Do you get a better deal by going through a travel agent?

Generally not, and especially not for short distances. For the most part, any discount you'd get from using a travel agent would be for a combined package.



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Saving You Money They know all of the discounts and promotions, the best times to book, and the best days to travel. Use of a travel agent can be especially advantageous if you are traveling in a group. Even for small groups of six travelers or more, they can likely get you a discount or special amenity.

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Because travel agents are often working with airlines, hotels, cruises, tour companies, and more on multiple clients over multiple years, they're able to negotiate better deals and access better discounts than you'd be able to on your own. Think of it as bulk buying.

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Travel Agents Can Save You Time Booking a trip, with all its working parts, can take hours, especially if you're researching and comparing the best deals, said Avery Harris of Viking Travel. A travel agent will take much less time to help you find what you're looking for, Harris said.

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Some agents charge fees by percentage, ranging from 5 percent to 15 percent of the trip's cost. Others may charge a flat rate, anywhere from $100-$500 on average. You may have to pay an hourly rate for travel agents to research, plan or arrange your trip.

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The commission percentage agencies earn depends on numerous factors, the most important one being which private contracts you have access to. Here's a general rule of thumb on the airline ticket commission range you can expect as a travel advisor: Domestic: 0-5% International: 10-22%

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Travel Circumstances When You Cannot Use a Travel Agent You might have online bonuses or credits, like Expedia+ Rewards or Orbitz Orbucks. A hotel may offer extra loyalty points when you book directly through their website. It might be easier for you to arrange rentals cars from an independent agency.

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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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Take advice from friends and business associates who use an agent they trust and always check business profiles on BBB.org. Visit or call several agencies to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider everything from the appearance of the office to the agent's willingness to listen and answer questions.

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When you book directly on an airline's website you have more leverage when it comes to delays, booking changes, and cancellations. If you call the airline after having booked through an OTA, there's a chance you'll be directed back to the OTA when service can be subpar and confusing.

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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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In response to our survey of more than 500 Travel Weekly readers, conducted online in February, 71% said they charge some type of fee. Travel agencies that charge fees — whether they're a one-time consultation fee, a subscription fee, a ticketing fee or something else entirely — are now in the firm majority.

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With close connections to airlines, hotels, and tour guides, travel agents often have access to special deals and preferential pricing you won't find on your own. They know about seasonal deals, low-cost specials, and unique experiences that would be hard for you to find building your trip online yourself.

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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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What's the difference between a Travel Broker and a Travel Agent? Anyone can become a travel agent with very little industy or travel experience. Travel Brokers have both years of industry experience and have had plenty of trips overseas. Brokers work in much the same way as travel agencies.

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Top Online Travel Agencies
  1. Booking.com. Booking.com is one of the largest and most popular travel websites in the world, with over 1.5 million nights booked every day. ...
  2. Expedia. ...
  3. Airbnb. ...
  4. Hostelworld. ...
  5. Agoda. ...
  6. Vrbo. ...
  7. Hotelbeds. ...
  8. Trip.com.


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1. Jet2holidays. Jet2holidays is now the UK's largest tour operator and has won awards for its excellent service at reasonable prices.

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But travel agencies also typically fall under “high risk.” One reason for that is the higher-than-average chargeback rates that can come from bookings for a future trip that a client later wants to cancel.

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