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Using a AAA Travel Agent Can Save You Time and Money

Updated : April 18, 2024

Four years ago, the travel industry toppled into utter chaos. Travelers felt confused, scared and anxious. They spent hours on the phone, postponing trips, rebooking and canceling. When you’re already sad about putting the kibosh on a dream trip, you can only endure so many loops of “Kenny G’s Greatest Hits” on a customer service line before absolutely losing it.

Fast-forward to today and the unexpected is still unfortunately a big part of the travel planning process. Airlines still run into trouble and cancel flights at the last minute, hotel bookings can disappear into the abyss and rental cars can become unavailable on the day of your pickup. Not to mention, health and safety restrictions can also throw a wrench in your plans. As rewarding and refreshing travel is, unexpected issues are an unfortunate side effect on any meticulously planned adventure.

Thankfully, when you use a travel agent, you have someone on your side throughout and during your entire vacation.

Why Use a Travel Agent Instead of Booking Online

You can certainly do your own research and dig deep to find deals, recommendations and online booking specials. But if you are looking to save time and money, a travel agent may be a better option for you.

Travel agents stay up-to-date on the latest health and safety restrictions, and will support you both before and even during your trip. Yes, that means if the you-know-what hits the fan, you’ve got a teammate working to make sure you get where you need to be — whether it’s a Caribbean isle, a ship on the Danube or back home, safe and sound.

A good travel agent is a magician, with the ability create the impossible– a vacation that fits needs, wants and budgets. While you could spend hours scouring the Internet, reading questionable reviews and looking for deals, a AAA Travel Agent’s hard-won relationships could be benefitting you. Studies have shown working with a travel agent saves travelers over three hours of time spent planning per trip. Not only that, they receive special access to deals that you can’t find online. In addition to exclusive pricing, this could mean upgrades for a hotel room, a free spa visit, breakfast included or any number of amenities that will be passed down to you, at no extra cost.

How to Use a Travel Agent

As a AAA member, you receive free access to working with a AAA Travel Advisor . Yes, that little card that gives you roadside assistance also means planning your next trip is easier than ever.

Simply call or visit your local AAA branch and ask to be connected with a full-service travel agent. There are no gimmicks or hidden fees here - the AAA Travel Advisor works on behalf members of AAA members. The travel agents pride themselves on existing relationships they have in each of these travel destinations and would not be recommending lodging, activities or restaurants if they were not fully confident in their quality. When you are working with a AAA Travel Advisor, you are not just booking a trip, you are unlocking a world of tailored experiences and insider knowledge.

So whether you are embarking on a solo travel adventure, a honeymoon or dream family vacation, there is a travel agent out there that be your trusted companion every step of the way.

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7 Reasons Why You Should Use a Travel Agent to Book Your Next Trip

By AAA Travel Editor Laurie Sterbens

If you love to travel, dreaming of your next trip and planning it can be almost as much fun as the trip itself. While the internet has made researching destinations and booking a trip easier and more accessible than ever, the many options for flights, cruises, hotels and tours can overwhelm even the savviest of travelers. Add to that the new and ever-changing travel restrictions related to the pandemic and suddenly your vacation can go from dream to dread! If your plans include traveling in the near future, you may want to consider working with a travel agent. Now more than ever, these travel pros can work their magic to help you plan your trip and keep everything running smoothly. Here, AAA Travel Agents share some of their top reasons to consider working with an agent.

1. Travel Agents Save You Time

Travel agents can take the guesswork out of researching and evaluating the many options available to travelers, saving you time and the hassles that often come with vacation planning. With years of experience and knowledge about destinations, transportation options, and vendors, an agent can eliminate hours of online research time.“The options come to my mind quickly as we speak about their trip vision,” said Allison Walker, a AAA Travel Agent in San Clemente, California. “I can create a shortlist that only includes reputable, quality options that are appropriate to their trip destination objectives.”

“Travel is my job, but for my clients, it’s a passion or a hobby,” said Lisa Landay, also a AAA Travel Agent in San Clemente, California. “Sometimes they only know about the vendors that have the most prolific marketing. It’s my job to listen, listen, listen to what my clients want. And then, cut to the chase by recommending a vendor that would be a good fit for them. This way, they don’t end up wasting time and money on a bunch of ‘trial and error’ experiences.”

Agents don’t just save time researching and making decisions. They can also handle changes and other issues that may pop up before or during your trip. “I was able to quickly handle a hotel closure, rebooking and flight schedule change for my client’s upcoming trip to Palm Springs while they continued on with their day,” said Ashley Andrews, a Travel Agent with AAA Oregon/Idaho. “We are here to do the work so you don’t have to!”

2. Travel Agents Take the Stress Out of Planning

Agents help clients with all types of situations and are immersed in travel full-time, so they’re aware of details you might not think of when planning on your own. Their knowledge and experience also gives them the foresight to prevent potential problems.“

‘You don’t know what you don’t know,’” Walker said. “Sometimes consumers don’t realize there is something really important for them to include or arrange. Thankfully, experience has taught me most of these things and when I’m not certain, I know where to check and who to ask.”

“We take care of all the details — those little things that are not fun to plan like transfers, checking in, etc.,” said Melanie Manzi, a AAA Travel Agent in Providence, Rhode Island. “We’ve got you covered from A to Z — reminders about what to pack, temperature, side trips, adventures, where to get the best coffee, or that Instagrammable spot to make your friends jealous they are missing out!”

“My job is to make my clients’ travel vacation seamless,” said Melinda Sue Platero, a AAA Travel Agent in Newport Beach, California. “If someone comes in and wants to go to three countries in Europe in seven days, I will generally go over travel days, amount of physical time one would be in each city, to show them that itinerary may be too ambitious, and then we can create an itinerary that will work in their time frame and will be more manageable. Travel planning can be overwhelming when there are so many choices online. A travel advisor has quick access to pricing a package with airfare, hotels, tours, transfers, rail tickets if necessary — in one visit.”

”A travel agent can also take the stress out of planning for large groups, said Felicia Troy, a AAA Travel Agent in Westwood, Massachusetts. “We can be the middle man. We can handle each person’s needs while still coordinating with the group, and for those honeymoons, we take the stress out of the trip planning so that the couple can focus on the wedding.”

A knowledgeable travel agent will make personalized recommendations and offer tips on destinations, what to see and do while on vacation, the best and worst times to travel, and much more.

“I may suggest taking a train for a certain portion where I know the driving is too difficult or it takes too long and their vacation time is not being best spent,” Walker said. “Or because the sights en route are so amazing, they will want to watch the view and not the road. Cost versus time versus experience — all need to be in balance.”

Agents don’t just gain knowledge from their own travel. Their knowledge of destinations is also constantly updated by their clients.

“As each traveler returns, we get up-to-date info on that particular destination, resort or cruise,” Troy said. “First-hand experiences from trusted sources are crucial to planning the best vacation. This is especially true right now. The world of travel has changed and we are out there getting current information to give to our travelers. This can range from which restaurants are open to the tourist attractions that now require reservations when they did not previously.”

4. Travel Agents Have “Been There, Done That”

Travel agents are often well-traveled, having visited the destinations and experienced the vacations they recommend to travelers.“First-hand experience is immeasurable — and extremely important depending on the needs of the client,” Platero said. She has clients who are in wheelchairs or mobility challenged, so when traveling she always checks to make sure hotels, attractions and restaurants are truly accessible before recommending them.

“At AAA Northeast we like to say, ‘We know because we go’ — and you are not limited to only the destinations I have ever traveled to,” said Mindy Hardaker, a AAA Travel Agent in Salem, New Hampshire. “We have a large community of advisors that willingly share their expertise, feedback and recommendations with each other so that we are all providing the highest level of service for our members.”

“When I can give them details about everything from currency to adapter plugs to local transportation, it makes their trip more enjoyable and less of a struggle,” Walker said. “I’ve had clients come home to say, ‘We knew exactly what to do because you taught us before we left,’ or ‘the European hotel room was small, but you told us what it would be like there, so we were happy with it.’”

Between weather delays, natural disasters, flight cancellations, lost luggage and much more, a lot can happen on vacation. Travel agents act as the traveler’s advocate in the event something goes wrong, helping navigate the challenge of making any necessary itinerary changes.

“As travel agents, we have seen it all,” Troy said. “While the traveler may have never had to deal with a weather delay, we have. We know the details and the best way to handle the situation. We can talk to the airlines, resorts, etc., to make sure you are fully taken care of in the best way possible. We will find the best possible solution for the given situation whether it means changing dates of the trip completely or just rebooking them on the next available flight.”

“My clients have my cellphone number and at times I have gotten a call in the middle of the night,” said Ashley Knebelsberger, a AAA Travel Agent in Dayton, Ohio. “When a couple was accidentally left behind while a tour bus went from Prague to Berlin, I was able to recommend train transfers to Berlin and secured a taxi ride to the appropriate hotel to rejoin the group.”

“If their flight is canceled, I get them another flight out and secure it while there are 50 people waiting in line to talk to the customer service person,” Platero said. “I have had clients put off ships into the hospital and I have coordinated a hotel for the loved one and flights home when needed. (I) also helped clients cancel tours and hotels when they have been injured in the middle of their trip so they won’t be penalized.”

When clients of Landay’s on their honeymoon had their flight to Hawaii canceled, they were told the next flight wouldn’t leave until that evening, so they wouldn’t arrive until 10 p.m. Distraught, they called Landay. “I looked up the flight schedules for that particular airline and saw that they actually had three other flights, all of which left earlier than 5 p.m.,” Landay said. “The reservation agent was simply pushing all passengers to later flights indiscriminately,” Landay told her clients to get in line to speak to the reservation agent. When they reached the front of the line, they gave the agent their cell phone to speak to Landay. “I told her that I could see two seats on their 1 p.m. flight in our live air system,” Landay said, “and I expected her to honor their tickets on that earlier flight instead. She did. And they got to Hawaii four hours earlier to start their honeymoon.”

When a group of clients on their way to Rome had their flight canceled, they were so discouraged they were ready to cancel their trip, but Teri Reilly, a AAA Travel Agent in Northfield, New Jersey, was able to get their trip back on track using her travel experience and contacts. She quickly found her clients a hotel near the airport with a free shuttle, then turned her attention to their Rome itinerary. Spotting another unpleasant surprise, she called a friend in Italy, where she has traveled numerous times. “She is a tour guide in Rome and had always offered to help me and my clients if I ever needed her. Well, this time I really needed her,” Reilley said.

“I found out that there was a transportation strike going on and I needed to get my clients to their hotel somehow.” Reilly’s friend picked the clients up at the airport and even called their tour conductor at the hotel to say they would be late and find out when and where they would meet for their Vatican tour the following morning. “My clients were so happy and raved about my friend and all that I was able to do to get them back on track,” Reilley said.

6. A Travel Agent Can Help You Navigate Changing Travel Conditions

Keeping up with the details of planning a trip is challenging enough. Now travelers face pandemic-related restrictions that change frequently and vary across borders, as well as hassles with refunds and penalties for cancellations.

“Here at AAA Northeast we are all SmartDepart Certified,” said Jeanne Miller, a AAA Travel Agent in North Andover, Massachusetts. “What that means is we have been trained to navigate the changing protocols and resources to take the stress out of travel planning. We have identified key resources to keep us on top of all of the changes. We will make sure you have all the resources, links and phone numbers you need so that you are able to enjoy your experience knowing that we have you covered.”

“We get updates from vendors and destinations about the necessary protocols that are constantly changing,” Platero said. “We can give them current information, and if the situation changes — as it seems to daily — we inform them of the new rules and make sure they understand and can do the correct forms, documents or whatever is necessary to be able to go on their vacation.”

“When my client was uncomfortable going on their trip to Croatia in September 2020, they were faced with a penalty since it was a voluntary cancellation,” Andrews said. “I didn’t stop there. I worked my travel agent magic and got that penalty converted into credit for future use.”

Elizabeth Guy, a Travel Agent with AAA Oregon/Idaho, had clients vacationing in Hawaii when the state shut down early in the pandemic. Both clients were in a high-risk health category and needed to get home immediately. “I spoke with them in the morning [and] dropped everything to find a replacement flight to get them home on a flight that would fit their special needs,” she said. It took several months, but Guy was also able to secure full refunds for her clients’ unused return air ticket and rental car.

7. A Travel Agent Can Help You See the Big Picture

It’s easy to get lost in the details with travel planning, but travel agents can help keep you on track to have experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime. “I always tell my clients the story of when I was in Hong Kong,” Landay said. “I was sitting in the breakfast room of my hotel … looking out at the street at 8 a.m., watching moms holding their children’s hands on the way to school, watching people carrying their dry cleaning over their shoulders, buying coffee, commuting to work. We are all the same on some very basic human levels. We work, provide for our children, worry about the same things, take joy in the same things. That experience made me passionate about travel. Travel can truly change the way you see the world. I want my clients to have that experience, too.”

No matter the destination that catches your eye, allow a AAA Travel advisor to help you plan the getaway you deserve, today. Be sure to ask for the AAA Triple Check.

AAA Triple Check Certified Agents review itineraries and ensure that travelers are ready for their journey and understand the road ahead.  Agents compare travel plans against the AAA COVID-19 impact map, which highlights areas under restrictions for travel across the United States. Here, agents will inform members on how their plans could possibly be impacted by travel regulations.

But the review doesn’t end with COVID-19 navigations. Triple Check Agents will also assure members are aware of AAA Diamond-rated experiences along their journey. This includes rated and reviewed hotels, rental cars, and preferred partners who are available to make your vacation even more memorable. In addition, the review will dive deep into savings and add-ons, checking for AAA member exclusive pricing, rebates, future travel credits, and more. Your AAA membership entitles you to these perks and benefits, and AAA Travel is dedicated to finding you every opportunity to utilize these features and benefits.

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AAA Travel Insurance Review 2024: Is it Worth the Cost?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What does AAA travel insurance cover?

Aaa single-trip plans, aaa annual plans, which aaa travel insurance plan is best for me, can you buy aaa travel insurance online, what isn’t covered by aaa travel insurance, aaa travel insurance, recapped.

• You don't need to be an AAA member.
• Annual or single-trip policies are available.
• Can add on a Rental Car Damage protector plan.
• Cheapest option doesn't include medical coverage.
• CFAR upgrade is only available for higher-cost plans.

Before going on a trip, it's important to give travel insurance some serious thought as it can protect you if anything goes wrong on your vacation. One provider to consider is AAA Travel Insurance.

The company’s policies are administered by Allianz Global Assistance, an insurer that serves 40 million customers in the U.S. and operates in 35 countries. You do not have to be a AAA member to purchase AAA travel insurance.

AAA offers annual or single-trip policies for domestic and international travel. The policies vary by state and travel destination, so the plans available in your home area may differ from the examples shown below. Use AAA's Get A Quote tool to see your specific pricing.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel in 2022

AAA’s single-trip plans are designed for travelers who are leaving their homes, visiting another destination, domestic or international, and returning. To get an idea of which plans are available, we input a sample itinerary of a $3,000, two-week trip to Spain by a 45-year-old from Indiana. For this itinerary, AAA offered four single-trip plans.

* Higher limit requires receipts to be submitted.

AAA single-trip plans cost

The Essential Plan ($97) is ideal for those who just want the basics of trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance and don't need the other protections. This is a good fit for domestic travelers who already have health coverage in the U.S. and don't plan on bringing business equipment.

The Basic Plan ($111) includes all the features of the Essential Plan, along with medical coverage and some increased protections for baggage and travel delays.

The Classic ($140) and Premier Plans ($174) are nearly identical, but the latter provides double emergency medical coverage, emergency transportation, trip delay and baggage delay limits.

The Classic Plan offers a "cancel for any reason" optional upgrade for $71, which would bring the total to $211.

There is also a Rental Car Damage protector plan for $135, which provides $1,000 of trip interruption and baggage loss coverage and $40,000 of rental car damage and theft benefits. This plan will cover your costs if the rental car is stolen or damaged. In addition, you’ll be reimbursed for the unused portion of your trip and if your bags are lost or damaged. This plan offers an alternative to purchasing coverage at the rental counter.

» Learn More: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance explained

The annual policies provide 365 days of domestic and international coverage and are best suited for those who travel often. To see which plans are available, we input a $15,000 annual travel budget for coverage starting in July 2020 for a 30-year-old from New Hampshire. For this itinerary, AAA is offering four policies, with the three higher-end plans geared toward business travelers.

AAA annual plans cost

The Annual Deluxe Plan ($275) is designed for those who aren’t too concerned with pre-trip cancellation benefits or business equipment protections and are more interested in medical coverage while abroad. If you already have some travel insurance through a credit card, this plan may be sufficient.

The next three Annual Executive Plans ($500-$785) are tiered based on the amount of trip cancellation and interruption coverage provided ($5,000, $7,500 or $10,000). All the other protections under the Executive Plans are identical. All three plans include business equipment coverage as well as business equipment rental and delay protections. If you’re traveling for work, these plans may be your best bet.

Although all four of these are annual plans, no individual trip can exceed 45 days. For trips longer than 45 days, Allianz offers an AllTrips Premier plan , which provides coverage for up to 90 days per trip.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

Choosing the right plan for your trip involves understanding what type of coverage you will want while you’re traveling.

If you have a premium travel card that already provides you with a sufficient level of trip cancellation coverage, you may only need to get a standalone emergency medical policy. For example, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per year in trip cancellation benefits. Terms apply. Only the Annual Executive Plan ($10,000) has a comparable level of trip cancellation coverage.

If the coverage provided by your card isn’t adequate, you don’t have credit card coverage or you didn’t pay for your trip with that credit card, then you might be better off with a comprehensive plan like one of the single or annual trip plans, depending on your travel goals.

If you’re a long-term traveler and expect to take many trips, the annual plans will be the most suitable. However, with coverage for each trip capped at 45 days, you’ll want to look at other options if you will be away from home for longer.

Yes, you can buy AAA Travel Insurance onlince. Head over to Agentmaxonline.com , input your trip details and choose “Get Quote” to see a list of available plans.

Trip insurance plans have a lot of exclusions that you need to pay attention to so you know exactly what type of coverage you’re getting. Here are some general exclusions you can expect:

High-risk activities: Skydiving, bungee jumping, heli-skiing and other types of high-risk sporting activities that the insurer deems unsafe.

Intentional acts: Losses sustained from intoxication, drug use, self-harm and criminal activity.

Specifically designated events: Epidemics, natural disasters and war are specifically mentioned in the policy as exclusions.

It's important to note that exclusions may vary based on the policy and where you live, so it's always best to review the fine print to ensure you’re clear about what is and isn’t covered.

» Learn more: Will travel insurance cover winter weather woes?

Yes. However, plan choices depend on your state of residence and trip duration. We performed various searches for sample trips and found policies for single trips and annual trips. Single-trip plans are great for travelers who are traveling from their home to a different destination (domestic or international) and then returning. Coverage ends when the traveler returns home. Annual trip plans are designed for those who want to take several trips during a specific period of time, regardless of how many times they return home during the covered period.

The cost of a travel insurance policy depends on many factors , including the trip length, your state of residence and how much coverage you’d like. Our sample search for a $3,000 two-week trip to Spain showed policies ranging from $97 to $211, representing 3% to 7% of the total trip cost.

Yes, AAA’s travel insurance policies offer coverage for international travel. To check the type of plans available for your intended destination, visit AAA’s travel insurance site and enter your trip details.

Travel insurance offers a safety net so that if something goes wrong while you’re on vacation, you’re not alone. Whether it's a cancelled flight, lost luggage or emergency medical care, travel insurance coverage will come in handy. Although it's never fun to think about unexpected emergencies that can derail your trip, consider how much risk you’re willing to take before deciding to not purchase a policy. That will help you decide if travel insurance is worth it .

The cost of a travel insurance policy

depends on many factors

, including the trip length, your state of residence and how much coverage you’d like. Our sample search for a $3,000 two-week trip to Spain showed policies ranging from $97 to $211, representing 3% to 7% of the total trip cost.

Yes, AAA’s travel insurance policies offer coverage for international travel. To check the type of plans available for your intended destination, visit

AAA’s travel insurance site

and enter your trip details.

Travel insurance offers a safety net so that if something goes wrong while you’re on vacation, you’re not alone. Whether it's a cancelled flight, lost luggage or emergency medical care, travel insurance coverage will come in handy. Although it's never fun to think about unexpected emergencies that can derail your trip, consider how much risk you’re willing to take before deciding to not purchase a policy. That will help you decide if

travel insurance is worth it

AAA was found to be one of the best travel insurance companies according to NerdWallet's most recent analysis.

Before shopping for a policy, check to see what coverage you may already have. Some premium credit cards provide travel insurance. If you hold one of these credit cards and the coverage limits are adequate, you may only need a standalone emergency medical insurance policy . However, if your credit card doesn’t cover you sufficiently, a comprehensive travel insurance plan might be the right choice. AAA offers a few plans to pick from, but the choices boil down to annual or single-trip insurance plans.

No matter what type of traveler you are, AAA offers various trip insurance options to choose from. Rates and options vary by state, so be sure to input your information into the online tool.

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-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent 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 $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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.

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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.

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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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Do I still need a travel agent?

I f you’ve planned a vacation before, you know firsthand how stressful the planning process can be. Between booking hotels, flights and excursions, planning a vacation can feel like a full-time job. American travelers spent an average of 8 hours and 44 minutes reviewing travel content and resources ahead of their trips and read up to a whopping 277 pages of information on average, according to a 2023 survey from Expedia Group and Luth Research .

The time commitment behind planning a vacation could be one of the factors driving the 14 percent year-over-year increase in travelers who are likely to use a travel advisor, as reported by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) . Working with a travel agent could save you time and money when planning a complex vacation, but alternatives like online travel agencies, and credit card concierge services could be more affordable. So which option is better — doing your own legwork and booking trips online or hiring a travel agent?

What travel agents do

Travel agents help plan and book travel for vacations, special events or group trips, but their jobs have evolved over the years, particularly in the post-pandemic world.

“In the past, travel agents were very transactional — able to book your flights, hotels, and tours. While that is still a service we provide, in a post-pandemic world, travelers are looking for more,” says Annie Jones, travel advisor and owner of Telos Travel , “They want to think less, have options personalized to their interests, and experience destinations in a more authentic way.”

These days, travel agents advise on multiple aspects of a trip to create a bespoke travel experience. Their role can include:

• Regional tours and experiences
• Cultural etiquette
• Developing a custom itinerary
• Finding exclusive deals, amenities and offerings
• Handling emergencies and changes
• Organizing travel insurance
• Booking transportation (airfare and ground transportation)
• Making restaurant reservations
• Booking hotels, cruises and excursions
• Arranging necessary travel documents and visas

To reflect the expansions on a travel agent’s role, the American Society of Travel Advisors officially transitioned the title to “travel advisor” in 2018. Some of the best travel advisors even earn certifications and attend trainings to continue their education and stay on top of industry changes.

Do you have to pay a travel agent?

The cost of using a travel agent varies wildly, since there are different types of travel agents and travel advisors. In the past, many travel agents’ services were free, as they earned a commission off the trips they booked paid out by the airlines and hotels. Some still are.

However, after the pandemic, when many businesses in the travel industry struggled to recover (along with the changing landscape of travel agents in general) kickbacks from these vendors became less common. According to a survey by Travel Weekly , 71 percent of travel agencies in 2023 charged some form of service fee for working with them. These days, there are three main ways travel agents get paid:

• Flat rate fee
• Hourly rate

Travel agents may charge a percentage ranging from five percent to 15 percent of the trip’s cost. Others may charge a flat rate, anywhere from $100-$500 on average. Some advisors charge an hourly rate to research, plan or arrange your trip. Agents may also ask for a deposit that’s returned once you take your trip or goes towards the total cost.

Although hiring a travel advisor might seem expensive, it could potentially save you money. Paying a travel agent $200 to save you $400 on airfare or obtain a cruise upgrade worth $600 means you’re still coming out on top.

“I think one of the biggest misconceptions out there is that it’s more expensive to book through a travel advisor,” Jones shares. “While most advisors do charge professional service fees, just like you would to a financial planner or lawyer, the actual cost of your trip is no different than if you were to book it on your own.”

To better understand the cost of working with a travel agent, ask about their fee structure to determine if their price feels fair for your budget.

Are travel agents influenced by commissions?

That depends on how your travel agent gets paid. Even though it’s declined in recent years, many travel agents still collect at least part of their earnings from commissions paid by hotels and other travel products.

When there’s a commision tied to each travel booking, travel agents benefit monetarily from what you buy which makes it hard to be unbiased. As such, those commissions will likely influence which vacation packages and options you’re provided. However, that’s not to say that there aren’t travel agents who put your preferences and must-sees at the forefront of their planning process.

Money tip: You may find less of a hard sell on certain travel packages if your travel agent charges a flat fee or a percentage of your total trip. But this could mean a higher out-of-pocket cost. Consider their fee structure and how your agent approaches travel planning as you decide who to work with.

Can a credit card concierge replace a travel agent?

The short answer is… sort of. Many of the best travel credit cards offer concierge services that help cardholders organize travel, accommodations and tours, and they even help when emergencies or travel problems arise. But not to the extent a travel agent might go to.

“Many of my clients are surprised I offer 24/7 support while they are traveling,” says Jones. “If they face an unexpected challenge, I’m there to help resolve the problem or answer their question so they can just focus on enjoying their vacation.”

Complimentary concierge services can take the place of a travel agent on some aspects of your trip. While concierges can help you cross small items off your to-do list, they typically won’t plan a full trip itinerary for you.

• For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers Platinum Card Concierge , through which their agents help you purchase event tickets, make dining or spa reservations and handle general travel inquiries.
• Cardholders of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card now have free access to PRIOR , a program providing insider destination advice and curated experiences.
• Those with Chase Sapphire Reserve® can use the Visa Infinite Concierge, which can help reserve sports events, dining or even Broadway tickets.

In some cases, concierge benefits seem vague, so it’s worth calling or emailing to ask if they can help with your specific issue or need. However, in most circumstances, they probably won’t be able to plan and book an entire curated vacation for you.

If you’re booking travel on your own and simply want to lighten the load, then concierge services might be the way to go. However, if you want a fully customized itinerary without the legwork and within budget then a travel agent is your best bet.

Should you use a travel agent?

The decision to use a travel agent depends on a few factors and is closely intertwined with your preferences, budget and type of trip.

Travel advisors are particularly helpful when planning complex travel. Their connections and expertise come in handy for corporate, group, luxury or special-occasion travel, which could make it worth their fee. Advisors are also helpful when you’re not experienced with vacation planning or have time commitments preventing you from planning. In those cases, having a travel advisor could be a win.

Ask yourself a few questions to determine if it’s the right choice for you.

• Does this trip require a lot of planning (i.e. corporate, group, anniversary or highly-specific travel)?
• Are you looking for unique experiences, tours or upgrades?
• Are you experienced in booking your own travel or designing your own vacation itinerary?
• Do you have the time to dedicate to travel planning?
• Are you visiting a location and culture you feel comfortable navigating on your own?

For less complex travel where you’re on a tight budget, you might consider using resources already at your disposal like the credit card concierge service on an existing credit card or booking through an online travel agency (OTA) like Expedia or Kayak.

Travel advisors offer their experience, expertise and connections to take the stress out of planning a vacation. When you want to spend less time planning, get access to exclusive experiences, or need someone to create a vacation you couldn’t imagine planning on your own, a travel agent could save the day.

Pros of using a travel agent

Still not sure whether a travel agent would be worth the cost? Some additional advantages of using a travel agent as opposed to planning your trip yourself include:

• Saving money . According to a survey by Condor Ferries, travel agencies can save customers an average of $452 per trip through promotions and deals from suppliers that average travelers don’t have access to.
• Expert planning on important trips. Whether it’s corporate travel, a honeymoon or a 50th anniversary trip, you’ll want it to be impeccably planned.
• Help with trip disruptions. Many travel agents offer 24/7 support before, during and after your trip to help with any challenges or changes that arise.
• Upgrades, benefits and extras . Travel agents have connections the general public doesn’t. Their connections and partnerships may get you hotel upgrades, VIP treatment, connecting rooms, free breakfast or other perks.
• Curated experiences . A destination expert might find you experiences you never have discovered on your own, like an insider, after-hours visit to Cambodian ruins or a vintage car rental in Italy.
• Extensive vacations . You need expert destination knowledge to plan a cruise to Antarctica, a hiking trip to Bhutan or a two-month-long Galapagos expedition. If you want all the bells and whistles and money is no object, a travel agent may be able to get you into the most coveted hotels, tours and spots.
• You’re a beginner or don’t have time . Beginners planning a DIY vacation can easily get overwhelmed. The time it takes to plan a trip can also take time away from your other responsibilities. Travel agents make the process easy.

Using a travel agent doesn’t mean you’ll get a vacation that’s just like everyone else’s. Travel agents use the details of your personal preferences, budget and needs to customize your experience. Some of them even specialize in particular destinations or have relationships with hotels and tour guides which could help you get room upgrades, better rates or VIP experiences.

“These relationships not only allow for special treatment, but upgrades are nice, right? After all, you can’t VIP yourself! In addition to perks, these relationships also allow us to have high-level contacts in the event something should go wrong or a client needs assistance… These are things you are not going to get if you DIY.” — Mandy Pullin Luxury travel advisor of six years with DPP Travel

Some travel advisors have even developed specific travel niches.

“I’m seeing advisors specialize more than they did in the past,” explains Adeline Kuroki, a travel advisor and owner of Savor & Soak Travel Co. “I think this is great for travelers… For example, some advisors will specialize in luxury travel, and make it their mission to visit and understand the pros and cons of luxury resorts all over the world.”

When you have an advisor who’s an expert on one location, you get more curated experiences too. Kuroki specializes in travel to Japan and helps clients navigate the complexities of booking in such a popular destination.

“I can quickly tell them which experiences need to be booked well in advance to avoid missing out, and which can be decided on closer to their travel dates. And as Japan becomes an increasingly popular tourist destination, I’m able to recommend and book more off-the-beaten-path locations that offer a lot of the same sights and experiences as more well-known places.”.

So even with developments in online bookings and credit card concierge services, travel advisors are irreplaceable when it comes to designing a personalized itinerary in a destination with which you’re unfamiliar.

Cons of using a travel agent

While there are many benefits to using a travel agent, there are also disadvantages to consider. Some of those include:

• Not redeeming points or miles. If you have credit card points or airline miles to cash in, a travel agent might not be the best fit since they typically can’t help you redeem them for the trips they plan. However, niche advisors can best advise you on booking using your points and miles or use your stash to book for you.
• Less flexibility to make updates. Once your travel agent locks in reservations, it can be difficult to change things since you may have put down a deposit.
• Added layer of communication. For your travel agent to plan a vacation you’ll enjoy, you have to clue them in on your likes and dislikes, budget, preferences, needs and more. And when you need to make adjustments, you’ll have to go through them.
• Missing out on planning your own trip. Planning your own trip is exciting for some folks. Plus, you can build the exact type of experience you want at a price point that’s comfortable for you.
• Fees and price. Travel agents can save you money sometimes, but it comes at a cost that might not fit into your budget. Some agents charge high fees or percentages of the total vacation cost.
• Finding the right agent. It can take time to find the right travel agent, advisor or expert. If it takes too long, DIY travel might be more convenient.

Do you earn rewards on travel booked by an agent?

You might be hard-pressed to find a travel advisor where you earn rewards by booking through them as opposed to your credit card’s travel portal . However, it’s worth noting that the merchant code for travel agents is often “travel”, which means the travel agent fees you pay through a qualifying credit card could be eligible for bonus points if your card offers boosted rewards on the travel category.

Certain travel benefits still work for you even if a travel agent books your trip. For example, you’ll get lounge access if your credit card offers it regardless of who booked your airfare, which airline or class you’re flying. As long as you use the appropriate card to pay for the trip, it shouldn’t matter if you or the travel agent physically made the purchase.

You might also earn frequent flyer miles through an airline’s loyalty program if your travel agent can include your frequent flyer number on your reservation. You’ll also still have your airline elite status recognized if a travel agent booked your airfare for you, but you may or may not get hotel loyalty brand points. The same goes for recognition of your hotel elite status . It’s best to discuss this directly with your agent or call the hotel to confirm, as each case may be different.

Keep in mind: American Airlines announced in February 2024 it plans to limit which tickets purchased via third parties are eligible to earn AAdvantage frequent flyer miles. The details were still vague at the time of publishing, but it could mean that your ticket purchased by a travel agent would still earn miles – assuming they purchase through a qualifying site or directly on American's site – but if you go the DIY route for your trip and purchase online through a third-party site, you may not earn miles at all.

The bottom line

Choosing to use a travel agent or book vacations online ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget and the type of trip you’re planning. Opting for online booking might be quicker and more cost-effective, but the personal touch and stress-free approach provided by a travel agent can’t be overlooked.

The days where travel agents just booked your flight and hotel are long gone. Today, they offer bespoke itineraries tailored to your interests and budget while specializing in certain destinations or forms of travel. Taking the time to find and build a relationship with a reliable travel agent could save you money on your next trip even if there’s a fee involved. But it’s still important to weigh the pros and cons to know if hiring a travel agent is right for you.