When would someone decide not to use a travel agent?

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.



People Also Ask

  • 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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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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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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If you're traveling internationally — especially to a country you've never visited — a travel agent can be a useful resource in helping you plan your trip. They can manage all of your booking needs, which can be easier than juggling a long itinerary that includes flights, hotels and excursions on your own.

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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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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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FIT travel agents make money not only through the fees mentioned above but also through net pricing mark-ups and commissions from the different vendors they're booking. There's no one-size-fits-all fee when it comes to custom itineraries.

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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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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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Find a Credit Card Processor 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. Not to worry.

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Booking Yourself Saves on Service Fees “Travel agents have access to the same rates and they don't get commissions on flights, so they often add an extra booking fee.” Le recommends setting up Google flight alerts to snatch up deals on flights when prices go down.

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Here's the breakdown: The average booking value for a holiday right now is around £4,000. The average commission that creates is 10%; so £400 for a £4,000 sale. The average salary of £24k, divided by £400 per booking, is 60 bookings.

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The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2023
  1. Booking Holdings. (photo courtesy of Booking Holdings) ...
  2. Expedia Group. ...
  3. American Express Global Business Travel. ...
  4. BCD Travel. ...
  5. CWT. ...
  6. Flight Centre. ...
  7. American Express Travel. ...
  8. Chase Travel Group.


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Pros of hiring a travel agent Hassle-free booking: A travel agent books everything for you, so you don't have to worry about the details.

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Weigh all the pros and cons of being a travel agent before jumping in as a franchise owner.
  • Pro: You Can Work Anywhere & Set Your Own Hours. ...
  • Con: You Can Work Anywhere & Set Your Own Hours. ...
  • Pro: You Can Travel the World. ...
  • Con: You Might Get Calls at All Hours. ...
  • Pro: No College Degree Required. ...
  • Con: You Are in Control.


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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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To identify a travel agent scam, look for red flags such as prices that are too good to be true, pressure to book immediately, limited contact information, negative online reviews, or vague contract terms.

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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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