Does anyone use travel agents anymore?

National Geographic looks into whether or not people still use travel advisors, and the answer is a resounding yes!



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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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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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But cost isn't the only barrier. The perception of “one-size-fits-all travel” is another barrier to travel consumers choosing to use travel agents. In fact, the study found that nearly one-third of travellers list 'the inability to customise their trips the way they want' as a top concern with using travel consultants.

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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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As of 2023, there are over 400,000 people employed in the Travel Agencies industry in the US. The industry is forecast to grow by 7.1% throughout 2023, clearly demonstrating that demand for travel agents remains strong.

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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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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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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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70% of Gen Z and millennial respondents agree that they have been inspired to visit a destination after seeing it featured in a TV show, news source, or movie. And 61%of Gen Z and millennials agree that a top motivation for traveling in 2023 is to visit a destination because it looks great in photos and videos.

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2023 will be the year of reimagining travel
As travel restrictions and Covid testing become a thing of the past, research reveals that 73% of people are more optimistic about travel than they were in 2022.

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In short, expect the same trip taken this year to cost slightly less than what it did this time last year (largely thanks to the steep drop in airfares) — but it'll cost significantly more than the pre-pandemic prices you're used to paying.

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Eco-tourism Sustainability has become an increasingly important issue in recent years, and travelers are now more aware than ever of the impact their trips have on the environment. In 2023, we can expect to see a rise in eco-tourism, which focuses on environmentally responsible travel.

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Travelers want authentic experiences that give them a taste of local culture and let them explore hidden gems that friends back home don't know about.

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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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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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You can actually save money when you book a trip with a travel agent. You also save time because travel agents are likely to be more experienced in finding the deals that are available. This way everyone benefits from booking a trip with a travel agent.

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