are travel agents worth it

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Table of Contents

How much does a travel agent cost?

Do travel agents get discounts on flights, how can a travel agent help me, smart money move: book with the right credit card, how do i find a good travel agent.

With a few keystrokes, you can find cheap travel deals on the web. But travel agents can do that and more.

Often, travel agents receive deals directly from hotels and tour operators that you may not have access to. They also have contacts with resorts and hotels, so they can bargain for better deals. But just how much do travel agents cost? Some people assume that travel agents are expensive, which may keep them from using their services. However, that's not necessarily true.

Regardless if you go with a travel agent or plan on your own, it can be a smart money move to book with a credit card thats earns rewards on your bookings and helps you avoid foreign transaction fees if you end up traveling abroad.

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.

Also, if you’ve booked a trip with a travel agent and for whatever reason need to cancel, they might be able to help get the refund more directly.

» Learn more: How to become 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. Still, it never hurts to ask if your travel agent can get you a deal on your flight.

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.

Group travel is another common situation that can benefit from an agent's assistance. Coordinating bookings across multiple parties can get confusing. 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.

Travel agents can also be helpful by providing destination advice. Many specialize in particular destinations and can offer insight as to how you should structure your visit. Agents can direct you to the services, facilities and entertainment that best align with your interests and needs.

» Learn more: Other things a travel agent can do that a search engine can't

Whether you decide to use a travel agent to book your trip (i.e. flights, accommodations, excursions, cruises, car rentals, etc.) or plan the whole trip on your own, consider what credit card makes the most sense for your vacation.

If you're going abroad, use a card that waives foreign transaction fees so that you can avoid those fees. Also consider credit cards that include complimentary travel insurance so that you can be protected on your trip if things go awry.

Here is a sampling of cards that include travel insurance and also waive foreign transaction fees. These cards also earn rewards on travel, which you can redeem in various ways.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• 5 points per $1 on travel booked through Chase.

• 3 points per $1 on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout), select streaming services and online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).

• 2 points per $1 on other travel.

• 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

• 10 points per $1 on Chase Dining, hotel stays and car rentals purchased through Chase.

• 5 points per $1 on air travel purchased through Chase.

• 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining not booked with Chase.

• 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 spent per year.

• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

The cards listed above all carry annual fees, especially given all the perks they provide.

If you don't care about the perks listed and simply want a card with no annual fee that waives foreign transaction fees, check out this list of options .

Several websites can help you track down and contact suitable travel agents. TravelSense.org , part of the American Society of Travel Advisors, allows you to search by some useful parameters including specialty and geographic location.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Insurance Benefit: Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

ENDING SOON: Bonus worth up to $1,050

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

✈️ Our Nerds say it's "nearly a must-have for travelers " because of its big sign-up bonus, high-value points and money-saving perks like hotel credit and rental car insurance.

🤑 Better yet, it's offering one of the best bonuses ever right now, only for a limited time...

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Should You Get a Travel Agent to Book Your Vacation? Here Are the Pros and Cons

Find out when using an agent is helpful and when it's not worth it.

Erica is a personal finance writer and travel expert with a decade of experience. She contributes to USA TODAY, Forbes, CNBC, and many other top-tier media outlets. Erica writes about travel tips, destinations, reward credit cards, and ways to save money on travel. Highlights: * Regular contributor to USA TODAY, covering destinations, trends, and how to save money on travel * Travel insurance expert for Forbes, contributing 50+ articles on travelers' insurance * Freelance writer covering health, real estate, business, and parenting with work published in Oprah Magazine, Reader's Digest, U.S. News & World Report, Parents, and NBC News

• Travel Agent Pros
• Travel Agent Cons
• How Much Does it Cost?
• Do Commissions Play a Role?
• How to Find an Agent

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If you’re getting ready to travel you may be considering using a travel agent to help plan your itinerary and book for your trip. Although there are scenarios and occasions where a travel agent could be a great asset in your trip-planning pursuits, you may not always need professional assistance. So, we’ve consulted with travel experts to break down all the pros and cons of using travel agents. 

Pros of hiring a travel agent

There are several great benefits of partnering with a travel agent. Here are a few of the standout advantages:

You get expert advice

Travel agents, after all, are experts in travel planning, and they often have inside information about a number of different destinations. “The best travel agents are experts in the place you’re traveling to, and will likely have experienced the trip they’re helping you book themselves,” says Sally French, travel expert at NerdWallet. “Given that, they can make personal recommendations and give advice specific to you, such as activities that fit your travel style or restaurants that fit your preferences.”

You have a go-to helper if anything goes wrong

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. “You might need support for a variety of possible disruptions, say a snowstorm delaying flights or an illness or injury to someone in your travel group,” French adds. “A travel agent is there to ensure you actually go on the trip, which means they’ll help make modifications to your itinerary in those events.”

You may get access to better deals or perks

Chris Gray Faust , executive editor of Cruise Critic, shares that travel agents have access to a treasure trove of travel deals, and can often offer special pricing that you wouldn’t have access to without working with them. “Beyond discounted pricing, they can also provide ways to save in other areas or [ways to] take full advantage of offerings available to you—bringing not just cost savings, but delivering an even greater overall value,” Gray Faust says. 

You get expert assistance with logistics, especially abroad

For many, the time and research it takes to manage the logistics of traveling, especially internationally, can be overwhelming, says Melissa DaSilva , president of Trafalgar, North America. “Advisors will step in to manage all of the logistics of in-destination transportation, score hard-to-get reservations at the best restaurants and deal with any hiccups, like flight delays or cancellations,” she explains. Travel advisors are also well-versed in the destination’s top accommodations to guide travelers towards exactly what they are looking for within their budget, says DaSilva. “Advisors can help travelers save money by keeping a pulse on the latest offers, special fares and deals, and book bucket list experiences that you may not have even known about if you hadn’t spoken to an advisor,” she says.

Cons of hiring a travel agent

There could be instances when utilizing a travel agent may not make sense. Here are some reasons you may want to skip using one. 

The added layer of communication may be unnecessary

Travel agents can be helpful in making and changing reservations, French says, but sometimes they can end up being an unnecessary middleman. “If you need to change your hotel reservation, often it’s easier to just call the hotel yourself, rather than wait for the travel agent to do it,” she acknowledges.

The enjoyment of planning your own travels could be missed

Sure, there is the convenience factor of outsourcing your trip-planning duties, but surrendering all those tasks could leave you with some vacation remorse. “If you let the agent do all the planning, then that might rob you of some of the joy that comes from travel—which is the very act of planning the trip,” cautions French. 

The travel agent may not possess the expertise you need

Gray Faust says, just like any other professional industry, the depth of travel agent knowledge and expertise varies from agent to agent, and not all agents are built the same. “When you’re looking for a travel agent, be sure to ask about their experience, their affiliations, any ongoing education and any specialties,” Gray Faust continues. “Many agents specialize in certain travel types, so their knowledge of those particular trips is even more expansive than a more generic agent.”

How much does it cost to use a travel agent?

Cost for travel agents can vary. “It depends,” says French with NerdWallet. “Sometimes, travel agents won’t cost you anything if their paychecks come from commissions paid by the suppliers who you end up booking with.” 

Other travel agencies charge fees for individual services like research, bookings and changes, in which case they might charge either by time or by service provided, French says. 

Be sure to ask that question upfront, Gray Faust says, so you don’t have any unexpected charges tacked on to your bill.

Are travel agents swayed by hospitality providers who offer higher commissions?

While it’s impossible to say definitively, as it varies by agent, French says to consider that “those who work on commission are incentivized to book you on trips that pay them out.”

Gray Faust offers a differing outlook. “A good travel agent will not be swayed by commissions, as it’s in their best interest to deliver a quality service to their clients to turn them into returning customers,” she states. 

How can you find a suitable travel agent?

Spread the news that you’re planning a trip. “Word-of-mouth is a great way to find a travel advisor—ask your family and friends to connect you with someone they worked with and loved,” DaSilva suggests.

She also recommends searching for an advisor that’s certified or credentialed and use resources such as the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). “Good travel advisors will respond in a timely manner and ask a lot of questions about what you want from your next vacation to fully understand your needs so they can match you with your perfect travel experiences,” adds DaSilva.

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Breaking Down the Pros and Cons of Using a Travel Agent

You're convinced that having a travel expert by your side will be useful. But how do you go about knowing when and how to book with them?

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Confession: I’m a big fan of travel agents (whoops, sorry, travel advisers ), even though I could technically book all my trips through websites and apps. And despite the fact that many of us might consider this industry old-fashioned and out-of-date, research shows that travelers, and millennials in particular, are once again turning to these specialists to help plow through TripAdvisor detritus. If you’re wondering: how much does a travel agent cost, and why would I book with one anyway? Read on.

How to Know If You Need a Travel Agent

Once you’ve come around to the idea of hiring a travel agent, ask these three questions before booking:

• Is this a domestic trip or one that involves traveling to a part of the world you’ve never been? If it’s the former you don’t need a travel agent.
• Can I get a better deal by using a travel agent? (This question requires you pricing out your trip with and without one.)
• Is this a big-budget, special-event kind of trip? If the answer is yes, go with a travel agent.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

They can find crazy deals..

This is literally their job. If they have been in the travel business for many years, they likely have supplier relationships in place that can help leverage better deals for you. Many travel agents specialize in locations (i.e., cruise vacations in Europe). Some travel agents offer package deals, with more savings passed on to you then booking the trip on your own—that is good news to your wallet.

They will be your advocate.

One of the best ways to utilize a travel agent is as an advocate should something derail on your trip. They can help you with lost luggage, in the case of natural disasters, if you get stuck in a location before your trip, etc. They are there to help you get your trip back on track.

They’ll take care of the little things.

I love my travel agent, and I love all the extras she provides when we use her services for a trip. For instance, when we traveled to the Bahamas, she made sure there was a nice bottle of champagne and strawberries in our room on our arrival, and she also upgraded our room free of charge. While this certainly is not a guarantee when you use a travel agent, there are a lot of added-value extras you can expect when you use a travel agent. Why? Because travel agents know you don’t have to use them to book your trip, and they want to say thank you.

They’re true experts.

Most travel agents have been working in the industry for years now, and it’s their job to stay on top of travel trends and upcoming hot destinations. When I spoke with my travel agent about a trip to Europe recently, she offered a few alternate destinations. I was not thinking about the destinations she suggested, but the alternatives offered great activities, culture, food, interesting boutique hotels, and more options for less money than my original destination.

They don’t usually cost extra.

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. Make sure you know all the potential fees before you use a travel agent, and do not hesitate to negotiate away.

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

They’re not going to help with cheaper airfare..

Back in the day, you would use a travel agent to book every aspect of your trip. However, with so many options to find low-cost airfare, like Google Flights , Scott’s Cheap Flights , and  Skyscanner , booking your own flights is easy and cost-effective. Most travel agents cannot score discounted flights, and many travel agents will not even bother. Follow these tips on how to find the cheapest flights possible , instead.

They’re not you.

This may seem obvious, although it’s still important to consider. A travel agent not only finds you the best deals, but they also offer suggestions for activities, restaurants, and more. This is great if you’re someone who doesn’t like to research these things, but you run the risk of working with someone who doesn’t get your personal preferences (maybe they lean toward road tours rather than technical singletrack). Do your own research first, and come up with a list of activities that you want to do. Once you have that list, pass it along to your travel agent to see if they can rustle up any deals as they book.

How to Find a Great One

One of the best ways to find a reputable travel agent is to get referrals from your friends and family. Anyone that has used that travel agent for a previous trip and enjoyed their service is someone worth checking out. As with anything, I always suggest talking to at least two different travel agents to see who you feel most comfortable with. Remember, they are there to work for you.

Know your travel budget before you reach out to a travel agent. Likely, this will be the first question they ask you and will help steer them toward the best destinations for that budget. If you are traveling somewhere that’s specialized, like going on that once-in-a-lifetime African safari , find a specialist that knows that region inside and out. They will usually have the best deals and relationships with hotels and activity companies in that area.

How Much Does a Travel Agent Cost?

Usually, the cost of hiring a travel agent to organize a trip for you is fairly minimal. Many agencies charge a flat fee of around $100, and others may charge a certain small percentage of your trip. Most of their take-home profits come from the hotels, wholesalers, resorts, and businesses they work with, but be sure to as your travel agent about fees upfront and before you start working with them to plan your next dream vacation. (No one likes hidden fees and surprises.)

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Are travel agents worth it? Pros, cons and alternatives

August 13, 2024 | 5 min read

Travel agents, also known as travel advisers, plan trips for individuals and groups. Their services can include everything from booking flights, rental cars, hotels, restaurants and tours to purchasing travel insurance, obtaining necessary visas for international travel and more. Generally speaking, travel agents take on the research and logistics of trip planning so you can focus on the trip itself.

But are their services worth it? That might depend on many factors, like the cost of their services, the complexity of your trip, your own preferences and your comfort level with booking travel yourself. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of using a travel agent.

What you’ll learn:

Travel agents can plan your trips for you, from booking hotels to making sure you have the right documents for traveling.

The costs associated with working with a travel agent could range from nothing at all to hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Travel agents may help you access upgrades and benefits that you may not find on your own, but finding the right travel agent could take time.

Many travel credit cards come with access to online reservation portals that make booking your own travel easy and rewarding.

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How much does a travel agent cost.

Travel agents may charge service fees, flat-rate trip fees or consultation fees. For example, you might pay a flat rate of between $100 and $500 for a travel agent. Some travel agents operate at no cost to customers and instead receive commissions on the flights and accommodations they book. Others may offer more high-end, customized travel experiences at premium rates in the thousands.

Do you save any money using a travel agent?

Travel agents may help you save money by using their know-how to find the best price on your airline tickets or hotel room—or even secure upgrades. However, with so many online booking resources available, finding inexpensive flights and booking all your own travel is easier than it used to be. And doing so might outweigh the price of a travel agent.

Pros and cons of using a travel agent

Deciding whether a travel agent is worth it to you will depend on your financial situation, your personal preferences and the type of trip you’re planning. Whether you want to leave the travel planning to someone else or plan your next trip yourself , it can be helpful to consider all the factors.

Advantages of using a travel agent

A travel agent could offer the following advantages:

Handing off the research and booking to a travel expert can save time in the trip-planning process.

Travel agents could assist in cases of emergencies, flight cancellations and other travel complications.

An agent’s travel industry knowledge can help in finding benefits that may not be accessible to you, from flight deals and upgrades to extra credits to use aboard cruise lines.

Travel agents could plan more exclusive activities for you away from the crowds and find you more unique experiences tailored to your interests.

Many travel agents offer the option of an all-inclusive fee up front, so you likely won’t have to worry about additional costs once you’ve booked the trip.

Disadvantages of using a travel agent

There are also some potential disadvantages to using a travel agent to consider:

You may prefer booking your own trip if you have specific tastes and like to handpick each stop along your journey.

Depending on the trip you have in mind, you might save more money by organizing it yourself rather than through a travel agent, especially if you opt for an affordable vacation spot or want to leverage budget-friendly travel tips .

While a travel agent can save you research time for your trip, you’ll still need to spend time finding the right agent in order to stick to your budget and needs.

If you’re the spontaneous type, booking an itinerary may feel restrictive. Doing things your own way can offer greater flexibility.

If you have a travel rewards credit card, you may not reap its full benefits if you book through a travel agent. For instance, you may earn more rewards by booking your trip through your credit card issuer’s travel portal—something your travel agent may not be able to do.

A travel agent alternative: Using a travel rewards credit card

Travel agents can take some of the hassle out of travel planning, but if you’re the type of person who wants control over your itinerary, reservations and other aspects of your trip, opening a travel rewards credit card may be a better option.

Travel rewards credit cards can come with benefits that travel agents may not be able to offer. For example, with a Capital One travel rewards credit card, you could enjoy access to exclusive features like Capital One Travel , a TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry credit , Priority Pass™ and more.* You’ll also earn rewards on every dollar you spend, even if it’s not related to travel. And you can use those rewards toward airfare and hotel stays.

Keep in mind that you’re free to open a travel rewards credit card and use a travel agent. And if you use your card to pay for their services and the reservations they make, you might earn rewards for those purchases too.

Key takeaways: Are travel agents worth it?

Travel agents can be worth it if you prefer to leave the legwork of planning a trip to someone else or if you enjoy getting upgrades and visiting off-the-beaten-track destinations. They might even save you money on your trip.

But it all comes down to how you prefer to travel. If you’re looking for a simple way to earn rewards that you can use toward your airline tickets, hotel stays, rental cars and other travel-related costs, you might want to consider a travel rewards credit card from Capital One .

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Are Travel Advisors Worth It? A Complete Guide.

October 16, 2023.

Table of Contents

With so many travel apps, online booking websites, and review platforms at our fingertips, it seemed for a while like the “travel agent” might have become an outdated concept.

In recent years, however, there’s been a resurgence and revival of the travel agent. Today’s “travel advisors,” the preferred term for travel professionals who plan  custom and curated travel experiences for the clients, can help you slice through the noise and more efficiently book the trip that’s right for you. 

There are so many benefits of hiring a travel advisor, and we delve into them below. But just to scratch the surface: Travel advisors plan trips day in and day out. They have the hook-ups at hotels; they know who to call to get you the curated experience of your dreams. When you book through a luxury travel advisor, they can leverage their partnerships to get you VIP treatment and amenities. 

And when your trip is underway, you will have a professional in your corner to navigate any inevitable bumps in the road. 

But using a travel advisor can also mean an investment. Today, the best travel advisors charge planning fees, ranging from as low as $100 for a hotel booking to upwards of $1500 for a complex, multi-week, curated vacation plan. Many also do their best work in the luxury travel space, which often means a commitment to high end travel and 4- and 5-star properties.  

So how exactly to determine if a travel agent is worth it, and how might the benefits of using a travel advisor bring your dream vacation to fruition? Let’s look at the full picture. 

12 Benefits of Using A Travel Advisor ​

1. travel advisors really learn the destinations they book. .

When it comes to planning the ideal vacation, you should think beyond just booking a hotel or reserving a tour. When you’re considering whether travel agents are worth it, consider the deeper understanding they have of the destinations on your bucket list.   

Travel advisors often get into the business because they love travel. As part of investing in their business, they travel to the destinations they want to book for clients.They spend hours (and hours) researching and learning from each other and their partners. When you work with a travel advisor, you get to tap into that extensive knowledge database. 

I can’t help but share an anecdote here: The year I launched Mango Tree Travel, I took nine trips to the Caribbean – many with my kids in tow – to scout hotels, try experiences, and really get to know the islands.  Most great travel advisors take a similar approach, focusing first on destinations they have experienced to guide their new clients based on personal experience. 

If you pick a travel advisor with hands-on experience in your destination, you can expect fabulous insights into that best-hidden restaurant or the must-experience tour.

2. Travel Advisors Build Incredible Industry Connections. 

Even if a travel advisor has not been to the destination they’re helping you plan, their resources for finding the best gems run deep.  

Behind every effective travel advisor is a network of robust industry connections that enhance your travel experience. Travel advisors spend countless hours building relationships with hotel representatives, tour operators, and in-destination partners. 

If you follow any travel advisors on  Instagram , you might see them at an industry conference one week, and on a trip with a partner the next. These advisors are learning the details of the new hot spots (and where to avoid). 

Take a recent example: In 2023, Italy was the summer hotspot for travelers, leading to unbelievable crowds and skyrocketing prices. Looking ahead to 2024, we’ve gotten invaluable tips from one of our industry insider partners in Europe to encourage our travelers to consider skipping the conventional allure of Rome or Florence for lesser-known gems like Apulia (Puglia) or Bologna or the Dolomites. 

Such off-the-beaten-path suggestions – which travel advisors have at the ready – not only offer a more intimate experience but also often provide better value for money. Travel advisors maintain these connections to be sure their clients are always a step ahead in terms of authentic and value-added experiences. 

Also, let’s be real: even the best travel advisor can’t visit every country, try every tour, or stay at every hotel. But with the right industry partnerships, a travel advisor can still plan your trip with utmost confidence, and secure you the unique experiences that only come with insider tips.

3. Travel Advisors Have Access to Special Offers and VIP Amenities.

I’ll tell you a secret: Every day, my inbox lights up with emails from our trusted partners, reminding me of their current availability for holiday travel, or alerting me to an off-season discount perhaps. Having a relationship with a great travel advisor can lead to a treasure trove of exclusive offers and VIP amenities.  

Here’s an example: Did you know that Rosewood Hotels has an “invitation-only program for luxury travel specialists” called the  Rosewood Elite Program ? When you book through a Rosewood Elite travel advisor, you can reap incredible benefits, including complimentary breakfasts and upgrades. Rosewood also runs exclusive promotions for their Elite partners, which can sometimes be as much as 30% off certain properties. 

Another example is  Virtuoso  – the leading collection of luxury travel suppliers. When you  book through a Virtuoso advisor , you immediately get bumped up the VIP line, treated with perks that often include resort credits, breakfast, upgrades, and welcome gifts. 

But it’s not just about static discounts or perks; it’s also about the dynamic, ever-changing offers that are rooted in real-time market trends and opportunities. If you’re someone with a tad bit of flexibility, whether on your travel dates, or your destination of choice, an advisor can sometimes pivot you towards an unexpected trip that offers an incredible value proposition, both in terms of experience and cost. They can guide you based on firsthand experiences, industry insights, and trusted recommendations, ensuring your trip is nothing short of extraordinary.

4. The Time-Saving Benefits Alone Are Worth Every Penny.

Time is one of our most coveted resources. Leveraging a full-service travel advisor is about crafting the perfect holiday, all while saving time and reducing stress. 

Think about how much time you spent researching your last vacation, from selecting the destination, to finding the right hotels, to picking your restaurants, and booking your tours. Was it 20 hours? 25 hours? More? 

While the internet has democratized access to travel information,  information overload is a real problem . Determining which reviews to trust, which resources to rely on, and navigating through a myriad of options can be overwhelming and time-consuming.

Delving deep into research, coordinating logistics, sending countless emails, and ensuring every tiny detail is attended to, can also be an exhausting ordeal– especially for busy professionals or parents who have limited time to begin with. 

Imagine doing a 30-minute phone call, where you can express all your travel wants and dreams, and then being handed a meticulously crafted itinerary, addressing all your travel needs, and forgoing all of that unnecessary worry and effort. This not only saves countless hours but provides you the peace of mind to leave on your trip with all essential details at your fingertips.

5. Travel Advisors Love To Research And Plan Unique Experiences. 

Navigating through the flood of online travel resources can not only be overwhelming, it can also quickly lead you to cookie-cutter experiences.

One of the reasons Mango Tree sprung to life is because my online searches for “family-friendly hotels in the Caribbean”  constantly turned up unoriginal choices like the Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana. But what about families seeking a deeper, more authentic connection to their travel destination?  What about parents who want to travel with their kids in a similar way as they did in the “before-days?”– those who cringe at the thought of a cartoon-themed beach resort. 

Bringing in a travel advisor, and especially one specializing in family travels, can fill this niche and help you balance parental aspirations with practical family needs. This insight can lead to curated trips that excite and rejuvenate you and your family, rather than funnel you to mainstream family resorts.

The same holds true no matter what kind of traveler you are, whether you’re seeking an off-the-grid honeymoon, or historic tours in Europe’s most popular cities. Travel advisors can steer you away from the traditional big-brand hotels to more unique experiences (that are fully vetted, removing the risk).

6. You Can Get Total Itinerary Customization.

How often do you get to be a VIP in your daily life? The answer is probably “not enough.” But when you plan a trip with the right travel advisor, you can get a completely custom experience. 

An advisor’s skills really shine through in molding each journey to the traveler’s unique needs. 

Once again, let’s take families with young children as an example. A proficient travel advisor who focuses on families understands the constraints of nap times, and knows lots of little tricks about traveling with kids . So they’ll naturally craft you an itinerary that features, for example, a prominent morning activity followed by a more relaxed afternoon. 

Be it catering to dietary needs, choosing between large or intimate tour groups or private experiences, or even selecting restaurants with kid-friendly menus, a seasoned travel advisor tailors every aspect of a trip to your aspirations and requirements.   

The resulting journey is thoughtfully curated, encompassing all family dynamic.

7. And Then, You Can Even Make Changes to that Itinerary.

The unpredictable nature of travel sometimes means last-minute itinerary changes are necessary. Having a seasoned travel advisor in such instances can be invaluable. 

Take the devastating wildfires in Hawaii in 2023 as an example. Many travelers with flights to Maui on the books found themselves in a conundrum. Should we go and support the island? Can we even go? If not, can we go somewhere? How? 

On their own, rerouting would have been a massive challenge fraught with uncertainty. However, with a connected travel advisor plugged into the industry – with quick access to alternatives – that  pivot away from Hawaii suddenly became more accessible . We know of several clients in our travel advisor network whose advisors were able to quickly find last-minute availability in other paradises, ensuring travelers still enjoyed a memorable holiday, while respecting the needs of Hawaiins to focus their resources inward.

8. Travel Advisors Will Help You Deal with Emergencies or Delays While Travelling.

Emergencies and delays are, unfortunately, inevitable parts of traveling. However, when you’ve booked through a competent travel advisor, there’s a team of experts ready to assist during hiccups. 

Some advisors grant travelers access to specialized air desks, and while it’s not a guaranteed solution, these professionals often possess the resources and industry connections to snag alternative arrangements faster than traditional channels.

The same goes for rescheduling tours or hotels when your flight has been delayed. Circumvent the usual hold times and grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine while the industry professional in your back pocket brainstorms and executes solutions efficiently during your travels.

We recently planned a Chile trip for a couple who were unable to reach one of their hotels due to road conditions. Instead of parking themselves at a computer to figure out an alternative, they went on their scheduled wine tasting. When they were done, we had re-routed them to a new city, and booked a new boutique hotel that our partners were quickly able to recommend.

9. Experience Stress-Free Trip Planning and Execution.

We all know the headaches that come with planning travel today: information overload, increased hotel prices, airline delays, tour guide shortages during peak seasons, and changing dynamics post-COVID.  Just to name a few. 

Even with these downsides, we still want travel to be about  enjoying new experiences, not drowning in the endless stream of information and uncertainty. 

The modern digital age, while abundant with resources, often leaves travelers second-guessing their decisions. What reviews can you trust? Are those tourist attractions overrated? How close is that hotel to the main attractions? What will I do when things go wrong? These are but a few of the questions that can plague a traveler’s mind. 

With a seasoned travel advisor at your helm, you’re not just drawing upon their expertise but also benefiting from their vast client feedback and firsthand experiences. This collaboration ensures that the end product—a meticulously crafted itinerary—is one that brings peace of mind and assures you’ve set the stage for a memorable trip.

10. Travel Advisors Will Book All The Hotels For You. 

We’ve talked about the itinerary and planning, but let’s not forget the execution. Gone are the days when you’d juggle between multiple hotel sites, input credit card information, and ensure bookings align with your itinerary. One of the benefits of working with a full-service travel agent is that they take care of the whole process. 

Operating on secure platforms, top travel advisors handle the logistics of your stay, from room reservations to ensuring you actually get the promised amenities. This extends to orchestrating seamless airport transportation and handling the back-and-forth communication with the hotel on your behalf. 

Consider your travel advisor your ambassador, ensuring you enjoy a perfect stay without delving into the nitty-gritty of booking details.

11. Travel Advisors Also Offer Concierge Services.

While it’s true that many top-tier hotels boast impeccable concierge services, a travel advisor enhances this by serving as your primary link, often even before you reach your destination. 

They can provide you with coveted restaurant recommendations or connect you directly with a hotel concierge they trust. 

It’s important to remember that travel advisors are not middlemen obstructing direct communication. They act as enhancers, ensuring you receive only the best service and experience, be it directly from them or through trusted partners.

12. And They Will Coordinate All Tour And Transportation Arrangements.

Navigating transportation can be a daunting task. One of the questions we most frequently get asked is whether clients should book a rental car, private tours, or something in between. 

Whether you need a private transfer from the airport with car seats, guidance on the best local taxi services, or recommendations on the best types of tours, a full-service travel advisor has you covered. They will take all necessary steps to ensure you make the right choices about how to move around your destination with ease, safety, and convenience.

2 Big Reasons Not To Use A Travel Advisor 

We’ve talked a lot about why it is worth it to use a travel advisor. But there are also at least two reasons when it’s not worth it, and you’re better off booking travel yourself.

You Want To Book An AirBNB, Or Book Using Points. 

Travel advisors primarily work on commissions. It’s worth emphasizing here: those commissions are baked into the prices of accommodations, and typically do not come at an additional cost to you.  But the industry business model means that the zone of specialty for most luxury travel advisors is the hotel zone, and most will require that they handle your hotel booking.  (Otherwise, we’re working for free, and no one should work for free right?) 

Travel advisors cannot book with points, and most do not book AirBNBs and vacation rental sites like VRBO. (They do have access to lots of villa rentals, though, through partners like Lacure Villas and Villas of Distinction , which is an important line to draw.)

If you’re looking to save money by booking through points or vacation rental sites, be sure to disclose that up front to your travel advisor to ensure that you’re a good fit.  Probably, you should go it alone. 

Alternatively, some advisors offer consultation services, where they can give you tips on certain aspects of your destination – like which area to stay in, which activities not to miss – even if they aren’t handling your booking.

You’re Looking For the Best “Deal” Or Budget Accommodations  

Many travel advisors – but not all – really excel at planning luxury travel. That doesn’t necessarily mean 5-star hotels at every turn, but it doesn’t mean budget hotels or 2-star travel either.  If you’re looking for very basic hotel accommodations, it’s probably not worthwhile to bring in a leisure travel advisor. 

At a minimum, you should be very clear upfront about the type of trip you’re planning, to be sure to find an advisor who books the type of hotel you’re looking for. 

The same goes for tours and other travel experiences. Travel advisors work with high quality suppliers to ensure you have the best experience – and those are often not the cheapest. If you’re the type to scour TripAdvisor reviews to find a Catamaran tour that’s $49 per person instead of $79 per person, then more power to you, but a good travel advisor is unlikely to approach planning your trip the same way.  If that’s what you expect, you may all find yourselves frustrated during the trip planning process. 

We get it: Sometimes keeping costs down needs to be a priority so you can afford your trip! When it comes to getting the best deals, online travel agencies (or “OTAs”) like Expedia, Booking, and Hotels dot com, serve a very valuable purpose. Through those platforms, you will often get the best discounted hotel prices.  But know that, by booking through those platforms, you’ll also be at the bottom of the priority totem pole, and risk not receiving personalized service. 

Travel advisors can’t always book the Expedia price. Certain rates are negotiated by online booking platforms based on the volume of their sales. Using a travel advisor will rarely cost you more than booking directly with a hotel (travel planning fees aside) but it may very well cost you more than you’d  pay booking through a discount site.  

If you’re planning a very budget-conscious trip, and are out to get the best deal – rather than the best experience – then the benefits of hiring a travel advisor might not be worth it for you, or for them.

A Final Word About The Benefits Of Using A Travel Advisor 

I could go on all day about the benefits of using a travel advisor.  But I also recognize that it’s not for everyone. If you’re just looking for the best deal, a modern day leisure travel advisor is not the solution for you. 

But it’s absolutely worth it to use a travel advisor if you feel overwhelmed by all the options in front of you, and want an expert to help you weed through them. It’s also worthwhile to bring in a travel advisor if you want a unique and custom travel experience. And it’s worth it if you feel nervous or unsure about planning a trip that meets the needs of your family or fellow travelers. Your travel advisor will make sure that it does. 

Traveling, at its core, is about discovery—of new places, cultures, cuisines, and experiences. It should feel fun–exciting!  If the planning process is taking away your fun, rather than contributing it, then you need a travel advisor. Not only will he or she alleviate your burden, they will tailor, optimize, and enrich your travel experience. They are your advocate, confidant, and the secret ingredient to making your trip a knockout.

Are you ready to experience a vacation where every detail is meticulously crafted to your liking?

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FREE Guide: Caribbean with Kids (At Every Age)

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