Are travel agents still a thing?

Yes—and now they're called travel advisors. They could be more helpful than you may think. If the idea of using a travel agent to plan your next trip sounds like recommending a rotary phone to confirm your flight reservation, think again.



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People still choose a travel agent to help them book their travel experience, whether it is for business or pleasure. A travel agent helps travelers navigate any issues that may arise. They can even help save travelers money because they know what kinds of discounts and packages are out there.

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8 Great Reasons NOT to Use a Travel Agent
  • You Know How to Book Your Own Trips. ...
  • You Have Time to Research and Book Your Own Travel. ...
  • You Know Exactly What You Want. ...
  • You Like Non-Traditional Travel Components. ...
  • You Can Find Better Travel Deals. ...
  • Quirky or Complicated Trip Planning Scenarios.


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Advisors not only expedite planning, but they can be your back-up should anything go wrong, said Glusac. When a flight is canceled, a hotel reservation is lost, or a natural disaster strikes, they are there to help. Ultimately, their connections can become your conduit to a smoother and more stimulating trip.

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With the growing demand for travel, this year is an excellent time to consider a career as a travel agent. In 2023, the earnings of a home-based travel agent in the United States can vary greatly based on factors such as experience, market demand, and the amount of sales made.

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Travel agents save clients money, but the benefits of booking with a travel agent go way beyond. Travel agents also create high-value travel over OTAs because (the living, breathing, talented humans that they are) are able to advocate for clients when things go awry.

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The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and often, they won't charge you at all. Much of their money comes from commissions the hotels and wholesalers pay them. Before you decide to book with a travel agent, inquire whether or not they charge fees.

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Today, despite multiple threats to their business model, travel advisors appear to be here to stay. Many expect a surge of 2022 bookings, with clients ready to travel again after a year and a half of pandemic lethargy.

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If you're a millennial or Gen Zer, you may be surprised by the retro hack some fellow travelers use to book seamless trips: a travel agent. Will Pay for Wanderlust! Millennials and Gen Zers are more likely to use travel agents/advisers than Boomers, according to a December 2022 Flywire survey of luxury travelers.

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It's a myth that working with a travel agent will automatically cost you more; most get paid via commissions from the hotel or outfitter. Sure, some travel agents do charge a fee for putting together an itinerary, but most will credit you that fee if you end up booking the trip through them.

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Travel advisors can be a great resource to ensure you're comfortable and have a smooth trip, and if something does go wrong, they're also there to help you out, such as handling getting you rebooked in a different hotel room should something go awry, says French.

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The main difference between travel consultants and agents is that travel consultants plan trips, while travel agents book them. Travel agents may be better skilled at locating the best prices for flights and hotels.

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How much money do travel agents make? This comes down to certain factors such as the type of clients, level of expertise and the ability to offer specialized services. According to Indeed, the average salary of a travel agent in the US is $49,608 but there are many making up to six-figure incomes.

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Travel agent demographics research summary. There are over 29,992 travel agents currently employed in the United States. 78.1% of all travel agents are women, while 21.9% are men. The average travel agent age is 50 years old.

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Booking directly with the resort itself is one of the best ways to ensure you travel and relax on the days you desire. Travel Agents are often paid on commission, and may not have your best interest in mind. They may push a certain resort or package deal on you which benefits them, but not you.

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Generally, leisure travel agencies' main revenue is from commissions vendors pay on vacation packages, cruises, air, and other add-ons. However, consultation fees and service fees are becoming more common as agencies try to diversify income sources to become less dependent on supplier commissions.

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The agency fee is nominal when compared with saving you time and money. People who utilize a traditional travel agency expect to work with knowledgeable agents who can take the details of their travel plans, prepare a customized itinerary and quickly forward the details to the client's smartphone or computer.

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While you could spend hours scouring the internet, reading questionable reviews and looking for deals, a AAA Travel Agent's hard-won relationships could be benefitting you. Studies have shown working with a travel agent saves travelers over three hours of time spent planning per trip.

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The short answer is, yes. 22% of U.S. travelers used a travel advisor 1. This percentage will grow, with 50% of travelers reporting they're more likely to use a travel advisor post-pandemic (a 14% increase from 2022!) 2.

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A travel agent's role is to help people plan, choose and arrange their holiday. They will usually work to a budget set out by whoever is planning the holiday. They also offer advice and opinions on where to go and local tourist attractions, events and customs.

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A Travel Agent Can Handle the Unexpected. Between weather delays, natural disasters, flight cancellations, lost luggage and much more, a lot can happen on vacation. Travel agents act as the traveler's advocate in the event something goes wrong, helping navigate the challenge of making any necessary itinerary changes.

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