Should I Use a Travel Agent or Book a Trip Online?

Last time you booked a trip, did you book it online or with a travel agent? My guess, you booked online. I’ve done it, and I get it. It’s conveniently there and available for you 24/7, so why book with a real-life person? Well aside from their vast knowledge & real life experience, there are some major benefits I’ve learned while working alongside travel agents for the past 5 years.

My Experience With Travel Agents

First off, you may be wondering if the knowledge I share on travel agents is reliable or skewed. For 5 years I worked for a travel company (Contiki Holidays) as a sales manager, and my clients I served were travel agents. Travellers could either book their trips online or through a travel agent, but it always surprises me how many first-time travellers book online without asking advice from a travel expert, like a travel agent.

When working in the travel industry people regularly asked me “why travellers should I book with a travel agents over booking online?”. So to help, I’ve answered some of these frequently asked questions below. In the end, you can be the judge whether you want to book your next trip with a travel agent.

FAQ: About Using a Travel Agent

Q: Am I paying more when I book with a travel agent? When travel agents make commission, does that come out of my pocket?

A: The word commission makes a lot of us feel uncomfortable. Especially when we don’t know if it increases our costs. Travel agents typically get paid a base salary and a commission on top of that. While other agents earn commission only, BUT what people don’t understand is this:

Commission does not come out of your pocket as the customer. The company you are travelling with will pay the travel agent that commission, and it does NOT increase your costs!

For example, say you want to buy an Air Canada flight ticket; whether you buy that flight on Air Canada’s website or through the travel agent it is going to be the same price for you. The only difference is if you buy it through a travel agent, Air Canada would then pay the travel agent a percentage of the sale. Aka the commission! This commission is to thank the agent for the sale. The best part is, you don’t have to do all the digging for the best sale and seat.

If you still don’t believe me, you can look up the price of the flight online to see if it matches the price with what the agent has quoted. This is something I always recommend you do before you pay. But maybe do this outside their travel agent shop, as it is just bad manners.

Q: But what about booking fees?

A: Some travel agents initially charge booking fees, but these fees are normally removed if you go ahead and book the trip through them. However, I recommend asking the agent before you book, as every travel agency has different policies.

Unfortunately, a lot of people take advantage of travel agent’s time and expertise. They will ask an agent to plan an entire trip, only to go home and book it all online. Thus, leaving the travel agent with no payout for the time they’ve put in. Over the years this has become more of a problem! So to ensure people come back to book the trip with the travel agent, they’ve put these booking fees in place to protect their time. If a traveller takes the advice of an agent and books it online, the agent doesn’t get any compensation nor recognition for their hard work. So as a word of advice, if you know 100% you want to book your trip online, be respectful of that agent’s time and don’t ask them for help.

Q: Can I save more money if I book through a travel agent?

A: In some cases, absolutely! Most travel suppliers (ie. Contiki, Sandals, Hard Rock Hotels, etc) have special partnerships with certain travel agent groups, like TravelCuts or Merit Travel. When there is a preferred partnership in place, typically the travel supplier will give that travel agency an exclusive discount for their customers. This is a discount the traveller cannot get when they book online. This means that you cannot always find your trip cheaper online, which should be reason enough to get a quote from a travel agent.

Q: Is it true travel agents can help you get other perks or upgrades?

A: Yes! Are you celebrating a special occasion on your vacation? Let your agent know and they can put a note on your file to advise the company you are travelling with to do something special for you. Also in some cases, if you are a loyal client of the travel agent, or booking multiple elements for your trip (ie. flights, insurance, rental car, and hotel, etc) they can sometimes pull some strings to get you a room with a view or flight upgrade.

Note: This may not happen every time, but there is never any harm in asking for it.

Q: Why else would I want to book through an agent?

A: Travel agents are the first to know about travel advisories, visa requirements and booking tricks. Recently I booked a flight through my travel agent, and a few weeks later the airline issued a new policy that all bookings required middle names. This meant everyone had to cancel his or her tickets and get a new one issued. The worst part was the flight cost had gone up, and the airline wasn’t offering to pay the difference. Plus, the airline was now expecting their customers to pay the higher price!

Luckily, because we booked with a trusted agent, the agent was contacted by the airline about this change. So our agent cancelled, updated and re-issued our tickets without charging us again until the money was returned on our credit card. Also, our agent fought for us and therefore we were able to pay the original price, and not get overcharged. If we booked it online, our credit cards would’ve been charged twice in the month, and the second charge would have been higher. What a headache!

If this isn’t proof enough, our travel agent also saved us $800 on these flights by knowing how to book a free stopover in Hong Kong on our way back from Australia. #Winning!

Q: Can a travel agent really save me time?

A: Using a travel agent can be an absolute lifesaver when it comes to saving time and energy during your travel planning. Instead of endlessly scouring the internet for the best deals and accommodations, a travel agent’s expertise and connections can swiftly curate the perfect itinerary tailored to your preferences. They’re like travel wizards who can magically find the best flights, hotels, and activities that suit your budget and desires. Not only do they save you from the hassle of researching, but they also handle all the nitty-gritty details like booking, reservations, and any unexpected hiccups along the way. So, kick back, relax, and let the travel agent sprinkle some magic on your trip, leaving you with more time to focus on packing for you upcoming adventure.

Q: When should I not book with an agent?

A: The only time you may not be able to book with a travel agent is when you are using points to pay for your trip. For example, if you are using WestJet dollars, More Rewards, or Aeroplan points you may have to book directly with the points company. In this case, the rewards program will typically have their own travel agencies to book your trips. However, some travel agencies do have the contracts to book RBC points or Air Miles. So your best bet is to ask the travel agent if you can pay with points BEFORE you start planning your trip with them. Once again, you don’t want to waste their time if you can’t book with them in the end.

Q: The #1 Reason Why to Use Travel Agent

A: Aside from the opinions above, the number one reason why I book through an agent is their wealth of knowledge and experience. Finding the perfect tour, flight, or hotel to suit your wants and needs is a travel agents’ job. Extensive training and travel opportunities allow travel agents to gain knowledge and experience they can share with their clients. Even if they haven’t travelled with the company you are looking at, they also have their customer’s feedback they can share with you. Plus, they have access to the company representatives at their fingertips.

Q: How to Find the Right Travel Agent For You

A: With this all being said, find a travel agent you can relate to, trust and who has travelled to your countries of interest. Personally, I have enjoyed working with travel agents who are around my age and interested in the same type of travel I like. And they understand what we are looking for in a hotel or itinerary.

In order to find your perfect travel agent, you can search online or call a travel agency beforehand to see if there is an agent with the experience you are looking for. Connecting with an agent who has travelled to the destination or with the company or resort you want to travel with.

Who Shouldn’t Use a Travel Agent

When I Book Online

Overall, when it comes to planning a trip there are some things I book through a travel agent and some I book on my own. If I only need a simple flight to Toronto, I’ll book it on my own. As this is straightforward and easy for me to do. But if I am booking a more expensive first class flight or complicated vacation package, I always like to ask a professional to get advice and save money.

However, after decades of working in the travel industry and travelling solo I have become very comfortable with booking my own travel. I know what travel websites that give me free night stays, I have favourite travel brands, and travel planning research has become second nature to me. But once again this is after a decade of experience! So if you are someone who has travelled for years, there is a good chance you don’t need the assistance of a travel agent for simple bookings.

Who Should Use a Travel Agent?

If you are new to travelling, use a travel agent!

On the flip side, if you’re new to the world of travel, I highly recommend kicking off your journey with a travel agent. Nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with having a knowledgeable ally by your side, especially when embarking on your first few vacations. With a travel agent, you can let go of the stress and uncertainty, knowing that you have a reliable point of contact in case anything goes awry. As you gain confidence and experience in travel planning, you can gradually take on more elements of the process yourself, giving you the freedom to customize your adventures to your heart’s content.

Don’t have a lot of spare time? Use a travel agent!

Alternatively, for those juggling a demanding job or part of a bustling family with limited time to spare, the wise move is to harness the expertise of a travel agent and save yourself the invaluable time and energy. Let the pros handle the logistics while you focus on creating unforgettable memories. So, whether you’re a novice wanderer or a time-starved traveller, a travel agent can be your ultimate travel companion, ensuring every journey is a breeze.

Conclusion: Should you use a travel agent or book your trip online?

In conclusion, the purpose of this post isn’t to sway you towards a particular choice, but rather to dispel misconceptions about travel agents and empower you to make an informed decision that suits your needs. Whether you choose to go the travel agent route or plan your journey independently, the ultimate goal is to ensure you have a fantastic trip. There’s no right or wrong way to book your travel, as long as it brings you joy and unforgettable experiences. Embrace the freedom of choice and embark on your adventure with confidence, knowing that you have the power to create the perfect travel experience for yourself. Happy travels!

I hope that helps answer some of your questions! If you have any other questions about using a travel agent, shoot them my way in the comments below.

Will you book with a travel agent for your next holiday? Let me know!

Read Next:

Travel Planning Resources & Gear

Best Packing Trips to Avoid Anxiety

Carry-On Packing List: 12 Essentials You Shouldn’t Leave Home Without

Pin it for Later 

If you found this article helpful, be sure to pin it for later, or share it with your friends and family!