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Best Online Travel Agencies

Booking.com is our top choice for making your trip arrangements

Ligaya Malones is an editor, blogger, and freelance writer specializing in food and travel. Ligaya's work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet and BRIDES.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Planning a trip can be easier through an online travel agency than if you handle each aspect of the planning separately. You can book hotels, air travel, rental cars, and more through a single site, and booking everything together sometimes results in discounts. By inputting a destination, a range of dates, and other preferences, you will see a list of options for each aspect of travel.

The best online travel agencies offer options from the largest number of airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and more. Look for sites that offer discounts for combining reservations for different aspects of your trip. For example, the best sites will have lower rates if you book both plane tickets and a hotel through their services. The best sites also provide reviews from customers who actually have booked through the service. These are our top picks.

• Best Overall: Booking.com
• Best Budget: Skyscanner
• Best Price Predictor: Hopper
• Most Innovative: Kiwi.com
• Best for Eco-Conscious: Kind Traveler
• Best for Social Impact: I Like Local
• Best for Design-Forward Homestays: Plum Guide
• Our Top Picks
• Booking.com

Kind Traveler

I Like Local

• See More (4)

Final Verdict

Frequently asked questions, methodology, best overall : booking.com.

 Booking.com

This industry leader offers one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms on the Internet.

Lots of options to choose from

Interface is easy to use

Numerous filters to customize your search

Tricky to tell whether changes/cancellations can be made with Booking.com or the vendor directly

Booking.com was founded in 1996 and has grown into an industry leader that stands out for being one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms out there. From one website, you can compare and book accommodations, flights (including one-way and multi-city flights), sightseeing activities, and even airport taxis. The website lists more than 28 million accommodation options, from hotels, hostels, and B&Bs to vacation homes and luxury resorts—you can browse more choices per destination on Booking.com than other online travel agencies. The website also performs well on cost and typically returns lower-than-average prices for flights and hotels. 

Booking.com's interface is also easy to use. On the home page, search for a hotel by entering your chosen destination and dates. Then, use the extensive list of filters—such as price range and distance from the city center—to narrow the results down and find the best fit. You can also search for a specific hotel, or seek inspiration by clicking through options grouped by destination or property type or by topic such as the country’s best Michelin-starred hotel restaurants or the top cities for vegan travelers. The flights, car rental, and other tabs are just as intuitive. 

Best Budget : Skyscanner

 Skyscanner

You can compare prices across airlines, hotels, and car rentals.

Simple interface

Option to toggle searches between specific dates or by monthly calendars

Search Everywhere button is great for spontaneous planners

Extra clicks are required to make a final purchase

Must read fine print for changes/cancellations—may need to deal directly with the vendor

Ads on the sidebar can be distracting

Find deals on airfare, hotels, and car rentals with an aggregator site like Skyscanner , which uses a metasearch engine to compare prices from all online travel agencies and the airline, hotel, or car rental company in question. Run searches with fixed dates, opt to compare airfare prices month to month, or click “Cheapest Month.” Searches also include options for nearby airports or non-stop flights only. With hotel searches, you can choose to select only from properties with free cancellation, a cleanliness rating of 4.5/5 or higher, or 3- or 4-starred hotels only. Car rental searches include an option to select “return car to different location.”

Once you’ve found the best rate, click on the link to be redirected to the third-party site to make your booking. Feeling spontaneous? The Search Everywhere button on the homepage offers a list of the cheapest flight deals for destinations both locally and across the world—just plug in your departure airport first.

Best Price Predictor : Hopper

The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting when flights and hotel rates will be cheapest.

Color-coded system makes it easy to determine cheapest days to buy

App is easy to use

Option to track flights and receive alerts when the best time to buy arises

Some have mentioned the app functions better as a research tool than a booking tool

Unclear whether Hopper will price match if you find a cheaper flight elsewhere

Hopper is a travel app available on iOS and Android that aims to help travelers save on airfare by usng historical data and their own algorithm to predict when flights will be cheapest. Just type in where and when you’d like to fly and Hopper will present you with a color-coded pricing calendar indicating how much tickets are likely to cost. (Green is the least expensive, then yellow, orange, and red for most expensive.) Hopper will also recommend you either buy now or wait, or you can choose to watch a trip and receive notifications on the best time to buy. In addition, the app has expanded to offer hotel and car rental price predictions, too.

Some newer features since the app’s inception in 2009 include an option to freeze a price for a limited time—for an extra fee—as well as exclusive app-only discounts. Hopper is free to download, and you can choose to book directly through the app, though some users mentioned they use Hopper as more of a research tool before booking directly with the airline or hotel. The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting flight rates up to a year ahead.

Most Innovative : Kiwi.com

This metasearch engine scours the web to piece together the ideal itinerary using planes, trains, buses, and more.

Creative itineraries get you where you need to go, especially if you’ve got a multi-stop trip

Kiwi Guarantee offers rebooking or cancellation protections

Nomad option appeals to travelers with a lot of flexibility

Creative itineraries mean you may not fly out of the same airport you flew into

Kiwi Guarantee has an additional fee

Charges all-in-one fee for booking flights, trains, buses (though you can always purchase a la carte)

Travelers planning multi-city destinations and seeking a bargain, as well as those looking to take planes, trains, and automobiles to get there, might consider Kiwi . Kiwi is a metasearch engine that scours and pieces together itineraries from various airlines (even if they don’t have a codeshare agreement), considers multiple airports (even if your arrival airport is different from departure), and offers booking options, whether you’re looking at very specific dates or more general ones (up to 60 nights).

Some will find the ability to make multiple bookings for a particular trip more convenient than going at it manually several different times, though note that you must opt into the Kiwi Guarantee program to access rebooking and refund protections should your reservation change or be canceled. Kiwi’s Nomad option allows you to plug in a bunch of destinations you’d like to visit and the length of your intended stay, and the website will churn out the most affordable itineraries for review.

Best for Eco-Conscious : Kind Traveler

A give-and-get business model means booking accommodations with exclusive perks, a donation to environmental organizations, and more.

All participating hotels include a local give-back component

Exclusive savings and perks

Participating hotels are located in some of the most beautiful places in the world

Inventory is much smaller compared to other booking platforms

Some of the amenities mentioned are based on availability only

In 2022, Kind Traveler (an online trave agency focused on hotel bookings) announced an increase in environmentally and socially conscious hotels, charity donations, voluntourism opportunities, and additional perks like waived resort fees or a welcome amenity.

Unlock exclusive hotel rates and perks from participating Kind Traveler hotels with a minimum $10/night minimum donation to a local charity. For example, stay at the Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives and receive up to $33 off the nightly rate and perks such as a food and beverage credit and an Earth Lab or Alchemy Bar workshop when you make a donation to Manta Trust. The organization funds coastal research to protect the island nation’s large yet fragile population of reef mantas.

Select from more than 140 participating hotels from the Hawaiian Islands to Bozeman, Montana, and the Maldives. Charities include wildlife, human rights, arts, education, and environmental preservation organizations.

Best for Social Impact : I Like Local

Choose from a host of travel experiences with the peace of mind that 100 percent of the cost goes directly to local partners.

Social impact mission woven into organization’s business model

Immersive experiences led by local guides

Range of experiences offered

May not be best fit for those seeking upscale, luxury experiences and stays

Can’t sort experiences by a list of countries (though an interactive map is available)

No experiences outside of Africa and Asia

For an online travel agency with a booking platform designed to route dollars spent directly to the communities travelers intend to visit, consider I Like Local . Visit the website to browse a host of travel experiences in countries including Indonesia, Kenya, and Cambodia. Experiences include homestays and farmstays as well as wellness and culturally oriented experiences—from cooking and cycling tours to weaving classes.

To search for an experience, select from drop-down items like travel dates and experience categories, or view a global map and click on a country to view experiences that way.

The platform got its start in 2014 and has grown to 4,000 local hosts across nearly 20 countries. As a social impact organization, 100 percent of each booking fee goes to local hosts. To date, 16,000 travelers have booked with I Like Local.

Best for Design-Forward Homestays : Plum Guide

Browse and book seriously vetted, design-forward vacation homes.

Highly curated inventory of vacation rentals across the world

Design-forward

Thorough vetting process

Does not publish guest reviews

Other platforms have homes available across more destinations

When it comes to booking a vacation home, serviced apartment, or condo, travelers are spoiled for choice. Plum Guide is an online travel agency that specializes in accommodations—though not just any home makes its directory. The company claims that each potential home listed on its site must jump through 150 hoops to be included, from internet speed and mattress and pillow quality to the showers’ water pressure and the home’s proximity to dining, shopping, and attractions.

Search by a featured collection on the website such as “ pet-friendly homes ” or “one-of-a-kind homes in Palm Springs.” Scroll to the bottom of its homepage to view its top destinations, as well as a list of all destinations where Plum Guide homes are available, including Barbados, Mexico, Portugal, Switzerland, the U.S., and Turkey. Note: From the top right-hand corner of the site, use the dropdown menu to select currency of choice.

As long as you know what you value most out of your travel experience—such as affordability, social impact, or luxe accommodations—there’s an online travel agency to help plan your next trip. Be sure to read the fine print, as some agencies are third-party websites and not direct vendors. If you're not sure where to start, Booking.com is your best bet for a smooth user experience and hard-to-beat offers on flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements.

What Is the Biggest Travel Agency?

Our choice for best overall, Booking.com, is known as an industry leader with listings for all major hotels, airlines, car rental companies, and more. It boasts more choices for accommodations per destination than any other site, and we found its interface to be user-friendly.

Are Online Travel Agencies Worth It?

This depends on your needs and priorities. The best online travel agencies certainly can save time by booking everything all at once. However, if you're someone who is good at haggling and enjoys the details of planning a trip, you might be able to find better deals by reaching out to hotels or other destinations and speaking to someone personally.

Is It Cheaper to Book Online Than With a Travel Agent?

Not always. A travel agent you know and trust should have the experience and connections to find deals that can match or surpass what you'll find online. Additionally, if something goes wrong, travel agents provide you with an actual person you can use as an advocate to correct the problem . But if you don't have access to a good travel agent, online sites still provide plenty of ways to streamline planning and save money .

We considered dozens of online travel agencies and narrowed down the options based on user experience, volume and quality of inventory, unique offerings and specials, and customer reviews. We also assessed travel companies’ environmentally and socially conscious policies.

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

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Find a Travel Agency Near Me

How do you decide where to vacation or how to travel if traveling for business? If you find yourself asking, “What’s the best travel agency near me?”, we’re here to answer that question. Our database can search for travel agents based on location, destination expertise, or travel interest.

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We'll help you find a local travel agent near you. Our travel agents are located across the country and ready to assist you in planning and booking your perfect vacation. Our travel agents can help via phone, and email, and at times in person when convenient to you. You don't ever have to worry about going into a brick and mortar travel agency ever again with Cruise Planners local travel agents. The benefits of retaining a local travel agent will pay for itself when you get access to exclusive rates, extra amenities, and upgrades!

Our local travel agents near you are also very experienced, with many traveling around the world to the hottest vacation destinations. They also have developed special partnerships and business relationships with top travel providers that you will benefit from once you become the travel agent’s client.

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How Can I Find the Best Travel Agents Near Me?

by Michael Kerbelis | May 12, 2018 | Advice

When you search “travel agents near me,” chances are a  lot  of results pop up. How do you know which travel agents you should work with? Every travel agency is different, so it helps to know what to look out for as you compare travel agencies. Use this guide to ensure you end up working with a travel agent uniquely suited to your needs.

6 Questions to Ask as You Search for Travel Agents Near Me

On this Page you’ll find questions to ask to find the right travel agents near me:

• What are you hoping to get out of working with a travel agent?
• How can I tell if a particular travel agent is right for me?
• Doe the location of the travel agent matter?
• Is the travel agent a real travel expert?
• Can the travel agency get you a good deal?
• Are the travel agents near me offering competitive pricing?

Here are 6 things to consider when you start searching, “travel agents near me”:

1. what are you hoping to get out of working with a travel agent.

Travel agents often act more as travel advisors , dispensing advice and expertise to match their clients with the best vacation for their unique needs.

Travel agents today do so much more than simply book an airline ticket or cruise cabin. Make sure you’re aware of all the services your travel agent offers as you start to plan your trip together.

These travel services may include:.

• A complimentary consultation call to learn more about your needs
• Researching travel options and crafting custom itineraries
• Booking flights and hotel
• Arranging special tours and activities
• Offering support while you travel

2. How can I tell if a particular travel agent is right for me

Okay, you’ve Googled “travel agency near me” and found a couple of good travel agencies.

How do know which travel agent you should work with?

Well, every travel agency is different.

Some travel agencies specialize in specific kinds of travel — like luxury travel, family travel, group travel , romance travel — or specific travel destinations .

Other travel agencies may stand out to you by how well they serve their clients (which you can tell by reading testimonials).

To help you pick the best travel agents to work with, think about

• Does the travel agency specialize in a type of travel, destination, or travel style (like cruising)?
• Do they have positive testimonials from past clients?
• How long have they been working in the travel industry?
• Do they have special certifications?

How a travel agency answers these questions helps them stand out from other agencies out there — and helps  you  to know whether it’s the right travel agency for your vacation needs.

3. Does the location of the travel agent matter?

These days, the location of a travel agency matters much less than factors like the agency’s areas of expertise, commitment to service, and the value they bring to their clients’ vacations.

That’s because many travel agencies today work with clients all across the U.S., even if they have a physical location.

This way, you get the best of both worlds.

If you decide to work with a travel agency that’s local to you, you can go into the office for a consultation.

But if you find an agency that seems like a good fit but is not local, that’s okay — many travel agencies work with clients over the phone and through email.  Working with an online travel agency gives you the freedom to choose travel specialists who truly fit your needs, no matter where they’re located!

To put it simply — a travel agency’s depth of knowledge is what matters most, whether they’re in your backyard or not!

4. Is the travel agent a real travel expert?

It’s not simply enough to search “travel agency near me” — you want to make sure the agent you work with is a true professional.

A travel agent with in-depth knowledge will be able to craft a truly outstanding vacation for you. 

Crafting the Perfect Vacation For Your Needs and Budget

When it comes to crafting the perfect vacation, it pays to book with a real travel expert.

Travel agents that boast plenty of experience and expertise in the travel industry will be able to design an itinerary that fits your needs, and your budget.

Plus, when you work with a qualified agent who’s experienced, they may have better relationships with travel suppliers (like resorts, hotels, and cruise lines) and may be able to score you extra perks or amenities .

Expertise and Focus on Travel Specialities

Look for travel agencies that have years of experience under their belt and a clear focus on distinct travel specialties — like honeymoons , family trips , and all inclusive vacations — within their travel agency.

5. Can the travel agency get you a good deal?

Like mentioned above, reputable travel agents have nurtured relationships with their favorite travel suppliers.

That means those travel suppliers will treat the agency’s clients  extra  well.

Many travel agents also have access to special package pricing that can be hard to find online.

Getting the Best Value for Your Buck and Needs

Keep in mind, though, that working with an expert travel agent is more about getting the best value for your vacation, not necessarily the best “deal.”

A travel agent that’s truly looking out for you won’t recommend a certain resort or hotel, for example, if it doesn’t fit your needs — even if it has rock-bottom pricing.

The biggest perk of working with a travel agency is knowing that all of the recommended properties and travel activities come fully vetted by a trusted expert.

The biggest perk of working with a travel agency — knowing you've got a trusted expert looking out for you. Click To Tweet

6. Are travel agents near me offering competitive pricing?

Typically, yes.

Travel agents provide pricing that’s competitive with what you find online — and sometimes even better.

That’s because a good travel agent will take the time to do research that reveals the best travel options for your needs and budget.

Keep in mind that some travel agencies charge a planning fee for their services that’s applied on top of the cost of your vacation.

Many other agencies do not, offering complimentary planning services for their clients.

Travel Agent Myths — and the Truth About Travel Agencies

Not everything you’ve heard about working with travel agents is true.

As you search for “travel agency near me,” make sure you can separate fact from fiction.

Here are a few myths you may have heard about travel agents that just aren’t true when it comes to experienced, trustworthy travel agencies:

• “I can book the same trip online”. Not True — expert travel agents pull from a deep well of knowledge to craft the perfect vacation for you. There’s so much information online that you just don’t know who to trust. Working with a travel agent brings you incredible peace of mind that you just won’t get when you book yourself.
• “Travel agents only book with properties that offer the highest commission.” Not True — reputable travel agents always put their clients’ needs first, not commissions. If a travel agency has been around for a while and shows off client testimonials, you can trust that that agency has a long history of doing what’s best for their clients.
• “All travel agents are the same.” Not True — that’s why it’s so important to look beyond travel agencies that are near you to find the perfect fit for your vacation needs. Look for a travel agency that has a long track record of delivering for clients, specializes in the type of vacation experience you’re after, and offers a personalized service with a complimentary consultation call. During that call, you can determine if a particular agency is truly right for you.

Trust Your Travel Dreams to Us

Southern Travel Agency has been planning dream vacations for the last 30+ years — and we’d love to plan yours, next!

You can work with our local travel agency in Augusta, GA , or our online travel agency that works with travelers all across the U.S.

Reach out to us today to schedule your complimentary consultation call.

Thanks for mentioning that travel agencies work closely with travel supplies which can help you get a good deal on trips. I remember my sister mentioning that she would like to go on a honeymoon after she gets married next month, but she is worried that her limited budget will prevent her from traveling since she spent a lot of money on her wedding. Maybe she should consider finding a travel agency that will help her save money.

Absolutely Eli! That’s what we do, maximize our client’s budget to create dream honeymoons!

My husband and I are wanting to stay in a vacation home next summer (September 28 to November 5). We want to stay on Marimar Beach/Destin Florida. We will be having up to 7 adults, 1 child. We cannot afford to spend over $3500 total. Also, June 28 2024 we’re planning to go to Yellowstone National Park for our 30th anniversary. So we’re trying to plan both at the same time. It’s exhausting and nervracking.

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“I’d never used a travel agency before, but working with you was awesome — we’ll now be booking all of our travel through Southern Travel Agency. You made it very easy!”

"And the butler service was amazing — we just had to tell our butler what we wanted to do and when, and he made it happen. One afternoon we were surprised with a drawn bubble bath with chilled champagne and shrimp cocktail in our room! We’re already working with Mike to plan a family vacation to a Beaches property next. Mike has an incredible knowledge about the resorts, and he takes into account our personal tastes. When he tells us

"And the butler service was amazing — we just had to tell our butler what we wanted to do and when, and he made it happen. One afternoon we were surprised with a drawn bubble bath with chilled champagne and shrimp cocktail in our room! We’re already working with Mike to plan a family vacation to a Beaches property next. Mike has an incredible knowledge about the resorts, and he takes into account our personal tastes. When he tells us ‘I know what you want,’ he always delivers."

“We just returned from a two-week honeymoon at the Sandals resorts in Barbados and Grenada, planned by Southern Travel Agency. It was all so beautiful! As a true beach lover, I really appreciated how the atmosphere and focus of direction at the Sandals Barbados resort revolved around the incredible beach. Almost every restaurant had a full beach view. Thank you to Mike for finding the right fit for us. He truly listened to what we are looking for before making

“We just returned from a two-week honeymoon at the Sandals resorts in Barbados and Grenada, planned by Southern Travel Agency. It was all so beautiful! As a true beach lover, I really appreciated how the atmosphere and focus of direction at the Sandals Barbados resort revolved around the incredible beach. Almost every restaurant had a full beach view. Thank you to Mike for finding the right fit for us. He truly listened to what we are looking for before making suggestions, and he set up beautiful packages for us. It was a very personal planning experience, and he helped make what we were wishing for a reality. Plus, he takes the stress out of planning. We never had to worry about timing or that things weren’t well organized. We’re already working with him on planning a family trip and another couples trip in the future!”

“”We just returned from a two-week honeymoon at the Sandals resorts in Barbados and Grenada, planned by Southern Travel Agency – it was all so beautiful! As a true beach lover, I really appreciated how the atmosphere and focus of direction at the Barbados resort revolved around the incredible beach. Almost every restaurant had a full beach view. Thank you to Mike for finding the right fit for us. He truly listened to what we are looking for before making

“”We just returned from a two-week honeymoon at the Sandals resorts in Barbados and Grenada, planned by Southern Travel Agency – it was all so beautiful! As a true beach lover, I really appreciated how the atmosphere and focus of direction at the Barbados resort revolved around the incredible beach. Almost every restaurant had a full beach view. Thank you to Mike for finding the right fit for us. He truly listened to what we are looking for before making suggestions, and he set up beautiful packages for us. It was a very personal planning experience, and he helped make what we were wishing for a reality. Plus, he takes the stress out of planning; we never had to worry about timing or that things weren’t well organized. We’re already working with him on planning a family trip and another couples trip in the future!”

“We had the most marvelous time of our lives on this cruise. I’ve never thought that I would be spoiled and pampered as I did for my birthday. The staff treated me like I was the only passenger on the ship, and the food — omg! you couldn’t get enough; they had so much of a variety to choose from! I want to thank you for your help on choosing this cruise for us and I’m already looking forward to

“We had the most marvelous time of our lives on this cruise. I’ve never thought that I would be spoiled and pampered as I did for my birthday. The staff treated me like I was the only passenger on the ship, and the food — omg! you couldn’t get enough; they had so much of a variety to choose from! I want to thank you for your help on choosing this cruise for us and I’m already looking forward to next year!”

“I just wanted to personally say thank you for all your help in making our honeymoon AMAZING! You were with us 100% of the way, and for that, you have customers for life! We are already looking forward to working with you again in years to come.”

“When we’re trying to put a big group of us together for our medical mission trips, we need someone who can roll with the punches — and Mike does. He coordinates everyone’s travel schedules, and he even helped us with ticket issues getting back into the country. He handles everything!”

“We’d worked with Jane at Southern Travel Agency before to arrange all the details of a previous trip — so we had confidence in her. All the arrangements for our AmaWaterways river cruise were made through her. Prior to departing, we met with her in person and she went over the trip step by step and helped us with all the paperwork. We had confidence she’d put together a river cruise trip we’d enjoy — and she did.”

“We were planning our small all inclusive destination wedding in Barbados, but Delta cancelled their flights unexpectedly. I had to change the date of the wedding and the resort or else a lot of my guests wouldn’t be able to go. Once I found out Barbados wasn’t going to work, Mike Kerbelis and his team went over the top to help me. I spent a whole Saturday with him. He said, ‘Show me what you want and we’ll work from

“We were planning our small all inclusive destination wedding in Barbados, but Delta cancelled their flights unexpectedly. I had to change the date of the wedding and the resort or else a lot of my guests wouldn’t be able to go. Once I found out Barbados wasn’t going to work, Mike Kerbelis and his team went over the top to help me. I spent a whole Saturday with him. He said, ‘Show me what you want and we’ll work from there.’ And he did it! I told him I liked new, and he thought Grenada would be perfect, since his sister just spent her honeymoon there and loved it. They worked all the travel out for our guests too.”

“I had a wonderful experience working with Lauren to plan a Viking European river cruise trip through Eastern Europe. She was a great help. When I wanted to book this package I sent her an email of what I wanted, and started with the “oh by the ways …” — she gladly took care of all of my special requests. She took care of getting us Delta Comfort seats, and she dealt with a little hiccup just a day before

“I had a wonderful experience working with Lauren to plan a Viking European river cruise trip through Eastern Europe. She was a great help. When I wanted to book this package I sent her an email of what I wanted, and started with the “oh by the ways …” — she gladly took care of all of my special requests. She took care of getting us Delta Comfort seats, and she dealt with a little hiccup just a day before we left. In today’s world, you can do anything on the internet by yourself, but if something goes wrong it was nice to be able to have that kind of service.”

“Between the amazing amenities and friendliness, we felt completely pampered on our recent honeymoon at Sandals LaSource Grenada, planned by Mike at Southern Travel Agency. We couldn’t walk by anyone who worked there without them saying “hello,” and often engaging us in questions on how we liked the island. And the butler service was amazing — we just had to tell our butler what we wanted to do and when, and he made it happen. One afternoon we were surprised

“Between the amazing amenities and friendliness, we felt completely pampered on our recent honeymoon at Sandals LaSource Grenada, planned by Mike at Southern Travel Agency. We couldn’t walk by anyone who worked there without them saying “hello,” and often engaging us in questions on how we liked the island. And the butler service was amazing — we just had to tell our butler what we wanted to do and when, and he made it happen. One afternoon we were surprised with a drawn bubble bath with chilled champagne and shrimp cocktail in our room! We’re already working with Mike to plan a family vacation to a Beaches property next. Mike has an incredible knowledge about the resorts, and he takes into account our personal tastes. When he tells us, “I know what you want,” he always delivers.”

Contact Southern Travel Agency

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Should I Use a Travel Agent? Our Travel Expert Says It Makes All the Difference.

The new age of travel agents know how to find deals, book off-the-beaten path adventures, and get you out of any jam. Especially if you know who to use.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

I’ve always thought that planning my own trips was the most cost-effective way, but I’ve been hearing more about travel agents making a comeback and saving their clients a lot of money. What kinds of outdoor trips should I turn to a travel agent for, and are there any who specialize in working with adventurers like me?

Technically, I’m a professional traveler. As a journalist, it’s my job to research and connect with locals to get beneath the surface of a destination. So I have never really used travel agents. What could they plan better than I could?

A lot, it turns out. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know many travel specialists, and I consider them magicians. My big aha moment happened two winters ago on a trip to Iceland . A massive storm shut down internal flights for a day, causing me to miss my return flight to the U.S. Normally, I would have spent frustrating hours on hold with the airline. But because I’d paid $65 to have Ana Gloria Garcia, an air-support specialist at the travel agency EmbarkBeyond, find and book the most affordable and convenient flight option for me, she handled the rebookings while I soaked in the Blue Lagoon.

During the pandemic, agents became advocates helping travelers get refunds on canceled flights and trips. As travel has come roaring back, an agent’s superpower is now their access to the best hotel rooms, most in-the-know guides, free amenities, and more, says Cory Hagopian, senior vice president of sales and partnerships for Virtuoso , a global network of travel agencies.

And they’re attracting a young clientele. According to a recent industry survey , 38 percent of millennials and Gen Zers are opting to use travel agents as opposed to booking on their own trips. That number is far greater than Gen Xers and baby boomers, of whom only 12 and 2 percent respectively use agents.

What Do I Gain from Using a Travel Agent?

I recently had a friend tell me she spent close to 40 hours researching a family trip online. She probably could have gleaned the same intel from an hourlong conversation with a travel adviser. Knowledge is priceless, and advisers act as your insiders. They know what you don’t and fill in the blanks for things you might not have considered, says Erika Richter, a spokesperson for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). Their firsthand knowledge, vast network, and on-the-ground connections all combine to provide a unique perspective for crafting the perfect itinerary for you.

Most travel advisers specialize in certain regions and countries and travel to them frequently, so they have up-to-date intel on not only the best safari camps but the perfect tent to book for the most incredible views and the best local restaurants you won’t find on Tripadvisor. They want their client’s trips to go well to keep them coming back, so it’s in their interest to have sussed out hotels and itineraries before they send you out into the world.

Nicole Forster, 29, considers herself a savvy traveler. She’s been to 20-plus countries and enjoys destination research. But when it came to planning her honeymoon in Africa, she felt overwhelmed, so she reached out to Danielle Meyer at Coastline Travel Advisors , which specializes in bespoke itineraries. “Originally, I wanted to go to South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Madagascar,” Forster recalls. “Danielle convinced me that if we wanted to relax, we should stay in South Africa and save the other countries for separate trips.”

Over five phone conversations and multiple emails, they crafted a 15-night itinerary that included Cape Town, the winelands, the Cape Peninsula, and a safari at the Thornybush Game Reserve. Forster established her budget early in the process, and Meyer sent her a variety of lodge options to choose from.

“I initially wanted to start with the safari, but she pointed out that we’d be jet-lagged and would need to wake at sunrise for game drives,” says Forster. “The safari was our highlight, so it was a perfect way to end the trip.”

Not only did Meyer book all of the flights, hotels, and transfers, but she created a detailed, day-by-day trip app for the couple that included useful information like check-in times at hotels and how much to tip guides .

Agents also act as advocates. If something goes wrong during your travels, they’re on call 24/7 to handle it. When Forster left the battery and charger for her camera at a hotel, Meyer arranged for an on-the-ground contact to go to a camera store and buy new ones that would be delivered to her hotel the next day.

The cost for the honeymoon planning: $150 per person. “I wouldn’t use a planner for a trip to Hawaii ,” Forster says, “but if I ever took a big trip like this again, I’d 100 percent work with an expert.”  

When to Consider Using a Travel Agent

For savvy trip planners, the best time to use a travel agent is for complicated international travel. It can save you hours of planning and peace of mind that if anything goes wrong in your chosen far-flung destination, there’s someone a What’sApp message away to handle it.

Domestically, I’d consider using a travel agent when planning a multi-week national park trip or multi-island trip in Hawaii. They will save you time, guarantee you get the best guides, and help you land reservations at always-booked lodges and hotels.

Dream Trips Delivered

Jessica Cook and her husband both work in the travel industry. Decision fatigued, they handed their honeymoon logistics over to the team at Askari Travel , an agency that specializes in South Africa. Their original plan was also an African safari, but just as they were about to put a deposit down, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus made headlines. Worried about getting stuck abroad, they reached out to Askari’s founder, Muriel Truter, who is from Zimbabwe, and upon her advice, changed their focus to South America.

Knowledge is priceless, and advisers act as your insiders. They know what you don’t and fill in the blanks of things you might not even have considered.

Truter suggested they stick to Colombia rather than country-hop. Cook supplied a budget and a wish list: 12 days, no more than three destinations, a barefoot-luxe feel, and adventures like horseback riding and mountain biking. The rest was a surprise that Askari pretty much nailed, with the exception of one hotel.

“Everything felt so authentic, but this one hotel on Barú island felt really fabricated and was full of American tourists,” recalls Cook. She immediately messaged the Askari team, saying, “Hey, this place really isn’t our vibe,” and within an hour they were on a water taxi headed to Blue Apple, a B Corp hotel—and an Outside pick for tropical adventures —on Tierra Bomba island. “It was honestly the best trip we’ve ever taken,” she says.

Are Travel Agents Expensive?

It depends. Cost varies. Some travel agencies won’t charge any fee, as they receive a commission from the bookings, while some high-end agencies will charge pricey annual membership fees for their services. Still others charge nominal “professional” fees starting at $150. Fees often fluctuate based on the length and intricacy of a trip and how far out you do the planning (6 to 12 months is recommended). You may occasionally come across agents who charge a percentage of the total trip price or hourly rates.

Basic travel enquiries are generally free. In 2016, Leah Smith, founder of Tafari Travel , opened an old-school brick-and-mortar location in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood so her services would feel less intimidating to first-time users. “With our retail-office location, we’ve become part of the community, and both clients and non-clients are welcome to pop in and ask whatever questions they may have, no charge,” she says.

Matt Lindsay, founder of the surf-guiding and travel company LuxSurf Travel , builds relationships with resorts and property owners to get discounted rates that he can then pass on to guests.

Dominic Allan, the founder of Real Latin America , specializes in travel to Belize and Nicaragua and caters to independent travelers who are happy to book their own flights and hotels but are seeking his local intel. Allan’s three-tier pricing structure starts at $300 for up to three hours of phone calls, during which he might weigh in on where to eat (or not to), the best room to request in a certain lodge, or whether you really need a guide to hike.

Value Versus Savings

If you’re just looking for deals and steals, you might not be ready to work with a travel adviser, says Richter of the ASTA. “Anything you invest in with a travel adviser comes back to you in the form of amenities, customer service, peace of mind, better access to unique experiences, and handcrafted itineraries,” she says. “You could save money by cutting your own hair, too, but most people go to someone who knows what they’re doing.”

Agents work with preferred partners who can guarantee perks for clients, such as free upgrades, early check-in or late check-out, and resort credits. Those add-ons often translate into savings, says Justin Huxter, cofounder of the UK-based Cartology Travel . “We had a client go to Maui for a week, and because of our partnership with the resort, breakfast was included,” he says. When breakfast costs $120 for two, that’s a savings of $840.”

Some of the Best Travel Agents in the Adventure World

Some of my go-to resources for finding a person to work with include travel expert Wendy Perrin’s annual Wow List of tried and trusted agents, the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s adviser network , and the ASTA’s advisor directory .

In addition to the agents mentioned throughout this story, others I highly recommend for adventurous travelers include:

• Dan Achber of Trufflepig , for Africa and the Middle East
• Miguel Cunant of Sri Lanka in Style
• Javier Echecopar of Journey Costa Rica
• Daniel Fraser of Smiling Albino , for Southeast Asia
• Elizabeth Gordon of Extraordinary Journeys , for Africa
• Kleon Howe of the Art of Travel , for French Polynesia
• Jay Johnson of Coastline Travel , for Hawaii and California
• Antonello Losito of Southern Visions Travel , for Puglia, Italy
• Rabia Malik of Fora Travel , for general worldwide travel
• Robyn Mark of Mayamaya Travel , for Africa, the Alps, Patagonia, and Japan
• Marisol Mosquera of Aracari , for Peru and Bolivia
• Zach Rabinor of Journey Mexico
• Raluca Spiac of Beyond Dracula , for Romania

Travel-advice columnist Jen Murphy is now a believer in using a travel agent. Thanks to their expertise and connections, she’s avoided dozens of trip catastrophes. 

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Christina was extremely thorough throughout the process. She handled everything every step of the way. Honestly, it felt like she was right by my side throughout the entire trip. I could not have experienced this trip without her.

Booked travel to Illinois with Christina P.

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Katrina was incredible every step of the way. She helped us tighten up our itinerary and made great recommendations for hotels and restaurants that worked really well for our family. I would highly recommend anyone thinking about how to make their trip perfect go straight to Katrina.

Booked travel to California with Katrina F.

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I was impressed by the high level of professionalism in planning and organizing my trip to NYC. Attention to detail and genuine care for my particular interests - great restaurants and seeing the best of the city - were evident in every step of the planning. I highly recommend Melissa!

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Thomas was amazing. He got us a free room upgrade, free breakfasts for 5 days (an ~$270 value), a $50 room credit, early checkin, late checkout and more. I am referring him to all of my friends who like to travel in style.

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What is a travel agency.

A travel agency supports a team of travel advisors who sell, curate and book travel. Travel advisors consult with clients on where to go, what to do and where to stay. In addition to planning and booking trips, advisors communicate with hotels and other partners (tour companies, cruises, etc.) to ensure each trip goes smoothly.

What is the difference between a travel advisor and a travel agent?

The terms travel agent and travel advisor are used interchangeably. The original term was ‘travel agent,’ but the industry has gone through a bit of a rebrand to showcase the breadth of work that a travel advisor does. We use both, but typically refer to our network of travel advisors simply as Fora Advisors.  

Fora Advisors (a.k.a. travel advisors / agents) work with clients to understand their travel needs and handle all the travel arrangements, from booking a hotel for a long weekend to planning a honeymoon to securing a room block for a corporate conference. 

What are the benefits of working with a travel agent?

Working with a travel agent helps you level up your travel experience. A travel agent handles all the logistics — on-the-ground transfers, hotel and tour bookings, itinerary planning — so you can get the most out of your trip, without any of the stress. 

Plus, our Fora travel agents have insider access to over 5,000 preferred partnerships, meaning you get complimentary perks, priority upgrades and so much more at thousands of locations around the globe. We put serious time and airline mileage into visiting these properties in person so we can give you the up-to-date intel on your destination. We also maintain close relationships with hotel management so you’re treated like the VIP you are from the moment you arrive.

In other words, working with a travel agent unlocks a secret travel world you need to be a part of. But don’t just take our word for it… we have tons of 5-star reviews from happy clients.

Will I get perks & benefits when I work with a Fora Advisor?

Yes — big time. Our travel advisors have access to upgrades & perks at over 5,000 partners around the world. Plus, our partnerships with brands like Virtuoso , Four Seasons , Rosewood and beyond — as well as with smaller, independent boutique hotels — ensure you get treated like a VIP wherever you travel to next.

What types of travel can I book with Fora?

You name it, we book it: resort vacations, safaris , city breaks, vacation home rentals, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, weekend escapes…We do it all.

Do Fora Advisors count as Disney travel agents? What about cruise travel agents?

Absolutely. We provide comprehensive training on just about everything in the travel industry, so our advisors are well equipped to curate any client’s dream trip. (Read more about the benefits of booking with a cruise travel agent .)

I’m planning a group trip. Can Fora Advisors help?

Of course! The more the merrier. Whether you’re organizing a family reunion, honeymoon , bachelorette party or company-wide retreat, we’re happy to help. Just get in touch with your Fora Advisor to begin the process.

How do I make the most of my experience when planning a trip with Fora?

Tell us everything. Let us know if you love golf, must have access to a kids’ club or have a soft spot for off-the-beaten-path travel . Serious allergies or dietary restrictions are also very helpful information to share. That way, we’ll only show you options that fit your wants and needs. We also love to hear about your favorite hotels and trips you’ve enjoyed in the past, because that clues us in to your travel style.

If you’ve never worked with a travel advisor before, get our guide on what to expect when booking with a travel agent .

Wait, I kind of want to be a Fora Advisor myself. How can I join?

We love to hear it! We have a guide on how to become a travel agent . Then, when you’re interested in transforming your passion for travel into a meaningful career, apply to become a Fora Advisor today . 

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Raise your hand if you love to travel. Whether you’re often on the road or take a vacation just once a year, you’ve probably heard of travel agents. These folks help plan and book itineraries for you, eliminating a lot of the pain points when it comes to traveling.

These days many people skip out on a travel agent in lieu of booking their trip online, but if you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to become a travel agent yourself. Why? Because it can save you a lot of money — and may even earn you some in the process.

Let’s take a look at how to become a travel agent, why it’s something you may want to consider and the ways it can work for you.

Why become a travel agent?

Have you ever obsessively researched the best hotels in a city you’re planning to visit? How about checking seat maps on an airplane? If getting into the nitty-gritty of travel logistics is something you do in your spare time, you might also enjoy becoming a travel agent.

Not only do you get to plan trips for others, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of special discounts on many facets of travel.

This is true for your clients, but also for yourself. Travel agents have access to a variety of discounted rates on both airlines and hotels, even when booking travel for themselves.

» Learn more: How to get a refund from a travel agency

How to become a travel agent

Find a program.

Becoming a travel agent isn’t as simple as declaring yourself one. Typically, the first step is to sign up for a program that’ll teach you the basics of running your own travel business.

There are a variety of programs to choose from, depending on your interests and career goals. Most programs will teach you about the business side of being a travel agent as well as how to plan trips, so your courses in itinerary planning and travel insurance will be coupled with business ethics and customer service.

If you’re wondering how to become a travel agent from home, don’t worry. Many of these courses don’t have to be done in person; there are online programs that will teach you everything you need to know from the comfort of your living room.

Apply for certification

Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll want to apply for certification. Although there is no single standard that designates you a travel agent, there are a number of different identifiers that you can acquire. Some of the more common ones are:

International Air Transport Association, or IATA, which allows you to book travel on domestic and international airlines.

Travel Industry Designator Service, or TIDS, which allows agents to book trips with a variety of travel suppliers and receive commissions.

Cruise Lines International Association, or CLIA, which provides agents the ability to book trips on cruises around the world.

In order to access Marriott’s travel advisor rates, for example, you can use any three of these designations, along with a variety of others.

Each of these associations and identifiers have different implications for your business, so you’ll want to be sure you’ve fully researched them before applying for membership.

» Learn more: Do travel agents really save you money?

Save money as a travel agent

Once you’ve qualified as a travel agent, what comes next? If you travel frequently, becoming a travel agent can be a huge benefit to you, as it offers discounted rates and access to luxury travel options.

Discounted rates

Travel agents have access to negotiated rates that aren’t available to the general public. The exact amount will vary depending on the business. Hilton, for example, will give personal travel discounts of 50% off at newly-opened hotels and up to 25% off at the remainder of hotels within Hilton’s portfolio.

Hyatt, meanwhile, will give you a discount on personal travel of up to 50%, but only during select dates of the year. And although not all airlines give discounts to travel agents, many do.

Regardless, these are some pretty spectacular savings, and if you’re looking to save money on your vacations, being a travel agent can help.

Luxury programs

Becoming a travel agent isn’t only about saving money, however. It also grants you access to many hotel chains’ luxury travel programs.

If you’re big into elite status benefits, this is definitely something you’ll want to consider — especially since you don’t need any status at all to receive these perks, as long as you book through the hotel’s agent portal.

Most major hotel chains have these programs, including Hyatt Privé, Hilton Impresario, Marriott STARS & Luminous, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Belmond Bellini Club, Rosewood Elite, Mandarin Oriental Fan Club and Shangri-La Luxury Circle.

While benefits vary by brand, many of these offers include things like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in or late checkout and credits for expenses like dining or spa services. General consumers aren’t eligible for these programs, but once you’ve become a registered travel agent, they become accessible to you; however, some programs — such as Hyatt Privé — are invitation only.

For the most part, booking rooms through these programs shouldn’t cost more than the standard rate you’d be paying anyway, so you have the potential to get big benefits without shelling out any additional money.

However, note that these numbers don’t take into account any other discounted rates for which you may be eligible, such as those offered to American Automobile Association members and veterans .

» Learn more: Uncommon tips for saving money on travel

Earn money as a travel agent

Of course, becoming a travel agent isn’t all about scoring discounts for yourself. If you’re looking to earn some money, being a travel agent can be a good way to do so.

Note that travel agents operate in a customer-facing role, so you’ll also need to be able to build client relationships and be comfortable with sales. Courses such as those mentioned above can help train you to do this and run a successful business.

If booking travel and organizing trips for others is something that appeals to you, there’s definitely money to be earned. Marriott, for example, gives agents a commission of between 8% and 10% for all eligible stays booked.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of booking through online travel agencies

If you’d like to become a travel agent

There are a few good reasons to become a travel agent, especially if you travel a lot. Although it takes time and effort to complete training and apply for accreditation, the benefits you’ll receive as a travel advisor can be significant. This is true whether you’re booking personal travel or have built yourself a client base. Either way, there’s money to be had — and saved.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit 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

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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This website is our booking portal built exclusively for you, our professional travel agent partners. Here you can shop with ease while creating memorable vacations for your clients. Note: This is a secure site accessible only to registered travel agents.

When you book with American Airlines Vacations you can take advantage of flexibility and unparalleled benefits among vacation providers, such as:

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Russia Travel Agency

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At Exploring Tourism, our professional Saint Petersburg Travel Agent specialize in organizing and planning trips for individuals or groups visiting Saint Petersburg, Russia largest city. Our travel agent in Saint Petersburg has an in-depth knowledge of the attractions, accommodation, transport options and local customs; drawing on this expertise, they create memorable travel experiences for clients.

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Routeburn Track

New Zealand Walks - Routeburn Track

Picton , Picton , New Zealand .

The Routeburn Track runs between the Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. This Great Walk affords breath taking mountain views as it passes through glacial valleys, through beech forest and alongside pristine alpine streams and lakes.

Here at New Zealand Walks, we have hand-picked the best of New Zealand’s walking tracks for you. We have both freedom and guided packaged options available featuring walking tracks throughout the country including the iconic Great Walks. The Routeburn Track runs between the Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. This Great Walk affords breath taking mountain views as it passes through glacial valleys, through beech forest and alongside pristine alpine streams and lakes. Here we offer a fully inclusive 3 day freedom package and also a one day guided walk option.

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