are just icing on top that we can provide to enhance a client’s experiences. My biggest satisfaction as a travel agent is contagiously sharing my passion for traveling and helping others create the experiences and memories themselves that they, too, will always cherish.” - Megan Hill, Destination Fun Travel (Kansas City, Mo.) 2. You travel and experience amazing cultures. “Besides the part that I get to travel and experience amazing cultures, I also get to share my passion with my clients and other travel agents.” - Susan M. Kruk, Diplomat Travel (Township, Mich.)   3. You can be your own boss and work at home. “ Working from home; not having to be disturbed by drop-ins; being independent; living wherever we want to; not having to retire at a certain age. We have owned our agency since 1975, being refugees from Silicon Valley. We moved to Oregon from California in 1992 due to the high cost of living and the overcrowding. We can set our service chargers however we choose; take days off whenever we want to; and be selective about who we take on as customers.” - Sylvia Blishak, Train Travel Consulting (Klamath Falls, Ore.)   4. You make lifelong connections. “In my 39-year career, my biggest perk has been my wonderful clients. I’ve met some darling couples and darling people who I helped with travel and I have some long-term clients that I’ve had for many, many years. I think the industry as a whole, we group together when times are tough and I enjoy the camaraderie not just with my clients but with the suppliers, too.” - Tammy Shamblin-Renie, Red Parrot Travel (Longwood, Fla.)   5. You’re selling a dream. “It’s one of the more interesting jobs in the world. You can live vicariously through your clients; I’ve never been to Japan but I see my clients’ pictures and it’s kind of like you’re going with them. We’re selling a dream and sometimes those things can be really magical for you as a travel agent. I had one lady 65-years-old filling out a form, and when she wrote Hawaii, she said ‘this has been my dream my whole life’ – and I was making that dream come true. If you stay in that it can really last you a lifetime, and it’s one of the best feelings.” - Michelle Weller, Travel Leaders (Houston, Texas)   6. It’s never boring. “Maybe it is or isn’t a traditional perk, but my day is never boring. I have something different going on every single day and I’m constantly multi-tasking. I would be totally bored with my job if I had to do the same thing all day, every day. I enjoy meeting other professionals when I travel. I learn about the cruise industry and hotel industry, for example by meeting and speaking with those industry executives.” Colleen Gillette, New Paltz Travel (New Paltz, N.Y.)   7. You’re connected with like-minded people. “ I love meeting my fellow travel agents at conferences and meetings; they’re vibrant, passionate, well-traveled people who have a curiosity of how the world works.” - Lynda Phillippi, Renaissance Travel and Events (McMinnville, Ore.)   8. You get to share your expertise. “The relationships I have with my clients and the joy of helping them fulfill their travel dreams by offering them new experiences.” - Dawn Snyder, World Travel (Tulsa, Okla.)   9. You become an expert in what people want to talk about. “ The best perk of being a travel agent is the exposure we receive to an infinite array of opportunity, knowledge, interests, world destinations, issues, info technology, being a problem solver, an advocate, a sales virtuoso, an empathic ear and deliverer of salvation for clients in troubling situations. And the glowing satisfaction in knowing that travel agents are the worker bees and cross-pollinators of world’s largest industry – travel and tourism – worth U.S. $7.6 trillion yearly and growing.” - Norman Payne, Uniglobe Premiere Travel (Ottawa, Canada)

10. You have an opportunity to drive your own success. “ My peers all discouraged the idea of a home-operated, cruise-only agency. I was scared to death, but at the same time I knew it was something I had to try or I could never live with myself. Thankfully, they were wrong. Now I have grown my business as host agency and have 20 home-based independent contractors.” - Marlys Aballi, Connection to Cruise (Redlands, Calif.)

MOST VIEWED

• River Cruise Ship Evacuated, Danube Shut Down Amid Historic Flooding
• High Waters Force Danube River Cancellations, Ship Swaps
• Flight Cancellations and Delays Surge at Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Airports Due to Heavy Rain
• Virgin Voyages Cracks Down on Predatory Travel Advisor Behavior
• Cruise Line Rebating Policies: A User's Guide and Chart
• American Queen Moved to Recycling Facility
• U.S. State Department Reopens Online Passport Renewal Portal
• 9 Instagram Accounts for Travel Advisors to Follow
• How One Advisor Uses Automated Systems to Grow Her Business (and Sleep at Night)
• An Inside Look at the New Sandals St. Vincent & the Grenadines Resort
• Ask-An-Advisor: Can I Be Selective and Not Charge Some Clients Fees?
• American Airlines Pulls Back on AAdvantage Move

Subscribe today to receive daily in-depth coverage, analysis of industry news, trends and issues that affect how you do business. Subscribe now for free.

Subscribe to TMR

If 2023 was a banner year for the travel agency community, 2024 is shaping up to be even banner-er. 

With new luxury hotels and a focus on private-guided touring, Goway’s tailor-made travel options to Costa Rica elevate the country’s bountiful natural attractions.

The Allianz Vacation Confidence Study finds three in five Canadians plan to travel this summer.

The tech start up aims to modernize the travel advisor-client relationship.

A bullish message of business booming was something TMR heard over and over during this year's EDGE conference.

The first Ask-an-Advisor of 2024 takes on fees with a brand new panel. 

• Work With Jen
• USA Bucket List
• Follow Us On Instagram

7 Amazing Benefits of Using A Travel Agent

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Planning a vacation is a complicated and time-consuming process. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using a travel agent to help plan and book your family travel!

Having a professional help with the planning and logistics of your travel plans can have a big impact on how much you spend on — and how much you enjoy — your family vacation.

As travel becomes more and more complicated, and your vacation time more valuable, let’s take a look at the 7 reasons to use a travel agent to book your travel in 2022 and beyond!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.   For more info, see disclosure.

Table of Contents

What is a Travel Agent?

A travel agent is an individual who both provides and arranges travel or tourism-related services to the general public. This is done so on behalf of the travel agent’s accommodation or travel suppliers.

Travel agents simplify the travel planning process by booking flights, cruises, rental cars and hotels, as well as resort stays and events.

They offer vacation and accommodation suggestions based on their experience and research as well as work within a set monetary budget if desired.

Most importantly, travel agents are invested in their clients’ happiness and satisfaction.

They work to make sure that each and every detail of your trip is accounted for in order to help ensure that you have a memorable, hassle-free family vacation!

Benefits of Using A Travel Agent

In order to help explain the undeniable benefits of using a travel agent to book your future travel, I’ve partnered with Sandy Haddick, owner of Dreams are Forever Travel .

Sandy is a passionate travel agent based out of Rochester, Minnesota who consistently goes above and beyond to meet the travel needs of her clients both near and far.

Together, we’ll explain several travel agent benefits, as well as review reasons why to use a travel agent instead of booking online.

1. Travel is their expertise. 

The #1 benefit of using a travel agent when it comes to booking your family travel is because travel is their expertise .

Much like you would hire an electrician to handle a wiring issue, or a financial planner to help manage your money, you should turn to a travel professional when you’re in need of assistance with your travels.

Travel agents are trained to know, understand, and adapt to all different forms of travel.

They research information on their client’s travel plans and relay important details including travel advisories, recent news, weather conditions, and required documents for your destination.

We discuss your travel desires and craft the perfect vacation just for you! Likewise, we listen, suggest, adjust, and understand.  We also give you valuable tips before you leave on your vacation that you may not have thought of on your own! Sandy

2. Destination knowledge. 

Travel agents uncover new destinations and are constantly on the lookout for the best trips and travel recommendations.

Likewise, they are the best resources to contact when looking to book unique places to stay in the USA and beyond!

Not only do travel agents travel the world to serve as a resource for their clients, but they have an abundance of other travel-related resources to answer your questions quickly and correctly.

Their recommendations cater to various travel purposes, whether it be family, group, or multi-generational leisure or business-related travel.

I often use the hashtag #WeKnowBecauseWeGo because it’s true!  We travel so we can see destinations, resorts, and excursions first hand in order to help our clients make informed decisions on what they can expect. Sandy

3. Convenience.

Travel agents offer the convenience of having every aspect of your vacation or trip pulled together in one comprehensive plan.

This includes researching and suggesting destinations , as well as arranging for flights, accommodations, airport transportation, and excursions.

By doing so, all of the guesswork is taken out of these selections and your final details will be available in one hub of information provided to you by your travel agent.

We know your time is valuable, so we seek out all of the answers to your questions so that you don’t have to waste your precious time researching. Sandy

*For additional travel convenience, click the following image to get your FREE family vacation packing list that is both customizable and printable!

4. Cost savings.

Many people might be hesitant to work with a travel agent because they think it will cost them extra money.

They may also assume that they’ll spend more money working with a travel agent than when booking vacations on their own.

The fact is that travelers do not pay more for vacations when working with a travel agent and instead, often save more money than they would if booking online.

Not only do travel agents have access to exclusive deals, but they keep track of current vacation promotions, can advise you on the best time to book, as well as calculate the value of what you will receive.

We have relationships with tour operators and resorts that can gain our clients better travel perks. Likewise, we can actually save you money as we are privy to discounts you may not know about. Last, there is no fee to use Dreams are Forever Travel. We get paid by the tour operators, hoteliers, rental car companies, etc., and not from our individual clients. Sandy

5. Relationships.

The relationship you’ll form with your travel agent, as well as their relationships with other agents, are two of the benefits of using a travel agent.

Through getting to know you, a travel agent will honor your personal vacation requests and hand-pick its details to tailor to your needs.

The relationships that travel agents have with properties and other travel professionals will get you into incredible experiences and save you from unknowns.

Often times, room preferences, dietary needs, and other special requests can be seamlessly accommodated by the benefits of using a travel agent and their connections.

Travel agents are not a search engine or an anonymous voice from a call center. Instead, we are professionals who happen to love travel and who truly care. We want you to have an experience, not just a trip! Sandy

Additional recommended reading: 9 Tips For Keeping Your Family Healthy While Traveling

6. Travel assistance.

One of the best benefits of using a travel agent is the travel assistance that you will get in working with an actual person, versus the Internet.

During our recent family vacation to Mexico , our travel agent was able to help our large group deal with last-minute flight changes and staggered arrival times.

The personalized attention that we received was an essential component to the success and overall enjoyment of the trip.

Quite simply, when working with a travel agent, they take care of everything.

From the moment you set foot in the destination to the moment you touch the ground back home, dedicated travel assistance is an undeniable benefit of using a travel agent.

The Internet doesn’t call you back, but we do!  During times of crisis (hurricanes, Covid-19, etc.), you make one call, text or email and we handle the rest. We are there for you 24/7 while traveling.  I’ve had clients call at 2 am because they couldn’t get into the vacation condo and I was able to pick up the phone and solve their issue. Sandy

7. Decreased stress.

Another one of the top benefits of using a travel agent is that they always have your back!

Travel agents exist to assist their clients in making travel as smooth and as stress-free as possible. In the rare case that something on a trip doesn’t go as planned, travel agents are there to resolve the problem, so that you can continue to relax and enjoy.

Not only that, but self-directed internet searches provide overwhelming amounts of information.

To make a trip extra special it’s best to have someone who knows how to connect all that information and turn it into an itinerary that is seamless and stress-free.

You can start your vacation with peace of mind knowing every detail has been accounted for. Once there, you can focus on the fun knowing that your agent has handled everything for you! Sandy

Benefits of Using A Travel Agent – About Our Guest

“Hi! I’m Sandy Haddick, owner of Dreams are Forever Travel!

I have been planning travel from a young age. 

My first memory as a Travel Planner is when I was 8 years old. I asked my mom if I could map out our route to South Dakota from the west coast. 

After that, I was hooked! 

As I grew up, I became the “go-to” person for friends and family when it came to travel.

At Dreams are Forever Travel , I specialize in leisure travel for families, couples, groups, and solo travelers.  I help my clients by crafting the perfect vacation to suit their needs & desires at no additional cost to them.

When I’m not making travel dreams come true, I love to travel with my own family.

I enjoy visiting different destinations to gain valuable first-hand knowledge for my clients.

Please, visit my website or contact me to plan your next adventure!”

If you liked reading our Top 7 Benefits of Using a Travel Agent, click here to check out our  Related Posts:

• Top 10 Tips for Planning a Family Road Trip (And Enjoying it Too!)
• How to Plan and Choose the Perfect Family All-Inclusive Vacation
• Top 16 Tips for Flying With Kids & Ways to Keep them Calm
• The Ultimate Guide for International Travel with Kids
• 8 (Unexpected) Benefits of Traveling With Kids

*Before leaving, be sure to check our  Travel Resources Page  to find our exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

Similar Posts

Destin Florida Beaches: The 8 BEST Spots

The Best Rides at Universal Studios Orlando

12 Fun Things to Do in Orange Beach with Kids

Sarasota Vacation Itinerary + Best Tips For Your Visit

The Best Portable Snack Mixes for Families On-The-Go

37 Travel Gifts for Teens (Useful & Trendy!)

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

10 Comments

Great tips to hire a travel agent!

Thank you so much! They are oh so important now in this season of cancellations and changes 🙂

#7 really speaks to me here! I always get into so much analysis paralysis and decision fatigue I just wish someone would make the choices for me and have it be perfect! Thanks for all this insight 🙂

Dayla, thanks for reading! I like your term ‘analysis paralysis’. So true!!

I couldn’t agree more with using a travel agent, maybe a bit biased because I’m a travel agent too. Ha Ha! Honestly, Travel Agents are skilled, experienced and active travellers. I think the biggest misconception people have about Travel Agents is thinking they are expensive however this is not the case, Travel Agents have access to suppliers that provides pecks like hotel upgrades, complimentary spa sessions and lots more.

Awesome! I did not know that you were a travel agent! Thanks for sharing…and good luck with your travel endeavors. You rock!

Interesting perspective. I’m often hesitant to use a travel agent when booking a holiday from home, but I’ll happily use tour companies on the ground while on holiday!

Thanks for reading! I think that travel agents are an especially great option for people that don’t particularly like spending the time researching a particular destination or itinerary.

We’ve used travel agents a few times randomly but these are all great tips on why you’ll benefit from them!! Thanks for debunking some of the myths!

You’re welcome! I love to use travel agents when traveling with big groups or several different families as they do such a great job of coordinating flights, arrivals, etc.

Find Even More

Find your next vacation destination!

Connect on Instagram

Find out where we’re traveling now!

Make the memories now

You don’t have to wait until your kids are more grown up or you have a ton of money saved to start traveling.

With a little planning and a lot of love, lifelong family vacation memories can be made at all ages, stages – and places both near and far.

Destinations

• Attractions
• Girls’ Trips
• U.S. Cities
• All-Inclusive Resorts
• Universal Orlando

Free Printable

Free packing list printable when you subscribe for the latest travel updates!

Travel With A Plan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Family Vacation Packing List!

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Why You Should Use a Travel Agent

A travel advisor can be a great resource for a new destination—and your best advocate when things go wrong.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

This past summer, I took one of the longest and most complicated trips of my life.

It was a 26-day tour of Italy, Croatia, and Greece that included planes, trains, cars, and ferries, all of which needed to be coordinated to make sure I adhered to Covid-prompted entry requirements for each country. The trip went off nearly without a hitch, except for the evening that my flight from Rome to Split, Croatia was delayed by 90 minutes, resulting in my missing the last ferry of the night from Split to the island of Hvar.

It turns out I didn't have to worry—because I booked the trip with a travel agent. When I was planning my European adventure, I asked a travel editor friend if she could recommend someone to help me plan my trip. She told me her go-to resource for travel was Jack Ezon, a founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond . I called Ezon in May and told him what I was hoping to do—visit Greece, Croatia, Italy, France, and maybe Norway. He kindly explained that my plan was too ambitious, not only because I was trying to visit too many countries in too short a period of time, but also because Norway and France were not open to Americans (France did later open to American travelers, but Norway's borders remain closed).

Ezon referred me to one of his travel advisors, Julie Banning . Banning and I spoke by phone, and she put together a stellar itinerary that included stops in Florence, Forte dei Marmi, Portofino, Rome, Positano, Capri, Hvar, Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Sifnos, and Athens. Banning explained that for a trip of this magnitude, Embark Beyond would charge a fee of $1,000 (the company offered me a discount on the fee as a journalist—I paid $500). If she were only booking hotels (which compensate travel agencies through commissions), there would be no charge, but since she would be booking flights, trains, and cars, a fee would apply. While the fee seemed high to me when I first learned of it, I'm now happy to have paid it because of the value I got out of using a travel agent for my trip.

Back to the Hvar situation. When I checked in the day after my expected arrival date, the front desk manager at the Adriana told me that the hotel would not be able to refund that first night. I explained that it would have been physically impossible for me to check in on time because I missed the last ferry to Hvar due to my flight delay. She told me that the best they could do would be to add an additional night to the end of my stay, but that would not work because I needed to get to Athens for my return flight to New York. I figured I was out of luck, but then I e-mailed Banning to fill her in on what had happened. "Leave it with me," she replied.

A Travel Agent Is Your Best Advocate When Something Goes Wrong

Sure enough, an e-mail Banning sent to the hotel reservations department did the trick. A week later, the hotel refunded the cost of the first night's stay to my American Express card.

"We're advocates," explains Anne Scully, a partner at Embark Beyond who has worked in the travel industry for 40 years. "A good travel advisor holds a client's hands and takes care of them." She adds that travel advisors really show their value when things go wrong. "Through our relationships and our experience, we are able to get clients out of a bad situation."

Scully says that she has also gotten clients rebooked when their flights have been canceled—long before their fellow passengers have gotten through to the airline customer service phone line or found their way to a representative at the airport.

They Know Where to Send You Because It's Their Job

Another reason to use a travel agent is to get intel on a new destination. I discovered how valuable one could be when I visited Costa Rica for the first time last March. Like many 30-somethings, I figured I could plan a trip on my own. After a few hours of online research, I realized I was out of my element since I was attempting to visit a foreign country I had never been to during the middle of a pandemic. I enlisted the help of Tom Pyman at Black Tomato , a luxury and adventure tour operator. I explained that I had about 10 days to travel and was trying to decide between Costa Rica and Egypt—two of just a few countries open to American travelers at the time.

Pyman, who specializes in both destinations, recommended Costa Rica since I could do a combination of adventure activities (like ziplining and whitewater rafting) and beach excursions. He put together a comprehensive itinerary that included visits to the Arenal Volcano area, Tortuguero on the Caribbean Coast, and Santa Theresa on the Pacific Coast, all without charging a planning fee.

They Know the Best Way to Get Around Your Destinations

For my most recent trip, Banning knew that the flight I needed to take from Dubrovnik to Athens only operated certain days of the week. That meant that she needed to plan an itinerary that would involve traveling between Croatia and Greece on a Thursday or Saturday—something that would have taken me quite a while to figure on my own.

In addition, Embark Beyond can arrange for VIP meet-and-greets at the airport, where their guide will meet passengers at the door to the plane, whisk them through customs, and get them out of the airport with luggage while the other passengers from their flight are still waiting to get through passport control, Scully says.

Both Black Tomato and Embark Beyond were also on top of the Covid protocols during my trips. Black Tomato arranged for a local guide to take me to a lab in San José for the rapid test I needed to return to the United States; it was one of only a few labs that was open on that Sunday and would not have been easy to find on my own. Embark Beyond provided clear and detailed pre-departure information about the online documents I would need to complete to enter the countries I was visiting. (As a vaccinated American, I did not need to take a Covid test to enter Italy, Croatia, or Greece, but I did have to show my vaccination card.)

They Have Flexible Cancelation Policies

During the pandemic, Black Tomato launched a policy called State of Flex that offers travelers full refunds and fee-free postponements on bookings if Covid complications arise between booking and travel, up to 30 days before departure.

They Can Get You Upgrades You Can't Get Yourself

"I had a fellow come to me with his Centurion Card and say, 'Anne, I don’t see what you can do,'" Scully says (American Express's most exclusive credit card, the Centurion Card reportedly offers a number of hotel benefits). "I said, "'I’ll make you known on arrival. You will be recognized on arrival, not the card.' The card is a bank benefit. The human connection and relationships change the way people travel."

Scully says she had another client for whom she had booked a cruise, and the client called to say she was able to get a better rate from another agent. Scully talked to her contact at the cruise line, and as she suspected, the other agent was giving the client a rebate to win her business. While Scully was not able to match the rate, she was able to do even better by leveraging her connection with the cruise line to secure an upgrade to a cabin that was 200 square feet larger than the client had booked.

They Can Set Up Special Experiences

When she learned two of her clients were celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary, Scully coordinated with the couple's children to get 50 photos from throughout their marriage and arranged to have each photo printed on a balloon for the party.

Black Tomato travelers can choose to be surprised by where they're going at the airport if they opt for the tour operator's tailor-made Get Lost service . All the required equipment is supplied at the destination.

While I’m not sure I’d be up for that level of uncertainty, you can bet I’ll be enlisting the help of a travel agent next time I go to another new destination.

Sam Dangremond is a Contributing Digital Editor at Town & Country, where he covers men's style, cocktails, travel, and the social scene.

@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scale(-1, 1);-moz-transform:scale(-1, 1);-ms-transform:scale(-1, 1);transform:scale(-1, 1);background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1jdielu:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}} Where to Go Next @media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-128xfoy:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}}

The Best Outdoor Dining in NYC

The Best (and Most Secret) Museums in Paris 2024

How You Met Your Birkin

So, Where Do You Stay in Paris?

The Best Way to Enjoy Paris? The Performing Arts.

The Next Culinary Stars of Paris Have Arrived

Mysteries of Paris

The Best Room at Faraway Martha’s Vineyard

Best Room At... Grand Hotel Tremezzo

The 33 Best Luxury Hotels in London

Are First-Class Flight Amenities Being Downgraded?

Hey there, future Rockstar! Give us a call now to get started: 1-800-730-6392

• Compare Host Travel Agencies
• Luxury Host Travel Agency
• Success Stories

The Perks of Becoming an Independent Travel Agent

While many travel agents work for travel agencies, some make the choice to strike out on their own or open their own business. Often, this choice is related to an agent’s desire to set his or her own hours and determine the other conditions of their own employment. If you decide to become a travel agent‎, keep in mind that it is a career that may have relatively low start-up costs, but building a regularly traveling client base is essential to long-term success.

Now You Can Become a Travel Agent and Work From Home

Prior to the Internet revolution, when people wanted to go somewhere they made arrangements through their local travel agent. At that time, most agents worked out of storefront offices that could provide the proprietary data links necessary to perform the job.

Then, about ten years ago, as booking trips became easier on the Internet and travel started to be seen as more of a commodity, travelers began to work on their own. In the ensuing years, however, more people are taking longer and more complex trips or simply no longer wish to deal with the hassle of working directly with travel suppliers. While traditional agencies may never return to pre-Internet levels, the travel industry is stabilizing, and many agents are able to make a nice living with perks working as home-based travel agents.

Many of these agents now specialize in particular niches. This expertise gives the agents credibility and provides incentives for travelers by being able to answer questions and provide suggestions that websites or large booking centers are unable or unwilling to provide. In this industry, more than any other, clients really appreciate the personal touch.

5,000+ Rockstars Have Partnered With Us

Determine which path is right for you

Do You Have What It Takes To Start Your Own Travel Business?

Running a business requires dedication and the ability to learn new skills. Not only will you need to read and stay up to date on travel information, location advisories, industry trends and different travel destinations, but you’ll also need general business skills. You’ll be wearing many different hats. After all, someone has to handle administrative duties, marketing, sales and customer service.

When you’re considering starting your own travel business, be sure to ask yourself:

• Do you enjoy problem solving?
• Are you persuasive with effective selling skills?
• Do you have any help?

A Simple Way To Start Your Own Travel Business That Works For Experienced Agents And “Newbies” Alike

Whether you’re new to the travel industry, or you’re an experienced agent looking to strike out on your own, but don’t know where to start, consider affiliating with a host agency. If you don’t have travel agency experience or otherwise can’t meet certain eligibility requirements, you won’t be able to obtain industry accreditations, making starting your own business more difficult. A host agency can provide you with some of the resources to make your job easier, such as global distribution system licences, ARC and IATAN accreditation or handling your personal commission payroll and taxes.

Some Essential Characteristics to Look for in a Host Agency Include:

• The length of time the agency has been in business
• Ongoing training and support provided
• Help generating leads
• Errors and omissions insurance
• Favorable commissions and overrides
• Full access to GDS for experienced agents
• Point and click booking engines for non-GDS users

According to the American Society of Travel Agents, this past year many travel agencies reported an increase in revenue , transactions and number of clients. If you’re considering a career in the exciting travel industry, now is a great time to get started.

This blog article was up-dated 6/3/2015

Share Content

Related posts.

Tips and Ideas for Making a Lasting Impression at Home It’s no secret, when we…

I’ve been seeing many anxious TPI agents (advisors) post on Facebook, stressing over their clients’…

Orlando Web Design and Digital Marketing by ROAR! Internet Marketing

Please enable Javascript in your browser.

Five Incredible Perks of Being a Travel Agent

Some travel lovers dream of getting sun-baked while surfing off the coasts of Australia. Others prefer walking barefoot on the beaches of Tulum or sipping Oporto wine in Portugal’s Douro Valley. You can make these dreams a reality for friends, family and others in your community by working as a Dream Vacations Advisor! One of the most fulfilling career opportunities for travel lovers is to help people create memories, and this is just the first of many perks of being a travel agent!

Earn Extra Cash Following Your Passion

Whether you’re already working a 9-5 job or jostling multiple side jobs, the last thing you want to add to your day is another dull session in front of the laptop. But when you’re browsing luxurious resorts and seeing breathtaking photos of faraway places, every minute of this kind of work feels exciting. So, if you are looking for some extra income, you may as well choose one in an industry you love that has an  in-house support system  to help you succeed. 

See the World

One of the best perks of being a travel agent is seeing the world yourself and at Dream Vacations, we encourage it! We believe that seeing the world for yourself helps you become an even better travel advisor for your customers. You can tell them firsthand what it’s like to see a monkey in the streets of Bali or sip a caipirinha at a Brazilian cocktail bar.

As a part time home based travel agent , you can often travel at a discount by taking advantage of special industry rates. You can also attend an educational FAMiliarization trip to learn about cruise ships, resorts and destinations. Even when you’re not traveling, you can live vicariously through your clients as you plan their dream vacations and see their photos upon return.

Work From Home

Working as a travel advisor is one of the best jobs for stay at home moms and dads thanks to the flexibility. When you’re not convincing your toddler to settle down for their nap, you can spend some of your spare time making money by selling vacations.

Be Your Own Boss

There are no requirements or deadlines. As your own boss, you can determine what success means to you and work as little or as much as you want. And if you need to move across stateliness, you can keep your job and your clients without any disruption.

Travel Sells

Who doesn’t want to see the world? You’re selling experiences and memories! People love talking about travel, including where they’ve been and want to go. Once people know that you’re the travel expert in their life, they’ll flock to you for advice and to help book their dream vacations. Nowadays, wanderlust rules, and people prefer investing in experiences over things.  

How to Become a Cruise Travel Agent

Wondering how to get started? We provide comprehensive vacation and  cruise travel agent training when you are a Dream Vacations Advisor. No prior experience or education necessary! You’ll be set up with one of our franchise owners to be your mentor and get access to more than 1,500 of our on-demand eLearning courses.

You’ll also get direct access to our marketing tools and support from THE powerhouse in the travel industry. This includes access to exclusive promotions, pricing and mobile-friendly websites that make it easy to book online and more. It’s just another one of the amazing perks of being a travel agent for Dream Vacations!

If you spend every night dreaming of all the places you want to go and want a business opportunity that will take you there, join the Dream Vacations family. Get started by signing up for our webinar today.

Share this post

How to Become a Travel Agent—Because, Believe It or Not, the Industry Is on the Rise

By Scott Bay

There’s a reason “how to become a travel agent” has been a continuously trending search phrase on Google—it is a career path that offers a flexible work environment and schedule, ample travel opportunities, and an immersion into a supportive world-wide industry. It's a surprise to some in 2023: Once the internet became widely available, it was largely believed that needing a travel agent was obsolete. However, even though the brick-and-mortar agencies with punny names in strip malls have vanished, the career is on-the-rise .

New software options are making it easier than ever for people to make money planning trips, either as a side hustle or as a full-time business. That’s why Cherikonda, India-based stay-at-home mother, Maya Kapoor-Miller, decided to enter the professional world as a travel agent this year, at 31. “I knew nothing about the travel industry prior to signing up,” says Kapoor-Miller, who decided to use San Francisco-based booking platform Dreamport to establish her online travel advisor business. “It is my first business in life, and the only one that you can start with no investment.”

But there's also a rise in demand. When people ventured back into the world after the pandemic, travel agents saw an overwhelming amount of business . And that momentum hasn’t stopped—when travel is complicated, like it was in 2020 and 2021, travelers turned to professional trip planners to create a seamless vacation. For better or worse, traveling has remained complicated and chaotic, with new rules being implemented (like Americans needing to pay a fee to visit Europe in 2024 ) and airline strikes and staffing issues. Offloading all of the nitty-gritty details to someone else is more appealing than ever.

For those entering the field, there's also the age-old motivator: a love of travel. 

Shelton Ellis, who is based in North Carolina, recently saw these opportunities and left behind more than 20 years in public relations and global advertising to turn his passion into a career. “I was born with a wanderlust that would wear Rick Steves out,” Ellis says. “I decided to take the leap and follow that lifelong yearning. Transitioning into this role was really about learning how to monetize what I'm passionate about.”

Whether you are looking for a new career path or a lucrative side-hustle—or simply curious about those taking the plunge—here’s how to become a travel agent, from the qualifications and education required, to anticipated earnings, according to those who have made the shift in the past year. 

What exactly does a travel agent do?

Travel agents, or travel advisors (the term is mostly interchangeable), manage everything that goes into a trip for their clients: the flights, car transfers, accommodations, restaurant reservations, and more—they even inspire the itinerary. The reason people turn to travel agents, aside from having a helping hand during any travel chaos , is also to tap into the travel agent’s first-hand knowledge of destinations, and their industry partnerships, which often lead to perks such as hotel upgrades, ideal airplane seats, and experiences that can’t be found on a search engine.

“You have to remember that as a travel agent, you will be a guide for people during their happiest moments—family reunions, weddings , baptisms, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that people have dreamt of,” says Kapoor-Miller. “It has been one of the most rewarding aspects of being a travel agent. You navigate people, inform them, and help them choose.”

So, how do you become a travel agent?

There are many ways to become a travel agent, from joining an existing travel agency , to starting an independent business from the ground up. Others are opting for one of the buzziest start-ups in the travel industry, Fora . When it launched in 2021, the software company, which trains and provides search engine-optimized profile pages to advisors—at one point had a waitlist of over 30,000 people eager to begin a part-time gig. Travel photographer and Condé Nast Traveler contributor Amanda Villarosa is currently in the process of joining.

“I'm the person that friends and family come to for travel recommendations, tips and tricks, and general travel advice,” says Villarosa. “After discovering Fora and looking into it, I realized that it could be the perfect side-hustle, considering I'm already so involved in the industry.”

With additional flexibility, Villarosa was able to move from New York City to splitting her time between Denver and Los Angeles . She says that the sign-up was quite straightforward. “You're given a dedicated Fora email and have access to advising tools and fellow Fora advisors,” she says. “The training is in the form of Zoom meetings and videos, which you have the option to watch at your own pace. Once completed, you take a certification quiz and you're on your way to advising.”

The other ways in are slightly more involved. To begin an independent practice, you go about it like many other businesses. You will have to create an LLC, establish a business name, cultivate marketing materials, build a website, find clientele, and more.

Ellis found something in the middle, choosing to connect with an established travel agency. “Don't be afraid to reach out to an agency looking to take on new advisors and is willing to mentor," says Ellis. "I was fortunate to learn so much from Annie Chambers, the owner of Crafted Escapes , who has seven years in the business.” He now knows the ropes on everything from using itinerary-building software to destination-specific training, to the sales and marketing aspects of the trade.

Is there required education or qualifications?

Ellis says that there's no certification, per se, required to become a travel advisor, but there are countless training courses available like Departure Lounge ’s classes on navigating the industry through hotels and tour operators. He said it’s also important to stay on top of travel trends. Ellis recently completed travel agent training programs provided by premier cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages , Ritz-Carlton Yachts , and Cunard to help agents sell their products more accurately.

How much does a travel agent make?

What a travel agent earns depends on how many trips they successfully book for their clients. The entire model is commission-based, meaning agents earn a percentage of the total cost of the vacation they orchestrate. Many travel advisors choose to charge a flat-rate planning fee in addition to their commission, but balance is key—if you charge a high planning fee, it could lead to potential clients going elsewhere.

By Jessica Puckett

By Madison Flager

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

By Jessica Chapel

Fora ’s website states that “some of our full-time, expert advisors earn well into the six figures (or beyond).” So a lucrative career may be on the horizon, for those who are able to build a robust client base and excellent industry connections.

How much you make can also depend on where you live around the world. “I am being paid in dollars,” says India-based Kapoor-Miller. “So the currency fluctuations of the local exchange rate are not something I am worried about.”

What are the key skills required to become a travel agent?

“Travel agents need a mix of customer service, communication, destination knowledge, organizational, and problem-solving skills,” says Kapoor-Miller. “But I would say that adaptability, flexibility, curiosity, and cultural sensitivity top them all—you have to put yourself in other's shoes, and understand the requirements, hopes, and expectations of your clients along with any worries and questions they may have.”

It’s vital to have a passion for traveling, even the aspects of the process that aren’t as exciting, such as learning about new airline routes, train schedule updates, and industry news. “It can be an information-heavy hustle, and I believe it's important to be excited about it as that energy definitely transfers to your clients and partners,” Villarosa says.

Should travel advisors choose a specialization?

Many travel advisors have found success through becoming an expert in a few types of travel and destinations. “It's important to become an authority and learn as much as you can through personal experiences and continuing education,” says Ellis. “As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community , an avid snow skier, and scuba diver, I know not only the popular destinations but others that are off the beaten path, equally safe and adventurous for all travelers.” This helps travel agents establish a competitive edge, and hopefully convince potential clients to choose them for their expertise.

What are the benefits of being a travel agent?

“Flexibility tops them all,” says Kapoor-Miller. “And the ability to start without industry knowledge. If you worry that you are too old for this job, the good news is that this is a job you can enter and enjoy at any age.”

Another great perk is the "Familiarization trip,” says Ellis. “Tourism boards and hotels invite agents to visit and familiarize themselves with a particular country and its properties. After all, any accomplished salesperson should learn everything they can about their products first-hand...even if they're in Bora Bora.” It's hard work, but someone's got to do it. 

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• The Investment
• What’s Included
• How to Get Started
• Travel Franchise vs Travel Host
• Why Cruise Planners?
• Why a Travel Franchise
• The Franchise for Every Lifestyle
• Travel Industry Discount
• Testimonials
• Meet The Team
• The Benefits
• Guides & Ebooks
• Success Stories
• Video Walkthrough
• STAR University
• Travel Advisor Video Experience
• Entrepreneur Video Experience
• Why Buy Now

How To Travel More: The Perks of Being a Travel Agent

Posted on: April 17, 2019 at 6:12 PM

Welcome to the world of the home-based travel advisor, where if you’re not traveling, you’re not doing it right! Take a peek into the life of a home-based travel agent and see why they have no excuses not to travel.

1. Travel more affordably (or even for free!)

One common excuse for not traveling is that it is too costly. Travel agents, though, get access to deep discounts and even free trips to make traveling far more affordable.

Travel suppliers and operators want travel agents to experience their products, so they can better sell them to their customers. That’s why many cruise lines, resorts and tour operators offer familiarization (or FAM) trips. These are free or deeply discounted trips offered exclusively to travel agents (and sometimes their guests) so they can experience a product or destination firsthand. At Cruise Planners, we teach our agents how to utilize these travel agent perks so they can vacation more .

Additionally, many travel suppliers also offer unpublished, discounted rates available exclusively for travel agents. As a member of the International Association of Travel Agents (IATA) or Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), you can unlock deep discounts on

• Car Rentals
• Tourist Attractions

As a Cruise Planners franchise owner, you’ll get training on how to access these rates.

In many cases, a travel advisor can also earn commissions for booking your own trips . That means you get a discount up front and then get paid once you take the trip. That’s some double-dipping we can get behind!

2. Work from ANYWHERE in the world

We get it. You’re busy! And it can be hard to get away from work. But what if your office could be the beach rather than a cubicle? Cruise Planners home-based travel agents have the most robust technology in the industry, and it’s completely mobile friendly. That means you can run your business from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, including while traveling. So, while others are stuck in a conference room slogging through a budget proposal meeting, Cruise Planners travel agents are booking a client’s trip while sipping a Mai Tai on the beach or taking a lunch break at the Eiffel Tower. You make your own schedule and you work on your own time.

Val Dorsey, a Cruise Planners travel advisor of over eight years , has traveled all around Europe while running a successful business. Dorsey appreciates the flexibility of being a home-based travel agent.

“I’ve been so many different places around the world since I started this job, all while still taking care of my customers while not in the country” -Val Dorsey, Cruise Planners Franchise Owner

3. Traveling is considered work

If you were buying a new camera, wouldn’t you want to buy it from someone who actually knew how to use a camera—someone with hands-on experience as a photographer who knew the ins-and-outs of different models and could tell you which ones were better for different applications and skill levels? The same goes for buying travel. You would have a lot more confidence planning a trip with someone who had visited the places you were considering and could provide recommendations based on actual experience.

That’s why it’s so important for travel agents to get out there and travel! The more knowledge and first-hand experience a travel advisor has with different destinations and travel suppliers, the better they can help their clients plan the perfect trip. Getting paid for your passion is one of the ultimate perks of being a travel agent.

With other jobs, your travel is going to a business meeting in Topeka. As a travel agent, you get to travel the world for pleasure, and it counts as work!

4. No more time-off requests

When you only get two weeks off a year, it can be hard to find the time to take a great vacation. However, Cruise Planners travel advisors are their own bosses. They never have to submit time-off requests or get approval from a supervisor. If they want to spontaneously jump on a two-night cruise or take a three-week trip through Europe, they can—no questions asked! Being your own boss is one of the best travel agent perks for those who prefer to vacation at their leisure with no limitations !

Travel More as a Cruise Planners Travel Advisor

You love to travel. Why not follow that passion and start seeing the world? As a Cruise Planners home-based travel advisor, not only will you get to help clients plan amazing trips, but you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to take trips of your own.

Grab your passport — start traveling more! Sign up for one of our upcoming webinars to see how you can start your own travel agency as a Cruise Planners franchise owner.

Start Your Journey with Cruise Planners

Contact us now to discover the endless opportunities that await you as a Cruise Planners franchise owner.

• Why A Travel Franchise
• Meet the Team
• Awards & Accolades
• Partnerships
• Military Program
• Culture & Community
• Video Walktrhough
• Accessibility

© 2024 Cruise Planners. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Franchise Disclaimer | Sitemap

• Organization
• Holiday Decor
• Holiday Shop
• Shop my Instagram

5 Travel Agent Benefits

Travel agent benefits.

When the internet came along, I figured that the travel agency business was a dying breed, so why use a travel agent? That is, until I decided to call one about two years ago.

There are so many travel agent benefits I had no idea about!

I was trying to put together a trip that involved a lot of people so I figured, what the heck, I’ll do some google research and see if I can find a good travel agent that’s local and find out what they do.

Wow, was I glad I did!

There are travel agents who specialize in many types of trips – cruises, Disney vacations, Europe, the Caribbean, budget travel and more.

This is their career and their expertise. Use them and their knowledge.

Yes, some agents can charge for their services, but many do not. I was surprised by this! A lot of agents are paid by the hotel or cruise line for booking with them.

Our agent sometimes charges a small fee for custom trips but in many cases we don’t pay a dime. In fact she saves us the dimes and makes our vacations stress free.

Keep reading to find the top 5 travel agent benefits. You may be surprised at what you learn.

So why use a travel agent?

Because they’ll help your vacation be amazing! Bon voyage!

A travel agent highly recommended: The Luxury Travel

My 5 Travel Essentials

Hiring travel agent for vacations as well as honeymoon will get you many benefits. Like they can save you hours of stressful research and review reading by asking you a few simple questions about what kind of vacation you’re looking for and guiding you in the right direction as per their industry experience. Their experts recommend sometimes some best offer on seasons that can take a vacation from good, to incredible.

Great points!

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How to Care for Petunias – Video Demo

How to Throw an Outdoor Movie Party

40 Unique Ways to Create More Storage!

Get daily news updates and exclusive access, 3 tips to help flower arrangements last.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Travel Agent

Here's what you should know before becoming a travel agent.

If you're someone who spends your days scanning flights , loves hotel rewards points, and in general, is a fervent traveler, you've probably wondered how to become a travel agent.

And, while it's true that living in the age of Expedia means travel agents are not as vital as they once were, people use them a lot more than you might think. Just because travelers aren't calling up an agent every time they need to book a quick flight doesn't mean they don't want to consult an expert for a big trip. This holds especially true when it comes to honeymoons or experiential trips that have a lot of moving parts — coordinating tour companies , translators, or multiple resort stays, for example. It's often easier to leave the logistics to someone else: travel agents.

You don't need a specific employment background to become a travel agent, so if you're looking for a fresh career start, that's totally OK. You have to start somewhere on your path to becoming a travel agent, and the sooner you jump in, the sooner you'll build your client base. On the other hand, if you're hoping to parlay your experience in a semi-related industry, be it marketing or hospitality, that can help because you'll have even more context for your new gig. Either way, this can be a rewarding career path (with some fun perks), so here's what you need to know to become a travel agent.

Formal Training Needed to Become a Travel Agent

While some four-year colleges, community colleges, and trade schools offer tourism certifications, it is not a requirement for those trying to become travel agents. Certificates of tourism can be very helpful, but so can previous training in marketing, hospitality, or even event planning. Ultimately, your knowledge of destinations, sales, itinerary planning, and booking software will be crucial for your career as a travel agent.

In terms of the training time you need to put in before becoming a fully-fledged travel agent, it depends. You could start your career right after high school, or you could put in one to four years to earn a certificate, associate's, or bachelor's degree in tourism. Of course, you could also change course from a related job, and morph your experience as, say, a destination wedding planner into a career as a travel agent.

Training Programs Available

You could take classes with a company like The Travel Institute to earn your certification. Not only will they teach you the basics of planning itineraries, but they'll also make sure you're learning about new cultures, world geography, and experiences you can have all over the world. They'll also help you decide what business route you want to take.

How to Become a Travel Agent: The Logistics

Becoming a travel agent will likely mean starting your own business . On the plus side, it requires relatively little overhead. If you're becoming a small business owner by opening a yoga studio, for example, you will need to rent a space, deal with permits, buy supplies, build a website, and pay yoga teachers and someone to work the front desk. However, if you're starting a travel agent business, you can operate from your living room and there aren't nearly as many upfront costs.

You will have to think about what type of business you want to become. Do you want to incorporate or become an LLC? Would you rather be a sole proprietor? Incorporating takes the most effort, and is often the most expensive. Becoming an LLC is a good happy medium because it can help protect you as a business entity without having as many associated costs. Small business owners typically become an LLC to protect their personal assets. If you get sued as an LLC, someone can come after your business holdings, but can't come after your house, car, or personal savings.

If you choose to remain a sole proprietor (which doesn't require any fees or legwork), you are essentially a freelancer or independent contractor. You can be an LLC and an independent contractor, too — they aren't mutually exclusive. If you want to be an independent contractor, it likely means you're working as part of a larger host agency, which is smart to do when you're starting out as a travel agent. Down the road, you can also own a travel agency franchise. Owning a franchise might come with more overhead costs, and that would be a reason to incorporate.

If you're an independent contractor, you should know that your taxes aren't going to be as straightforward as a full-time employee's might be. You may have to start keeping track of your business expenses, as you might be able to write them off. You also might not get things like health benefits from your employer. As you plan your new career, consider sitting down with an established travel agent to ask them some logistical questions: Where do they get their health insurance? How do they keep track of their income and expenses? Do they use an accountant to do their taxes? While meeting with the travel agent, you can discuss the pros and cons of working for a larger agency, too. If you're not sure how to get in touch with other travel agents, consider using social media, like LinkedIn or even Instagram.

What to Think About When You Become a Travel Agent

Once you've secured work as a travel agent, you'll want to think about how you can earn more money and distinguish yourself from other agents. Here are three things to consider as you start your career.

Making Commissions: If you're working for a larger travel agency as an independent contractor, how do commissions work? Make sure you have this conversation early on before accepting the position. When you're starting out, you want to make sure the commission rate you're receiving is similar to the industry standard.

Growing Your Client Base: How do you make more money as a travel agent? Clients, clients, clients. You want happy customers who will return to you every time they want to book a travel experience. You'll want to keep your clients happy by finding them great deals, curating unbelievable experiences for them, and simply being great to work with.

Establishing a Niche: This is by no means a requirement for becoming a travel agent, but as you establish your career, you may want to consider focusing on a specific niche. For example, perhaps you're someone who focuses on honeymoon travel , luxury travel, or adventure travel . Your niche can help you attract clients, and it can be anything in the travel realm, as long as there's a need for it.

Related Articles

Are Travel Agents Worth It?

06/21/2024 by Kristin Addis Leave a Comment

Way back in 2005, I went on my first big international trip to Europe with my sister. Back then, travel blogs didn’t exist and there was very little online to help us navigate booking the trip, so we went to our on-campus travel agent.

They booked our tours, flights, and hotels. It was nice to have their help since we had no idea what to expect.

Now that I’m a travel blogger, I had no intention of ever working with a travel agent, until I realized something key – they can get you perks like free breakfast and upgrades that you can’t get by booking through the typical channels. Here’s why:

Table of Contents

Agents vs. Self Booking

Up until super recently I would book through your usual hotel aggregator sites (like booking, Priceline, etc.) and only recently realized that this is the worst possible way to do it.

A friend who works for a high end hotel chain recently told me that when guests book through these mediums they get the least desirable rooms, almost no chance for an upgrade, and the worst customer service. Why? These aggregators book large blocks of rooms at a discounted price, pocket the difference, and present you with a room that costs the same as it would if you booked directly or through an agent. Basically, these sites can be great for research, but you should never book on them.

Wouldn’t it be best to just book directly with the hotel? In some cases, sure, but if you’re looking at a higher end hotel, cruise, or other experience, agents can often get you extra perks like free breakfast, room upgrades upon arrival (provided there’s availability), early check in or late check out, and even up to $100 resort credits. They are often prioritized over credit card bookers like Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts, and you can still get hotel loyalty points when you book through an agent (like a Virtuoso agent ). It’s a win-win.

Get Extra Perks Through Me!

Ready to ditch the aggregators and get better rooms and perks? Click here to contact me and share your travel desires.

Agent Perks and How They Get Them

Why would a hotel want to give these extra perks to agents and how do they get said perks?

Higher end hotels know that agents with a good relationship with their clients can help them get business that may not have otherwise gotten, and those long term relationships are great for both parties. While not every hotel offers perks like mentioned above these are ones that do:

• Four Seasons,
• Hilton Impresario,
• Hyatt Privé,
• IHG Luxury & Lifestyle,
• Marriott STARS & Luminous (Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, EDITION),
• Peninsula Hotels PenClub,
• Rocco Forte Hotels Sir Rocco’s Knights,
• Rosewood Elite,
• Shangri-La’s The Luxury Circle,
• SLH WithIn,
• Accor STEP,
• Belmond Bellini Club,
• Couture by Langham,
• Dorchester Collection’s Diamond Club,
• Jumeirah Passport to Luxury,
• Mandarin Oriental Fan Club and more.

So if you’re looking to go on a honeymoon in Bali or just want perks when having a luxury getaway at some of the best hotels and overwater bungalows in Bora Bora , they can help you get those perks.

In most cases, the agent will book the room and then follow up with the hotel management personally to speak to them about the possibility of upgrades and other possible perks. Depending on their agency, they can call on their colleagues who are experts in various parts of the world to help them as well.

How to Work With an Agent

So how do you find an agent to work with? After 12 years of booking my own trips, providing travel advice, and sending everyone on my blog to these aggregators who honestly do bloggers dirty, I decided to cut them out and do bookings directly with hotels for my readers, myself. I have some great relationships I’ve built in the travel industry all over the world, and I’ve been booking our BMTM Women’s Adventures , taking over 200 women around the world for over six years now, so it’s high time I offer the next level in personalized service.

I became a Virtuoso agent this year and have already scored readers some wonderful perks and upgrades at some of my favorite hotels around the world – perks I really wish I’d known about or knew where to ask way before now.

I do not charge any fees for hotel and flight bookings (and a nominal fee for full trip planning), and can get you the best rates plus perks, so these benefits are at no extra cost to you.

Ready to book your dream trip? I can help with flights, hotels, cruises, and anything you may need. Contact me now to start planning.

Can I Get Perks Without Dealing with an Agent?

Certainly! If you already know your room type, dates, and exactly what you wish to book, you can do so online through Virtuoso’s booking portal, which will get you the perks. It just has to be tied to an agent (this link will take you to my page). You can do a search for the hotel you want, the dates you want, and you can book it yourself without having to ever talk to anyone.

(note that this must be done on desktop, or you’ll want to scroll down on your phone to ‘access full site’ in the footer links on your phone).

• Step one: Follow this link and search for your hotel.
• Step two: Once you select your room type and book you’ll be asked to confirm your advisor. The link will lead you to my Virtuoso page.
• Step three: Make an account.
• Step four: You’ll see the room total with your perks and make your booking (you’re booking directly with the hotel, so you can use your hotel credit card to get all the perks and points).

If you don’t see the best possible rate, please reach out to me with your desired trip dates and hotel, as I can often go directly to the hotel and get a great package for you if you’re not finding what you want on Virtuoso.

It’s as easy as any other booking platform, just cross reference with the hotel website to make sure you’re not missing out on any promotional rates or member only rates, as they are sometimes available only directly with the hotels. Otherwise, the room rates should be the exact same that the hotel charges, or perhaps even a bit lower.

Do Travel Agents Cost Money?

Some agents do charge a fee if they are doing extensive planning for you. However, if you’re just looking to book a hotel to get the perks or already know where you want to go and don’t need extensive trip planning, I don’t charge any fees for booking flights, hotels, and cruises, but you still get the best rates and all the perks.

If you are hoping for a full planning service, we can do that for you for a percentage of your total trip budget (dependent on the extent of your trip plans).

Can You Still Get Rewards Points and Status with an Agent?

YES you can still get loyalty rewards points when you book through a Virtuoso agent like me, whereas hotel aggregator bookings usually do not allow you to get nights and points when you purchase, which keeps you from reaching status and getting free rooms in the future.

Can I Get Help With Bookings If Needed?

If we book a flight for you that gets canceled or there are issues with your trip, since it’s travel after all and anything can happen, we provide support whenever you need it. If you need help with a flight, you can contact us 24/7 and we can help you sort it out without you having to wait for hours on the phone.

More questions? Reach out to me!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

 subscribe to our newsletter

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

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

• English (UK)
• English (CA)
• Deutsch (DE)
• Deutsch (CH)

Using a travel agent vs. booking yourself: what’s best?

Pros of using a travel agent.

• Connect you with trusted tour operators they’ve worked with before
• Find the perfect airfares, rental cars, and cruise ships/cruise lines to fit your itinerary
• Help you save money with exclusive upgrades, discounts, and perks that aren’t available to the general public
• Offer personalized service and peace of mind
• Help you organize a group trip or family trip that meets all travelers’ requirements, saving you time and effort
• Manage trip cancellations and changes, and find flexible fares that fall within your budget

Cons of using a travel agent

• Less convenient - Many travel agents only offer services during certain limited office hours. On the other hand, by booking online, you can make your bookings any time you want. Some travel booking sites also offer 24/7 customer support.
• Biased advice - Travel agents earn commissions from hotel operators and airlines, so they have an incentive to push you towards booking flights or hotels that they choose.
• Limited choice - Many travel agencies, especially small consumer-facing agencies, have limited inventories. Online, you’ll find a wide variety of different travel products and tour operators to choose from.
• More expensive - Travel agencies often charge large booking fees for their services.
• Lack of flexible payment options - Some types of travel agencies, such as business travel management companies, ask all their clients to sign a rigid one-year contract with complicated fine print.

Travel management platforms: the best of both worlds

See how TravelPerk makes business travel stress free

Make business travel simpler. Forever.

• See our platform in action . Trusted by thousands of companies worldwide, TravelPerk makes business travel simpler to manage with more flexibility, full control of spending with easy reporting, and options to offset your carbon footprint.
• Find hundreds of resources on all things business travel, from tips on traveling more sustainably, to advice on setting up a business travel policy, and managing your expenses. Our latest e-books and blog posts have you covered.
• Never miss another update. Stay in touch with us on social for the latest product releases, upcoming events, and articles fresh off the press.

Top 10 business travel challenges (and how to overcome them)

4 steps to a successful corporate travel program

How to make a business travel report + free template for 2024

• Business Travel Management
• Offset Carbon Footprint
• Flexible travel
• Travelperk Sustainability Policy
• Corporate Travel Resources
• Corporate Travel Glossary
• For Travel Managers
• For Finance Teams
• For Travelers
• Thoughts from TravelPerk
• Careers Hiring
• User Reviews
• Integrations
• Privacy Center
• Help Center
• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Modern Slavery Act | Statement
• Supplier Code of Conduct

Key Benefits of Using a Travel Agent

Last Updated: April 7, 2024

Travel has resumed with a flourish, with many industry insiders predicting this summer to be the busiest travel season on record. To ensure you book the trip you’ve been dreaming of, for a price you can afford, you should turn to the experts for help. Travel agents offer much more than help with reservations. From designing your dream vacation to saving you money, there are many benefits of using a travel agent to book your next trip.

Benefits of Using a Travel Agent: Deciding Where to Go

Knowing you need a vacation is vastly different from knowing where to go on vacation. One of the key benefits of using a travel agent is that they can suggest locations you may have never considered. For example, if you’re dreaming of a tropical escape, you may think that Hawaii is perfect, never considering that a Central American or Caribbean trip could also offer you a warm, sunny seaside escape. Likewise, if you’ve always wanted to visit Europe but don’t know which cities or countries will offer you the experience you’re seeking, a travel agent can provide guidance.

Travel Agents Get You a Better Deal

Many online sites promise the lowest rates available for travel. Sometimes this may be true. Unfortunately, as a recent court case revealed , advertisements can also be misleading. In contrast, because travel agents book so many trips, they have established relationships with a variety of partners across the globe. This translates into upgrades and cost savings for you.

Travel Agents Know Small Details

Because travel agents book trips every day, they are privy to details that can make an enormous difference in your travels. For example, if you’re planning multiple stops on a trip, requiring multiple flights on small carriers, they will be aware of limited flight schedules. They can confirm that the second flight you need will be available when you need it.

Likewise, travel agents know about amazing experiences that may not come up in an online search. They know local guides for tours, the best rental companies, hidden-gem restaurants, and much more. Indeed, a huge benefit of using a travel agent is that they can often set up personalized, special experiences that aren’t necessarily widely advertised.

Travel Agents Often Have Flexible Cancellation Policies

No one wants a trip to be canceled, but things happen. Most travel agents offer generous, flexible cancellation policies that are incredibly accommodating.

Travel Agents are Your Greatest Ally When Things Go Wrong

Occasionally, despite careful planning, obstacles can arise. A water pipe could break in a hotel. High winds can ground flights. When things go wrong during your travels, it can create stress, frustration, and anxiety. One of the biggest benefits of using a travel agent is the support they can offer. This makes travel agents worth their weight in gold.

Book Your Dream Travel Today

Sign up for deals.

Get all the latest deals and updates delivered straight to your inbox.

The Truth About Cruising: 7 Myths Busted

We set the record straight on 7 common misconceptions about cruising!

Ditch the 'Tourist' Tag: Dress Like a Local in 10 European Cities

Wondering how to dress like a European? We've got tips for 10 cities to help you stay fashion forward on your next European getaway.

Bucket List Cruises You Need to Experience

From new cruisers to veterans, everyone should get a chance to experience these awesome itineraries!

What's the difference between "All-inclusive" and "European Plan"?

There are many options when choosing your resort vacation, and different lingo can mean different inclusions.

Should You Use a Travel Agent? The Pros and Cons for Travelers of All Types

U sing a travel agent may seem unnecessary, especially with many online travel websites. It’s become increasingly easier to book travel without a travel agent. However, there are many ways a travel agent can be helpful when planning your vacation.

Should you use a travel agent? Deciding that answer will depend on what works best for you. There are many benefits to using a travel agent, but there are also some reasons you may want to book your travel independently.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

A travel agent can save you money.

Sometimes, travel agents can access special rates or offer incentives through their agency. A good agent will also keep an eye on new discounts or offers that can be applied to your trip even after you’ve booked.

Even if you could book the trip for the same price, you will receive customized service through your agent. Because travel agents have relationships with their suppliers, you may also receive perks like room upgrades, fees waived, or credits to your room.

A Travel Agent Will Take Care of All The Details

Your travel agent will handle all of the details of your trip. They will help you find the best hotel , attractions, tours, rental car, travel insurance , and more deals. They will craft an itinerary that best suits your needs and wishes.

An agent will help alleviate the stress when planning a trip alone. Their knowledge and experience allow them to identify and fix any potential problems before they arise.

A Travel Agent Is an Expert

Travel Agents are destination specialists who work to connect travelers with unique experiences they may not otherwise know about. They may even be able to book exclusive experiences for you. Their expertise will save you the valuable time you spend researching your destination.

Most travel agents love their jobs and are highly knowledgeable about their destinations. They often have first-hand experience and offer expert advice . They will gladly provide recommendations from their experience whenever you have questions or concerns.

A Travel Agent Is Inexpensive, if Not Free

Working with a travel agent doesn’t always mean paying extra for their services. Many travel agents offer their services for free and make money via commissions from hotels or other suppliers.

Other travel agents may charge a fee for their services beyond bookings. Their prices may be flat or based on a percentage of the total cost of your trip. In some cases, agents may also request a refundable deposit.

Please don’t hesitate to ask if the agent charges a fee before you start the planning process. Remember, paying an agent’s services fee may save you money.

A Travel Agent Is Your Advocate

A good travel agent will provide you with concierge-level service. They will know about any cancellations, delays, or changes to your travel. They will also be able to help you rebook or adjust your itinerary right away.

If something goes wrong, you can call your travel agent, and they will help you find a solution.

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

A travel agent may not save you money.

If you plan a short trip to visit family or friends, there may be better options than a travel agent. You can often find great deals on hotels, airfare, and other travel options online just as quickly. Travel agents are usually best used to help you book more extensive, extended trips.

Even though many travel agents don’t charge for their services, it may not be in the best interest of either party if the trip is short.

A Travel Agent May Not Give You Enough Control

You may have a less flexible itinerary when you book through a travel agent, making it challenging to make last-minute changes without losing money. To make changes, you may need to communicate with your agent; if they are unavailable, you may experience problems.

If you enjoy having the freedom to adjust your schedule as you go, booking with a travel agent may not be the best option. Travel agents often book package deals that include a pre-planned itinerary. A vacation package may not be best if you prefer a flexible schedule. However, it can save you money on a more extensive trip to book everything at once.

A Travel Agent May Limit Your Options

A travel agent might not be your best option if you prefer to travel to more unique destinations . Most travel agents book package deals with large resorts or travel groups.

Adventurous travelers who prefer to venture off the beaten path to find authentic, local experiences may find that package deals do not meet their needs.

Should You Use a Travel Agent? Here’s When We Recommend It.

You don’t have time to plan.

You may not have the time to research special offers and craft the perfect itinerary. A good travel agent will personalize your vacation to best suit your needs. You can spend less time comparing options and more time enjoying your vacation.

Your travel agent will handle all the details, including any changes or unexpected complications.

You Have a Complex Travel Schedule

A savvy travel agent specializing in specific destinations will have expert insight and knowledge to create an unforgettable trip with extraordinary experiences. They can book your hotels, transfers, activities, and more to align with your schedule perfectly.

You Want Personalized Service

A travel agent will take the time to learn about your likes and dislikes. They will craft an itinerary that helps you accomplish your travel goals. An expert travel agent will prepare a perfectly tailored trip for you. Your agent will also update you on the latest events and offers that may fit into your trip.

You will receive one-on-one communication throughout the planning process, ensuring everything goes as planned. Your travel agent is your point of contact to help answer any questions.

Every National Park in the US—and where to visit them.

How to find a travel agent.

A referral from friends or family is the best way to find a reputable travel agent. They have worked with the travel agent on a previous trip and will know from experience if they’re worth working with. You may prefer to work with a local travel agent from your community.

You will also want to look for a travel agent specializing in your destination. Social media may be an excellent place to look for destination agents. Look for people who provide helpful tips or information about special offers.

More from Wealth of Geeks

• The Best Travel Snacks To Pack For Your Trip
• 15 Ways to Save on a Family Vacation

Every state's most haunted place—from homes to cemetaries to penitentiaries and more.

Vacation envy starts here

Featured in, next-level travel powered by tech and the human touch.

Our travel advisors have the tools, insights & connections to build your dream vacation. Get VIP recommendations & perks, a seamless booking experience — and maybe a cool new friend along the way.

Destinations near and far, we do it all

Buzzing cities, tropical islands, remote escapes and everything in between. Our first-hand intel and insider expertise covers the globe.

Designed for every type of traveler

... whether you're planning a bucket list adventure, family reunion, solo trip or weekend away. If it's on your list, we book it.

Travel like a VIP with our partners

Unlock perks and upgrades at thousands of hotels around the world — including Four Seasons, Andaz, Kimpton and more — at no extra cost.

Hotels with Perks

Villa Partners

Cruise Lines

Experiences

All-Inclusives

Local Partners

Featured hotels

Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection

This serene casita resort features bird-song-filled acres of untamed tropical forest, a coffee farm, equine stables, organic chef’s gardens and a wellbeing center.

$100 hotel credit.

Breakfast daily.

Extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Chablé Yucatán

This luxury Mexico resort was founded on the basis of Mayan well-being, and offers thoughtful immersion into the country’s vibrant culture.

$100 hotel / resort credit.

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Domaine de Fontenille

This restored 18th-century home sits amid an organic garden and 17th-century vineyard in Luberon, an idyllic hilltop region in Provence.

Complimentary experience.

Welcome note & amenities.

One-way airport transfer.

Why We're Different

Customized travel planning for your style, expert advice from people who've actually been there, free upgrades, spa credits and more — we got you, relax, you're in good hands.

Fora Advisor Christina P.

Christina was extremely thorough throughout the process. She handled everything every step of the way. Honestly, it felt like she was right by my side throughout the entire trip. I could not have experienced this trip without her.

Booked travel to Illinois with Christina P.

Fora Advisor Katrina F.

Katrina was incredible every step of the way. She helped us tighten up our itinerary and made great recommendations for hotels and restaurants that worked really well for our family. I would highly recommend anyone thinking about how to make their trip perfect go straight to Katrina.

Booked travel to California with Katrina F.

Fora Advisor Melissa F.

I was impressed by the high level of professionalism in planning and organizing my trip to NYC. Attention to detail and genuine care for my particular interests - great restaurants and seeing the best of the city - were evident in every step of the planning. I highly recommend Melissa!

Booked travel to New York City with Melissa F.

Fora Advisor Thomas S.

Thomas was amazing. He got us a free room upgrade, free breakfasts for 5 days (an ~$270 value), a $50 room credit, early checkin, late checkout and more. I am referring him to all of my friends who like to travel in style.

Booked travel to Washington DC with Thomas S.

Fora Advisor Sequoia A.

Managed expectations and helped deliver the experience I was looking for. Kind and professional. Facilitated everything so I could fully enjoy myself without worry or any kind of stress arranging my stay.

Booked travel to Mexico with Sequoia A.

Fora Advisor Jill M.

Jill is amazing - so professional and goes above and beyond to accommodate her clients and their particular requests and booking preferences. She always find exactly what we need and want! Highly recommend.

Booked travel to Portugal with Jill M.

Looking for travel inspiration?

Are you the go-to person for travel tips.

Turn it into a dream job. We'll show you the ropes and make you look great. Work from anywhere, flexible or full-time — the best gig you didn't know existed.

What travelers say about our advisors

We got you., what is a travel agency.

A travel agency supports a team of travel advisors who sell, curate and book travel. Travel advisors consult with clients on where to go, what to do and where to stay. In addition to planning and booking trips, advisors communicate with hotels and other partners (tour companies, cruises, etc.) to ensure each trip goes smoothly.

What is the difference between a travel advisor and a travel agent?

The terms travel agent and travel advisor are used interchangeably. The original term was ‘travel agent,’ but the industry has gone through a bit of a rebrand to showcase the breadth of work that a travel advisor does. We use both, but typically refer to our network of travel advisors simply as Fora Advisors.  

Fora Advisors (a.k.a. travel advisors / agents) work with clients to understand their travel needs and handle all the travel arrangements, from booking a hotel for a long weekend to planning a honeymoon to securing a room block for a corporate conference.

What are the benefits of working with a travel agent?

Working with a travel agent helps you level up your travel experience. A travel agent handles all the logistics — on-the-ground transfers, hotel and tour bookings, itinerary planning — so you can get the most out of your trip, without any of the stress. 

Plus, our Fora travel agents have insider access to over 5,000 preferred partnerships, meaning you get complimentary perks, priority upgrades and so much more at thousands of locations around the globe. We put serious time and airline mileage into visiting these properties in person so we can give you the up-to-date intel on your destination. We also maintain close relationships with hotel management so you’re treated like the VIP you are from the moment you arrive.

In other words, working with a travel agent unlocks a secret travel world you need to be a part of. But don’t just take our word for it… we have tons of 5-star reviews from happy clients.

Will I get perks & benefits when I work with a Fora Advisor?

Yes — big time. Our travel advisors have access to upgrades & perks at over 5,000 partners around the world. Plus, our partnerships with brands like Virtuoso , Four Seasons , Rosewood and beyond — as well as with smaller, independent boutique hotels — ensure you get treated like a VIP wherever you travel to next.

What types of travel can I book with Fora?

You name it, we book it: resort vacations, safaris , city breaks, vacation home rentals, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, weekend escapes…We do it all.

Do Fora Advisors count as Disney travel agents? What about cruise travel agents?

Absolutely. We provide comprehensive training on just about everything in the travel industry, so our advisors are well equipped to curate any client’s dream trip. (Read more about the benefits of booking with a cruise travel agent .)

I’m planning a group trip. Can Fora Advisors help?

Of course! The more the merrier. Whether you’re organizing a family reunion, honeymoon , bachelorette party or company-wide retreat, we’re happy to help. Just get in touch with your Fora Advisor to begin the process.

How do I make the most of my experience when planning a trip with Fora?

Tell us everything. Let us know if you love golf, must have access to a kids’ club or have a soft spot for off-the-beaten-path travel . Serious allergies or dietary restrictions are also very helpful information to share. That way, we’ll only show you options that fit your wants and needs. We also love to hear about your favorite hotels and trips you’ve enjoyed in the past, because that clues us in to your travel style.

If you’ve never worked with a travel advisor before, get our guide on what to expect when booking with a travel agent .

Wait, I kind of want to be a Fora Advisor myself. How can I join?

We love to hear it! We have a guide on how to become a travel agent . Then, when you’re interested in transforming your passion for travel into a meaningful career, apply to become a Fora Advisor today . 

• CLIA Cruise Lines
• CLIA Global Executive Committee
• Mercy Ships
• Explore Topics
• Join or Renew
• Professional Development
• Travel Agent Cruise News
• Verify a Member
• Eligibility
• Marketing Partners
• Refund Policy
• Executive Partners
• Fact Sheets
• News and Media Room
• Australasia
• North America
• North West and Canada
• UK & Ireland
• My Certifications
• My Training

• Cruising Home
• Travel Agent Center
• Become a Member
• Travel Agency Membership

Join or Renew Today!

CLIA Travel Agency Membership

Now, more than ever, CLIA Travel Agency Membership is an investment in your agency’s success. Membership raises your professional credibility and reputation within the leisure travel industry and is designed to help you navigate the cruise industry, retain talent, attract more clients and increase your earnings. JOIN/RENEW

CLIA offers a variety of resources and benefits to help you grow your business and increase your revenue.

Annual dues: $399.

2024 CLIA Travel Agency Membership is valid through December 31, 2024.

Eligibility Requirements

“CLIA membership has taken my travel business to another level! It has given me the confidence to offer my clients the best in cruises, from family-oriented to luxury. CLIA Professional Development has provided me with in-depth knowledge of cruise lines, ports of call, and so much more. Most importantly, CLIA has taken my commissions to another level. After all, it is true, “the more you learn, the more you earn.” Speaking as an ACC, nearly complete with the Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC) program, it truly is the best investment that I could have ever made in my business. Onward and upward!” — Ferne C. Sapp, ACC

I am so grateful for CLIA, and everything you all do to make sure agents are equipped with the knowledge and tools to provide the best service in the cruise industry. I have enjoyed all of the classes I have taken so far, and I look forward to working toward my MCC. It’s not just important to me to advise clients, but I also want to be knowledgeable in all aspects of the cruise business. Even after three college degrees, the training with CLIA has been my best education yet! Thank you all for being great trainers, leaders, and advisors. — Tonia Sanders, ACC

Earning my CLIA Master Cruise Counselor certification nearly 20 years ago provided me with the core knowledge to get my career off the ground. I am grateful for CLIA’s continually evolving training offerings both digitally and in person that enhance travel advisors ability to understand the complexity of the cruise market. — Daniel Genung

“CLIA training has given me the competence and confidence to sell cruises. When I started as a travel advisor 11 years ago, I had sales experience from my previous job, but I had no cruise sales or personal cruising experience. The first place I started was enrolling in Cruising 101, and eventually on to more advanced CLIA online courses. I eventually earned my ACC and then my MCC. I tell my clients that I have a PhD in cruising and that I earned that level of expertise from CLIA training. CLIA Professional Development has helped me to become an expert in cruising!” — Barbara Ballard, MCC

Don’t yet have a login? Create a new account

Forgot Password

If you have forgotten your Password, complete the information requested below and click the submit button.

You will receive an email with a reset token to change your password.

Please allow at least 10 minutes to receive the email before requesting another password reset. Please be sure to check your Spam folder for the password reset email.

Please note: the Email you provide must be the one that is associated with your profile.

If you have difficulty resetting your password please email [email protected] .

Create a New CLIA Account

Set or change password.

Please use the form below to set or change your password. Passwords must be at least 8 characters.

We are sorry. An error has occurred.

Please confirm.