Usually no. Most travel agents are paid by the travel suppliers (like cruise
lines or hotels), not by you. Some may charge a planning fee for complex trips,
but they’ll always let you know up front.
Expert advice from someone who knows the industry
Time savings—no more endless searching and comparing
Exclusive deals and perks you won’t find online
Personalized recommendations based on your needs
Support before, during, and after your trip
Absolutely. A travel agent works with you—not instead of you. You can share
your research and preferences, and your agent will help fine-tune the details
and handle the booking.
Cruises
Group travel
Honeymoons or destination weddings
International trips
Multi-stop or custom itineraries
Luxury or all-inclusive vacations
For simple flights or hotels, you can book yourself—but even then, an agent
may still get you a better rate or bonus.
If you booked through an agent, you’re not alone. Your agent can help fix
issues, rebook canceled flights, deal with travel suppliers, and advocate for
refunds or changes.
Look for someone who:
Specializes in the type of travel you want
Has good reviews or referrals
Communicates clearly and listens to your needs
Is transparent about any fees or policies
You still can! A good travel agent won’t take over—they’ll enhance what you’re
already doing, often with better results and less stress.