Should you always use a travel agent?

They can help find the best rooms, book services you didn't even know existed and tie all the pieces together on a complicated itinerary. A travel agent can be particularly beneficial if you don't have the time to do all the research yourself, or if you're looking for help in getting the best deal.



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A travel agent can keep things organized, negotiate with services and personally work out any complications that may arise. Rather than trying to reserve rooms in the same hotels and seats on the same flights with multiple credit cards and names, let a travel agent do that work.

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  • You're Not The One Planning Your Travel. While not planning your travel is a pro to some, for other travelers, it's a major con. ...
  • You Add Another Person To The Equation. ...
  • You Actually Have To Find The Agent. ...
  • They're Not Great For Spur-Of-The-Moment Changes.


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Most trips probably don't require the services of a travel agent, but if you're planning something that involves any of the complications outlined above you might benefit from the help. These are people who do this for a living, so sometimes it's best to leave the planning to a professional.

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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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Travel agents don't cost more than self-organizing a trip. They save you time and money with their expertise, and can even help you get free amenities. Travel agents offer payment plans that allow you to pay for your trip gradually and avoid financial strain.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 significant reduction in the number of travel agents. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, full-time agents declined from a peak of 124,000 in 2000 to 82,000 in 2019. From 1997 to 2013, retail travel agency headcount fell by 59 percent—from 22,938 to 9,387, said Skift, a travel media and events company.

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“Fees allow us to do a few things: to take on fewer clients and provide a personalized and seamless travel experience, to provide fair compensation for our time and expertise, and to allow us to truly work for a client to provide the best price and value — even if it means we need to book a noncommissionable experience ...

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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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Italy's Big 3 cities (Rome, Florence, Venice) are amazing and easy to combine. Unlike England and France, which only have one obvious city to visit on your first trip to Europe, Italy has three and they are very easy to combine in anywhere from 6 to about 10 total days.

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Trains are generally the best way to get around in Europe. The rail network is comprehensive, ticket costs are rather affordable, and the scenery is gorgeous. Trains are a great way to visit many destinations quickly and efficiently. We loved travelling by train in Europe!

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