my travel agent

2-FOR-1 GA TICKETS WITH OUTSIDE+

Don’t miss Thundercat, Fleet Foxes, and more at the Outside Festival.

GET TICKETS

BEST WEEK EVER

Try out unlimited access with 7 days of Outside+ for free.

Start Your Free Trial

Breaking Down the Pros and Cons of Using a Travel Agent

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

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 .

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 And despite the fact that many of us might consider this industry old-fashioned and out-of-date, research shows that travelers, and millennials in particular, are once again turning to these specialists to help plow through TripAdvisor detritus.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

How to Know If You Need a Travel Agent

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

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

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

They can find crazy deals..

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

They will be your advocate.

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

They’ll take care of the little things.

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

They’re true experts.

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

They don’t usually cost extra.

It’s a myth that working with a travel agent will automatically cost you more; most get paid via commissions from the hotel or outfitter. Sure, some travel agents do charge a fee for putting together an itinerary, but most will credit you that fee if you end up booking the trip through them. Make sure you know all the potential fees before you use a travel agent, and do not hesitate to negotiate away.

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

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

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

They’re not you.

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

How to Find a Great One

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

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

How Much Does a Travel Agent Cost?

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

• Adventure Adviser
• Budget Trips

Popular on Outside Online

Enjoy coverage of racing, history, food, culture, travel, and tech with access to unlimited digital content from Outside Network's iconic brands.

Healthy Living

• Clean Eating
• Vegetarian Times
• Yoga Journal
• Fly Fishing Film Tour
• National Park Trips
• Warren Miller
• Fastest Known Time
• Trail Runner
• Women's Running
• Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
• FinisherPix
• Outside Events Cycling Series
• Outside Shop

© 2024 Outside Interactive, Inc

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

4 Things to Know When Choosing a Travel Agent

Even the most D.I.Y.-inclined travelers are considering working with a professional adviser these days. Here’s how.

By Lauren Sloss

So, you’re thinking about traveling again? You’re not alone. The pandemic may not be over, but the expansion of vaccine eligibility in the United States — hiccups, delays and pauses aside — plus the news that the European Union will be opening up to vaccinated travelers is inspiring many to plan a real-deal summer vacation, or even take the leap on booking bucket-list adventures.

Travel remains far from simple, however. The virus is finding new footholds around the world, leaving an ever-changing set of rules and restrictions in its wake (and all of this is compounded by a run on home rentals , rental cars and more). It’s a reality that’s inspired many D.I.Y.-inclined travelers to consider working with a travel agent , or travel adviser, for the first time, in the hopes of skipping the travel-planning stress and focusing on actually relaxing on vacation instead.

Most travel advisers provide their services free of charge to clients (though some charge a booking fee, which can range from $25 to $100, depending on how complicated a trip you’re after) and instead make their money through commissions from hotels, tour operators, cruise lines, airlines and other travel companies.

Finding the right adviser for you is “like finding a hairdresser,” said Erika Richter, the senior communications director of ASTA , the American Society of Travel Advisors. “You want someone who understands your personal style.”

Ms. Richter, along with Misty Belles, the managing director of global public relations for Virtuoso , an international travel agency network specializing in luxury travel, shared their tips on how you can find an adviser who will understand you and your dream trip.

Begin your search close to home

Start by asking trusted friends and family members for recommendations. “The same holds true for any professional service in your life,” Ms. Belles said. “If you know someone who is working with a travel adviser and was pleased with the experience, that’s a great place to start.”

If that’s a no-go (or if your friends and family, while beloved, don’t have the same travel style as you do), Ms. Richter strongly suggested seeking out local businesses where you live.

“Supporting small businesses in our communities is more important than ever right now,” she said. ASTA has a directory that allows you to search for advisers close to you; a quick Google search will likely do the trick, too, Ms. Richter said.

Think about where you want to go

Another way to find a travel adviser is to seek one out based on a destination, or destinations, that he or she may specialize in. Are you interested in going to a specific Caribbean island nation? You’ll likely want to work with an adviser that has booked a number of trips in that country, and has connections and contacts there. Some advisers specialize in trips to Disney resort properties; others focus on cruises. If you’re interested in planning a trip outside of their purview, advisers can refer you to someone else within their network, or do the heavy-duty research themselves.

“Choosing someone who specializes in a destination is a good first foray into working with a travel adviser,” Ms. Belles said. “But when you work with the same adviser for a while, they become a specialist in you.”

Consider their professional networks

Speaking of what you want, it can be useful to understand the organization, or organizations, an adviser is associated with. Whether they work alone, with one partner in a small shop, or as part of a large agency, they are likely connected to a consortium, or a professional network, like Virtuoso, which is made up of more than 1,000 agencies in 50 countries around the world, or ASTA itself.

“Obviously, I represent ASTA, but I do think it’s important to look at an adviser’s professional affiliations,” Ms. Richter said. Affiliations can serve as a vote of confidence that the adviser has been vetted; it also gives you a chance for recourse should you find yourself unhappy with your relationship (ASTA, for example, can handle consumer complaints and be a part of the resolution process). Some consortiums specialize in a certain type of travel — Virtuoso agencies focus on luxury travel, for example, while others might highlight adventure travel, or family trips and so on.

An adviser’s affiliations also act as a conduit for one of their major selling points: traveler perks.

“Ask them what sorts of benefits they get from their professional networks,” Ms. Richter said. “Upgrades, free breakfasts, late checkouts when available — who doesn’t want some of those freebies?”

Make sure your adviser understands your travel style

Do you like leisurely, slow trips? Packed itineraries filled with sightseeing and attractions? Do you like to travel alone, or are you planning multigenerational trips with children and grandparents? Ensuring that your adviser understands what you want — and maybe even establishing that they have a similar travel style themselves — can greatly help with building rapport (and allow them to plan an even better trip for you).

Some important questions to ask: Do they charge a planning fee? What are some examples of trips that they’ve planned in the past?

“Be really upfront about your budget for a trip, and be sure that that is something they can help you make the most of,” Ms. Richter said.

Ms. Belles suggested asking the adviser how they personally like to travel, and some of their favorite destinations.

“Interview them a little bit! You can see whether there are some similarities there,” she said. But make sure they’re asking you just as many questions.

“If they’re not, that should be a red flag,” said Ms. Belles. “An adviser should be looking to get to the heart of what exactly you want as a traveler.”

52 Places to Love in 2021

We asked readers to tell us about the spots that have delighted, inspired and comforted them in a dark year. Here, 52 of the more than 2,000 suggestions we received, to remind us that the world still awaits.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list for 2021 .

Explore Our Style Coverage

The latest in fashion, trends, love and more..

An Unusual Path to Hollywood:  Sobhita Dhulipala has taken on risky roles in her acting career, outside of India’s blockbuster hits . Now, she’s starring in Dev Patel’s “Monkey Man.”

These Scientists Rock, Literally: The Pasteur Institute in Paris, known for its world-altering scientific research , has been making advancements in another field: the musical arts.

JoJo Siwa Grows Up:  Siwa, the child star turned children’s entertainer, who at first modeled her career on Hannah Montana, is now after her own Miley (Cyrus) moment .

Jill Biden Makes an Entrance:  The first lady was glittering in crystals — days after Melania Trump stepped out in pink at a Palm Beach fund-raiser. Together, the pictures offer a harbinger of what is to come .

Creating Works of Ephemeral Beauty:  A YouTube rabbit hole led Blanka Amezkua to a small Mexican town and the centuries-old craft of papel picado  — chiseling intricate patterns into colorful paper flags.

New York Bridal Fashion Week:  Reimagined classic silhouettes, a play on textures and interactive presentations brought fresh takes  to the spring and summer 2025 bridal collections.

Protect Your Trip »

Is a travel agent worth it the pros and cons.

Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner.

The Pros & Cons of Using a Travel Agent

Getty Images

A travel agent can save you money and time.

Need to pivot your trip plans but don't want to deal with the extra time, money and hassle of rebooking flights and accommodations on your own? That's just one area where a knowledgeable travel agent (also commonly known as a travel advisor) can help. Read on to discover the other benefits – as well as the downsides – of using a travel agent, so you can confidently decide whether or not a travel agent is worth it for your next trip.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks.

"In some cases, you'll actually get a better  deal by working with a travel agent," says Jackie Steele, travel expert at MagicGuides . "This could be in the form of a cruise onboard credit (free spending money to use on the ship), access to special agency/group rates, or even just learning about a discount you qualify for but weren't aware of." The best agents will even keep an eye on new discounts as they're announced and apply them to your trip even after you've booked, he notes.

Travel agents handle all the details

Hotel room? Booked. Dinner reservations? Made. Tour tickets? Ready to go. A travel agent handles every detail of your vacation itinerary. "The traveler still gets to be involved in the fun part of dreaming up ideas and providing their travel wishes, while we take and perfect them," says Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer .

Molly McShea, owner and travel advisor at McShea Travel , points out that travel agents can also help with timing logistics. "Travel agents know how many days should be spent in each destination, which tours go together, and how many things you should do in a day," she says, adding that crafting an itinerary can be challenging if it's not something you regularly do. Additionally, travel agents can help you choose the best time to visit your preferred destination(s) based on seasonality and your budget, and sift through travel insurance policies to find the best option for your needs.

Travel agents can provide local expertise

"A travel advisor's industry connections and relationships provide added value to their clients," says Valerie Edman, a luxury travel advisor and agency owner at Cultured Travel LLC. She says when working with a travel agent, travelers gain access to a global network of connections including:

• In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about
• Exclusive experiences not available to the general public

You'll avoid surprise fees

When deciding if a travel agent is worth it for you, remember this: A reputable agent can guarantee you won't encounter any surprise fees on accommodations and activities once your trip is booked.

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

A travel advisor is essentially your personal vacation concierge. "Because they've been around for so long, agents really know what to look for," says Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and journalist. "Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays , making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away." 

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

It might not be your cheapest option.

There are some instances when it makes more sense to plan your own trip. "If you're planning a quick flight from New York City to Los Angeles, it's easy enough to book it yourself online directly or through a third-party booking site," says Elliott. "If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or bucket list honeymoon , that's when you call the experts."

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

The upside of working with a travel agent is having someone plan an epic vacation for you based on industry knowledge and local expertise. But this can also be a downside in the event you discover an activity you'd like to do or a restaurant you'd like to try that isn't on your pre-planned itinerary. If you alter your plans, you risk losing money; plus, the time it takes for you and your travel agent to coordinate your change of plans may not be worth the hassle.

You still have to do some research

It's important to find an agent you can trust, which means you still have to do some of the vacation planning. For this part, Parker recommends picking up the phone. "Lots of people avoid or don't pick up the phone as much anymore," she says. "That's where you get the high-touch service, tone of voice, excitement or concerns to manage." She advises to look for the following red flags:

• No fees: " Travel advisors are charging planning fees more now or increasing them, so the client knows more confidently than ever, we work for them, not the suppliers with the best commissions," Parker explains. "There are a lot of things that are non-commissionable and the advisor's time and expertise shouldn't be given away for free, either. That's the best way to show an advisor takes their business seriously."
• Limited options: If you work with someone who is inexperienced or has an incentive to book you with a certain supplier, they may not be prioritizing your best interests. "It's important to check if they are with a larger consortia, accreditations and network, typically listed on their website and signatures," says Parker. "That level of mindshare doesn't come with a lone advisor unless they have many, many years of experience."
• Slow response times: If communication is delayed, that's a sign they may be too busy to plan your trip – but again, this is something you can avoid by having the right conversations early on.

Edman suggestes starting your search with the American Society of Travel Advisors . "ASTA-verified travel advisors are committed to the highest industry standards and have verifiable industry knowledge so consumers can feel confident in working with them," she says.

You might also be interested in:

• Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline
• What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

The Best Luggage Brands

Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best east coast beaches.

April 19, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

Best Alaska Tours

Lyn Mettler April 16, 2024

The Best Fredericksburg Wine Tours

The Best Personal Item Bags

Rachael Hood April 16, 2024

The 17 Best Costa Rica Tours

Lyn Mettler April 12, 2024

4 scenarios when you should use a travel agent

Editor's Note

If you're a points-and-miles-wielding expert traveler, you may not immediately think of using a travel agent to book your getaways . However, there are times and situations when using these services can be of great benefit.

A good travel agent can be a game-changer when it comes to helping you book your ideal trip and receive the best services once you arrive at your destination. Travel agents can also be of great assistance when things go wrong, especially during this summer of excessive flight delays and cancellations .

Agents can often secure the best room in a hotel or the top cabin on a cruise ship. Sometimes they can even secure complimentary upgrades, breakfast benefits or food and beverage credits, and free spa treatments during your stay.

When it comes to making the right decisions about when to travel, what sights to see and which guides to hire, agents can act as advisors. An excellent travel agent can be the difference between an OK experience and the trip of a lifetime.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Here are four times when you may want to use a travel agent:

Booking a hotel with extras

Your travel agent can become a trusted friend over time. Before you're ready to turn over all your travel planning to a travel adviser, test the waters by collaborating on a simple trip request. You'll want to see how the agent operates, communicates and arranges extra perks and deals. Avoid a complex or elaborate request on the first go-round.

Start by having a travel agency book your hotel arrangements with a few specific requests for extras baked in, such as airport transfers or spa services .

Start with an agent who is part of a major travel consortium such as Virtuoso, Travel Leaders Network, Ensemble Travel Group or Signature Travel Network. Each of these networks provides a suite of benefits to travelers who book with them. If you're familiar with the perks of the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program or the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection , you'll know what we mean. Extra benefits for booking can include space-available upgrades, free breakfast, additional food and beverage credit, a free spa treatment or a round of golf.

Related: This new travel company will pair you with local experts

You can work with a travel agency that fits your style. This may be someone from a large company based in a major city with dozens of agents, or it may be someone from a more boutique option such as the family-owned and operated Ourisman Travel. (Ourisman Travel is a travel consultancy affiliated with Brownell Travel, one of the oldest travel agencies in the U.S., and also a member of the Virtuoso network.)

What's nice about Ourisman and any Virtuoso agency is that you can have your travel agent do all the work. You can also use the Virtuoso booking tool to make quick, easy reservations. Once your reservation is in the system, your agent swings into action to let the hotel know a VIP is on the way and arranges for any extras, whether it's a Virtuoso perk or one from a credit card program.

It's also possible to stack benefits. If you book your trip with The Platinum Card® from American Express , your agent can secure your Amex FHR benefits; you may also be entitled to additional perks from the agency, its travel consortium or the hotel, cruise line or tour company.

When you're short on time

Not everyone has weeks to spend crafting the ultimate itinerary and keeping watch on every flight deal (although TPG can help you here) . Fortunately, you can rely on a savvy travel agent to step in and plan your vacation when your time is crunched . Otherwise, you might not be able to pull off the travel arrangements on your own, or you might end up spending more for your trip than you should.

When facing a planning time crunch, look for an agent who specializes in the type of trip and destination you have in mind. If you're looking for a beach villa on a Caribbean island , find a travel advisor who has experience booking this sort of trip.

One example is Villas of Distinction, which has been around for more than 25 years and has a vast network of properties. Your travel advisor there can offer advice on which properties are best suited to your needs, what's available and how to book the villa. You can also use your American Express Membership Rewards points to book a villa through the agency, an added benefit to finding a good application of points.

Agents specializing in villa rentals usually have strong networks on the ground, so they can assist with chores such as stocking the villa with groceries, booking a chef or securing the best masseuse on the island for poolside treatments.

Related: Everything you need to know about Homes and Villas by Marriott

When your travel plans are specific and complex

The more complex and specific your travel goals are, the more experts in that destination or trip style can help you.

For example, every year, travel guru Wendy Perrin puts together a WOW List that features experts in the travel-booking field. The agents, advisors and destination specialists on Perrin's list aren't booking budget cruises and all-inclusive vacations for people as a side hustle. The agents on the WOW List are the real deal with plenty of expertise in their subject areas.

Say you want to explore Africa and go on a safari, but you don't know where to begin. Consult the WOW List and you'll see she recommends individuals with an encyclopedic knowledge of the continent.

The WOW List features advisors who can create custom safaris in East, Central and South Africa as well as niche destinations like Madagascar. The website provides a synopsis of the agents' expertise as well as links to reviews and insider guides written by Perrin and her team.

This is an excellent resource for learning about the best attractions, cutting-edge travel trends or finding out-of-the-ordinary experiences, and shows how contact with local agents, rather than anonymous trip reviews, can be a great advantage in planning a trip.

Related: Everything you need to know about going on safari in Africa

When you're looking for value

Travel agents often have access to room rates and cruise fares not available to the general public. This is especially true of agents who specialize in specific cruise lines. When a cruise line needs to fill a sailing, it may reach out to its top agents to extend special fares for their clients. You'll only hear about these offers if you have a top agent who sells cruises on the lines you love.

Related: Why now might be the cheapest time to plan a cruise

For example, Keene Luxury Travel, a member of the Signature Travel Network, has relationships with all the top luxury cruise lines, especially Regent Seven Seas. As a result, your agent can offer shipboard credits, special fares for solo travelers, deals for families traveling with children and more. The agency also has its own KLT Rewards program. With KLT Rewards, you'll get cash back on every sailing, about 10 days before you set sail. Plus, if you book a trip hosted by the agency's owners, you'll get a bump in the amount of your reward for booking with them.

The best part about working with specialty agents like those at Keene Luxury Travel? You can stack deals. For example, you can book a hosted trip to get the usual 5% KLT booking reward, plus an enhanced reward for booking a group trip. On top of that, you could also receive the onboard credit that's a Signature Travel Network perk.

Bottom line

Whether you're booking a weekend getaway in a U.S. city or planning an around-the-world extravaganza that includes an African safari , Antarctica cruise and a stay in an igloo hotel , consider using a travel agent. An agent can help get you on the right trip, at the right time for the right price.

They can help find the best rooms, book services you didn't even know existed and tie all the pieces together on a complicated itinerary.

A travel agent can be particularly beneficial if you don't have the time to do all the research yourself, or if you're looking for help in getting the best deal. It's also helpful to use an agent if your trip targets destinations or itineraries that can benefit from local experts,

If there's ever a problem during a vacation — which seems to happen more often than not these days — it's great to have a problem-solver who is just one phone call or email away.

Additional reporting by Bill Fink

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Travel Agent

Here's what you should know before becoming a travel agent.

If you're someone who spends your days scanning flights , loves hotel rewards points, and in general, is a fervent traveler, you've probably wondered how to become a travel agent.

And, while it's true that living in the age of Expedia means travel agents are not as vital as they once were, people use them a lot more than you might think. Just because travelers aren't calling up an agent every time they need to book a quick flight doesn't mean they don't want to consult an expert for a big trip. This holds especially true when it comes to honeymoons or experiential trips that have a lot of moving parts — coordinating tour companies , translators, or multiple resort stays, for example. It's often easier to leave the logistics to someone else: travel agents.

You don't need a specific employment background to become a travel agent, so if you're looking for a fresh career start, that's totally OK. You have to start somewhere on your path to becoming a travel agent, and the sooner you jump in, the sooner you'll build your client base. On the other hand, if you're hoping to parlay your experience in a semi-related industry, be it marketing or hospitality, that can help because you'll have even more context for your new gig. Either way, this can be a rewarding career path (with some fun perks), so here's what you need to know to become a travel agent.

Formal Training Needed to Become a Travel Agent

While some four-year colleges, community colleges, and trade schools offer tourism certifications, it is not a requirement for those trying to become travel agents. Certificates of tourism can be very helpful, but so can previous training in marketing, hospitality, or even event planning. Ultimately, your knowledge of destinations, sales, itinerary planning, and booking software will be crucial for your career as a travel agent.

In terms of the training time you need to put in before becoming a fully-fledged travel agent, it depends. You could start your career right after high school, or you could put in one to four years to earn a certificate, associate's, or bachelor's degree in tourism. Of course, you could also change course from a related job, and morph your experience as, say, a destination wedding planner into a career as a travel agent.

Training Programs Available

You could take classes with a company like The Travel Institute to earn your certification. Not only will they teach you the basics of planning itineraries, but they'll also make sure you're learning about new cultures, world geography, and experiences you can have all over the world. They'll also help you decide what business route you want to take.

How to Become a Travel Agent: The Logistics

Becoming a travel agent will likely mean starting your own business . On the plus side, it requires relatively little overhead. If you're becoming a small business owner by opening a yoga studio, for example, you will need to rent a space, deal with permits, buy supplies, build a website, and pay yoga teachers and someone to work the front desk. However, if you're starting a travel agent business, you can operate from your living room and there aren't nearly as many upfront costs.

You will have to think about what type of business you want to become. Do you want to incorporate or become an LLC? Would you rather be a sole proprietor? Incorporating takes the most effort, and is often the most expensive. Becoming an LLC is a good happy medium because it can help protect you as a business entity without having as many associated costs. Small business owners typically become an LLC to protect their personal assets. If you get sued as an LLC, someone can come after your business holdings, but can't come after your house, car, or personal savings.

If you choose to remain a sole proprietor (which doesn't require any fees or legwork), you are essentially a freelancer or independent contractor. You can be an LLC and an independent contractor, too — they aren't mutually exclusive. If you want to be an independent contractor, it likely means you're working as part of a larger host agency, which is smart to do when you're starting out as a travel agent. Down the road, you can also own a travel agency franchise. Owning a franchise might come with more overhead costs, and that would be a reason to incorporate.

If you're an independent contractor, you should know that your taxes aren't going to be as straightforward as a full-time employee's might be. You may have to start keeping track of your business expenses, as you might be able to write them off. You also might not get things like health benefits from your employer. As you plan your new career, consider sitting down with an established travel agent to ask them some logistical questions: Where do they get their health insurance? How do they keep track of their income and expenses? Do they use an accountant to do their taxes? While meeting with the travel agent, you can discuss the pros and cons of working for a larger agency, too. If you're not sure how to get in touch with other travel agents, consider using social media, like LinkedIn or even Instagram.

What to Think About When You Become a Travel Agent

Once you've secured work as a travel agent, you'll want to think about how you can earn more money and distinguish yourself from other agents. Here are three things to consider as you start your career.

Making Commissions: If you're working for a larger travel agency as an independent contractor, how do commissions work? Make sure you have this conversation early on before accepting the position. When you're starting out, you want to make sure the commission rate you're receiving is similar to the industry standard.

Growing Your Client Base: How do you make more money as a travel agent? Clients, clients, clients. You want happy customers who will return to you every time they want to book a travel experience. You'll want to keep your clients happy by finding them great deals, curating unbelievable experiences for them, and simply being great to work with.

Establishing a Niche: This is by no means a requirement for becoming a travel agent, but as you establish your career, you may want to consider focusing on a specific niche. For example, perhaps you're someone who focuses on honeymoon travel , luxury travel, or adventure travel . Your niche can help you attract clients, and it can be anything in the travel realm, as long as there's a need for it.

MY TRAVEL AGENT

Making memories.

New Location: As of 10/31/2023

475 River Bend Rd.  Ste 103, Naperville, IL 60540

Next to Meson Sabika

Call us at (630) 961-3606 to schedule your appointment!

Appointments are appreciated so we have dedicated time to help you plan.

Extraordinary Cruises

Explore the world in a cruise! Think of it as having your cake and eating it too! That’s right, you can navigate the waters of the world while enjoying exclusive amenities, events, destinations and experiences all while aboard a cruise. Choose from Europe , the Caribbean , Asia , and make your vacation a cruise come true. We'll provide information about the ships, the services and the perks specially designed for you!

Our exclusive supplier information will take you around the world one cruise at a time! Go ahead look around and give us a call!  

Weekly Cruise Specials

Get inspired with fantastic cruise specials. These cruise offers change weekly, so check back often for more incredible vacation savings. Act fast on these deals as they usually don't last long!  

Cruise Search

Cruise highlight.

MyTravelAgent.us

(630) 961-3606 

Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved.

About Your Agent

CST 1016202-80 Copyright © Automobile Club of Southern California. All Rights Reserved. Privacy policy | Do not sell my personal information | Accessibility | Terms of use | Site map | Find a different AAA club

The Automobile Club of Southern California is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in the following California counties: Inyo, Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura.

Seller of Travel Registrations

• California registration number: CST 1016202-80

link.share.page.title

My Travel Agent

Review Highlights

“ I had the pleasure of dealing with Dawn , who was very knowledgeable, accommodating and very pleasant. ” in 15 reviews

“ I was wasn't planning on using a travel agency to book our Spring break cruise but at the last minute I did. ” in 5 reviews

“ My husband and I got married in Riviera Maya last month and it would not have been possible without My Travel Agent. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

475 River Bend Rd

Naperville, IL 60540

Other Travel Agents Nearby

Evyssa Vacations

Embark on Unforgettable Journeys with Evyssa Vacations. As specialists in custom international travel, we redefine luxury with personalized service and decades of industry experience. Say goodbye to travel planning stress - our… read more

in Travel Agents

Vita’s Vacation Friends

About the Business

Business owner information

Dawn, Audrey, Chaim R.

Business Owner

Dawn, Owner & Agent: Specialties Include: Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean & European River Cruises. Chaim, Owner & Agent: Specialties Include: Group Tours to Egypt, Israel, Turkey and Jordan. We also offer International air fares at discounted (consolidator prices) Our Family business was established in 1974. We listen to our customers needs, and offer our knowledge and suggestions to create a memorable trip. We invite you to experience our service. We can make all of your arrangements, by phone, e-mail or in person with a appointment. …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about My Travel Agent .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

We have enlisted Dawn's help with some travel plans. I think she has a couple colleagues there as well. Anyway, used her once in the past too, and she has proved to be knowledgeable and helpful and is quick to get back to you with results or questions. Lots of experience in destinations, flights, suggestions etc. Money saving suggestions in travel insurance and things we were not quite sure about. It helps to use someone like Dawn who lives and breathes this stuff daily.

Mar 19, 2024

Hi Ken, Thanks for sharing your experience with working with My Travel Agent, Pleasure helping you & Corinne plan your River Cruises! Dawn Reynosa Owner/Agent

Still a 5! We recently returned from a river cruise in Europe. Fantastic! Audrey and Dawn know their stuff and it reinforces for me why you turn to professionals. We are in process of planning an Alaska tour with them.

Our family went to Australia and had the vacation of a lifetime thanks to this agency. We have used them twice since to vacation in Riviera Maya and London/ Paris. I would highly recommend their personalized service and attention to detail.

Dawn was a great source of knowledge helping us arrange our wedding anniversary trip to Aruba. The resort was fabulous and conveniently located to many restaurants and shops. The sea was stunning and the weather was beautiful. However, our flight was cancelled 10 hours before departure and rescheduled one day later. The travel agency was closed. Fortunately, we had purchased travel insurance and the insurance company was so kind and was able to reach out to Dawn, Dawn worked with the resort to modify our 7-day reservation. The next morning, Dawn provided a confirmation from the resort that we could extend our trip one day due to the cancelled/rescheduled flight. Dawn went beyond our expectations modifying our trip. She's an outstanding travel agent and we highly recommend her. We definitely will use her again and again.

I have been using this agency for a few years now. It was recommended to me by my cousin. I always get the best rates out there and they can even match prices. I recently went on a Mother's Day vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Lisa Kenny is a rockstar travel agent. Just last month she book our travel club on an amazing 6 night stay all inclusive in Aruba and we loved it. Her recommendation for accommodations was everything and more. I know Lisa will look for great prices for me and where I want to travel I would recommend her services to anyone who values traveling and wants experienced assistance. Tori Johnson

My friends and I just got back from a week at Secrets Maroma Beach. Dawn did an amazing job helping us book and navigating travel through weather that was coming in. We love the resort. The staff was attentive and fun, the grounds were beautiful. The rooms are top-notch. I felt safer there than at home with temperature checks and everyone wearing masks. Everything they delivered was bagged and sealed. I would ABSOLUTELY go back!

Great trip to Cancun booked through My Travel Agent. Due to coronavirus we had to reschedule and juggle resorts but had a great experience. Flights, transportation, and resort exceeded expectations.

Jul 27, 2020

Hi Liz, Thank you for the review and thank you for your business! Strange time in Covid-19 & glade you were able to make the vacation! Look forward to helping you in your future travel experiences! Dawn Reynosa

Dawn/Linda were great throughout this difficult time with travel and the virus. They were very concerned for our happiness and helping us with all the details. I would highly recommend them for your travel needs.

I have always done my travel arrangements on my own and thought I was pretty good at getting a good deal. This travel agency knocked another $300 off our international flights!! I will NEVER book international on my own again! And Laura contacted us when our flights started getting cancelled due to Covid-19 and took care of getting us a refund on non-refundable tickets. Yes, SHE contacted US! Highly, highly recommend this small, friendly agency.

Debbie, Thank you so much for the detailed review. During the Covid-19 peek of cancelations we diligently worked in our clients best interest to keep them informed. We appreciate your support and your business! Look forward to helping you in the future, when your ready. Dawn Reynosa

I started using My Travel Agent many years ago and I cannot say enough wonderful things about this agency. Dawn knows her stuff and it definitely reinforces for me to use a travel agent when planning a trip. Dawn always finds the best prices, places to travel, and is so knowledgeable in every aspect, I would never consider any other agency or actually booking something via the internet. If there was a 10 star rating, I would give My Travel Agent that rating! Thank you Dawn and Staff!

Feb 17, 2021

Mary, Thank you for taking the time to post such a thoughtful review with your experience with booking your Adventure travel from European River Cruising, Scenic Ireland & Sunny Beach All-Inclusive resorts in Mexico. Your business is very much appreciated! Dawn Reynosa/Owner & Agent

We love traveling through My Travel Agent. Dawn is such a pleasure to work with! She planned us such a wonderful honeymoon to Greece a few years ago. We were anxious about traveling overseas, but she had everything set for us. We never had to worry about transportation to and from the airports and hotels, excursions, and she even made reservations at a few restaurants for us. We recently went to an all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya and had such a relaxing, wonderful time. The resort was gorgeous and had great food and awesome customer service. She even made note that we were celebrating our anniversary and we had a bottle of champagne waiting for us when we got to our room. We were able to do 3 excursions and felt completely safe and comfortable with the company we went through. The guides were so well knowledgeable and had such positive energy. We really can't wait to book our next vacation!

17 other reviews that are not currently recommended

You Might Also Consider

Windy City Travel

Dawn W. said "When your vacation time is valuable, only trust the planning to the very best! We just returned from our 3rd European vacation in the last 8 years planned by Kathy Allinson and she did it AGAIN! We had a tall order this time- plan a…" read more

in Travel Services

The Trolley Car & Bus Company

1.5 miles away from My Travel Agent

Erin D. said "We had such a wonderful experience for our wedding! Kristi was great to work with when setting up our schedule, and our driver Kenny was so nice and professional. He showed up to our home early and asked when we wanted to leave. He…" read more

in Party Bus Rentals, Transportation

People Also Viewed

Arcadia Travel & Cruises

Skyline Travel

Gadabout Travel Agency

Regal Travel & Cruises

Unique Travel Serv

Travel Travel

Gone Travl’n

MK All Around Travel

Discover Italia Tours

The Travel Gallery

Best of Naperville

Things to do in Naperville

Find more Travel Agents near My Travel Agent

People found My Travel Agent by searching for…

Travel Agency Naperville

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Things to Do

Bed & Breakfast

Transportation

Travel Agents Near Me

Vacations Near Me

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

The Travel Agent Bio: How to Create an Authentic About Page (With Examples!)

Updated December 8, 2023

One website page causes travel agents more anxiety than any other. Many of us sit, staring at that blinking cursor, at a loss for what to write.

It's not a sales page.

It's not a destination page.

It's the About page.

We can talk all day about why we love travel, why you should love travel, our favorite destinations, and the resorts that delight our clients.

But that elusive travel agent bio? Most of us freeze up when it comes to that page on our website.

So let's change that. Let's make writing our about pages as easy as talking to a friend.

What is an "About" page?

Your "About" page is more than a digital business card or an autobiography squeezed into a page. It needs to contain your travel agent bio, but it's also more than that.

Think of it as the pilot's announcement telling an airline passenger who's flying the plane.

As someone who used to hate flying (I know, right? And I work in travel!), there have been times that I've felt anxious, but the pilot has one of those voices that reassures me, even if I can't really say why.

That's what a well-crafted "About" page does. It tells your website visitors that they're in capable hands.

With the right words, it can be a page that pulses with personality and whispers about distant wonders while showcasing the fantastic travel advisor you are.

Unfortunately, many travel agent bios are about as thrilling as reading the safety card on a plane. They do nothing for your travel agent marketing efforts. They may even turn off the potential clients you're hoping to attract!

Why an authentic "About" page matters

The travel industry thrives on trust. That means your "About" page does more than just let people know you exist. It should also build connections that span locations and time zones.

An authentic travel agent bio and well-crafted "About" page can take a potential client from window-shopper to paying customer. It helps them feel connected, confident in your ability to serve their needs, and excited to work with you.

It's also often the second-most visited page on your website after your homepage, so it's hugely important.

So, how do you create this masterpiece of a website page that does all this heavy lifting? It's actually quite simple.

Components of an authentic "About" page

A hard-sell "About" page is about as much fun to read as an appliance user's manual. But a well-crafted page is a delight. It can be fun, witty, and unexpected while still communicating that you're the travel agent your ideal client is looking for.

Here are a few things your "About" page can include:

Your travel agent bio and stories

Share those personal stories. That childhood memory that sparked your love for the world. What are the things that help make you relatable to the type of client you want to work with?

Real experiences

Did an amazing travel experience shape you in an unexpected way? Or did a lousy experience planning a trip, or someone else's bad experience, make you decide to become a travel advisor? How did those things change how you look at the work you do?

Adding examples of what you've done for other clients to your travel agent bio helps build credibility and trust, two vital parts of engaging with a new potential client!

Why you love what you do

Let the joy you feel for what you do seep into your written words. Show someone that arranging travel doesn't feel like work to you - it's something you love.

Steps for building an authentic "About" page

Step 1: your travel agent bio is about you, but needs to speak to your client.

Your "About" page needs to be centered around what your client needs and wants to know.

What about you makes you a good fit for their needs? (give examples!)

What stories can you share to help them feel reassured that you understand them?

What questions do they have about you or your services that you can quickly answer as part of the page?

The more you keep your customer's needs in mind as you write your "About" page, the better it will serve them.

> Start here if you need to figure out who your ideal customer is.

Step 2: Decide on the structure for your page

An "About" page doesn't have to have a bunch of paragraphs. In fact, it shouldn't.

Paragraphs can be exhausting in our TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter-focused soundbite world. Your text should be skimmable and easy to read because, let's face it, most people aren't reading every word of anything.

You can choose from several structures, including the basic, the FAQ, and the "10 things I hate about you" (shoutout to the '90s teens!). There's even a combo platter option for those of us who can't decide on just one!

Want some great travel agent bio samples? Check out the CIRE Travel About page .

The Basic Bio

You want to answer the basic questions a potential client has. Who you are, what you do, where you do it, and why you do it. Make each of those a section heading, like "Who I work with" and "Why I plan cruises."

An about page structured this way is simple for a potential client to skim through, pull out the information they need, and quickly decide if you're the travel agent they want to work with.

Keep your answers simple, and use words your client would know and use.

Don't say "We work with luxury travel suppliers to create the bespoke vacation you've been dreaming of."

Because no potential client has ever thought "I should go online and look for a travel agent who can help me create a bespoke vacation with a luxury travel supplier."

Instead, they've thought things like "Oh my gosh, I still haven't started planning that trip and need to do that," and "I love Suzie's Instagram. She always goes to fun places and makes everyone jealous. I wish I could do that."

Speak to those needs and desires with sentences like "We make it easy to plan that picture-perfect vacation you've wanted" and "Have an Instagram feed that makes all your friends jealous."

Adapt this strategy to use the words your ideal client would relate to, and your website becomes magic.

You can find great, simple travel agent bio examples on the Embark Beyond website.

Help people get to know you better and feel a connection with a conversational, FAQ-style page. Answer those burning (and not so burning) questions that tell people who you are, why you do what you do, and whether or not they're a good fit for your services.

Questions like "Do you plan more than one trip at a time?" or "What are your favorite destinations?"

Make it feel like a conversation. It's a perfect way to showcase your natural personality and conversation style.

What questions would a friend ask, and how would you answer them? Brainstorm a bit, and then get them written down. Voila, you have a great start to an "About" page!

Ten things I hate love about…

Think of this as random facts, but with intention. Do you love Italy but hate pasta? There's an unexpected but fascinating fact about you!

You could include things like a favorite food, a skill that most people don't know about, or a travel quirk that you have.

A section on your travel bio with ten things you love about your work is also great. Let potential customers know more about what you do and why you enjoy it.

The Combo Platter

This format is for those of us who can't settle on just one structure. For example, check out my About page .

It's the Basic (what I do, who it's for, and why you'd want to work with me) and the 10 Things. Some are related to travel. Others aren't, but they give a snapshot of my writing style and help potential clients decide if they want to work with me.

Step 3: Remember the CTA!

Every page on your website, including your "About" page, must have a call-to-action, or CTA.

The last thing you want is for someone to read your "About" page and think, "Yes! They seem awesome and I want to work with them!" and then have to search for what to do next.

That's a great way to lose a potential client, so make it easy for them. Include their next step right there while browsing your page.

> How to create a great CTA

The Bottom Line

A well-crafted "About" page injects authenticity into your marketing, puts a human face on your travel business, and invites potential clients to join you on an exciting journey to explore the world.

By using the words that speak directly to your ideal client and making sure your About page resonates with them, you help create a connection between you and your potential clients.

Love this post? Get future posts delivered straight to your inbox each week .

• New Travel Advisors

Recent Posts

The Only Story Your Travel Agency Website Should Tell

Why your travel agency website isn’t generating leads

Inspiring Wanderlust: How to Write Engaging Travel Agency Blog Posts

Opmerkingen

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

How to Become a Travel Agent: Turn Your Passion Into Perks and Cash

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 .

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.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, 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.

$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.

MyTravelport

Everything under control, already on mytravelport, why mytravelport, tools and insights.

Yes, most travel platforms have a self-service portal. But MyTravelport offers so much more. It’s your central source of training, support requests, and insights. It also lets you download and manage all Travelport products and approved third-party solutions.

More control

MyTravelport puts you in control. There’s no waiting around — it empowers you to get what you need when you need it. So you can carry out operations faster, work smarter, make informed decisions, get support, and improve business performance.

Easy onboarding

Onboarding staff is simpler with MyTravelport. Admins can manage profiles and access permissions, and also have instant access to eLearning, support, and chat features. Making it easier to get started or retrain, with minimal fuss.

Single sign-on

Who needs more passwords to forget? MyTravelport lets you log on with your existing Travelport ID, so there’s no need to access multiple apps and passwords. It really couldn’t be easier.

MyTravelport Features

MyTravelport puts you in the driver’s seat. These features give you the power to easily access what you need, helping decision-making and improving business performance.

• Single sign on for all Travelport web-based applications
• Self-service on/off boarding, administration of all users and account profile permissions, and manage organization settings
• Access to performance data, bills, and payments
• Access to Travelport’s knowledge base and training
• View alerts, news and events
• Create support requests

What our customers are saying

Travelport’s people always look to do things differently, and keep agents in mind

Learn more about MyTravelport today

• 1.888.611.1220
• Get Started!

Agent Logins

If you currently a KHM Travel Group agent, you can use the following links to access important systems and information you’ll need to run your travel business.

myTravelCRM

myTravelCRM is the client relationship manager KHM Travel Group provides to all agents. Here you’ll be able to manage your clients and leads, track your commissions, create trip proposals and more. You can even send clients a link to their Client Portal, so you can share trip details and invoices. You can access myTravelCRM on your desktop/laptop, tablet or mobile device.

VISIT MYTRAVELCRM

MyTravelAgentPortal

MyTravelAgentPortal is your online office and classroom, where you can access all our online courses, plus other tools and resources to help you run your travel business. This includes our Agent Orientation, Preferred Supplier database, event calendar, marketing materials, and more.

VISIT MYTRAVELAGENTPORTAL

If you’re not currently a travel agent with KHM Travel Group, you can learn about our program, costs, and how to enroll here .

• Did you find this information helpful?
• yes (111) no (67)

Get Our Free Guide

We'll send it right away.

Receive the valuable information you need to get started in your exciting new career as a KHM Travel Agent.

Your information is secure and never shared or sold to third parties. Note: Only U.S. citizens living in the U.S. are eligible to be KHM Travel Agents. Text Message Terms and Conditions

• Weird But True
• Sex & Relationships
• Viral Trends
• Human Interest
• Fashion & Beauty
• Food & Drink

trending now in Lifestyle

Plastic surgeons warn 'Ozempic face' has taken over Hollywood

I'm a dietitian — eat this easy late night snack if you want...

I'm in a relationship with myself — quitting dating apps helped...

I was fired for retaliating against a rude customer -- is that...

I'm a doctor — here are my 4 dos and don'ts for staying in...

I'm 61 but have the body of a 38-year-old — here's how I...

IVF ruined my life — I sold my home and spent $165K on 6 rounds...

My year of casual sex: I set out to be 'fearless' in the bedroom...

American airlines changes passenger rules for earning miles — and travel agencies are pissed.

• View Author Archive
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

American Airlines has multiple travel advisors up in arms after it announced plans to restrict AAdvantage Miles earnings for certain booking agencies.

The airline behemoth  announced  in February that flyers hoping to earn AAdvantage miles for their flights will have to do so directly through American, their airline partners, or preferred travel agencies recognized by the company.

The change will take effect on May 1, but American has yet to reveal which agencies will be included in its “preferred agencies.”

The change comes as part of the airline’s effort to minimize costs for agencies using older technology booking systems.

The airline has tried to convince agencies using the older booking systems to upgrade to newer platforms like the one American uses on its website.

While American  announced  a list would be shared in “late April,” agencies unsure if they’ll make the cut are expressing their distaste for the major change.

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Advisors (ACTA), Foro Latinoamericano de Turismo (FOLATUR), and World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAA) emphasized that any plans to restrict their clients’ earning miles could be detrimental to their agencies.

“It’s clear from the consensus among WTAAA, ACTA and FOLATUR, representing travel professionals around the world, the detriment that American’s decision will have on the travel industry globally,” President and CEO of ASTA, Zane Kerby, told  Travel and Tour World .

Kerby called out American for “operating in bad faith” and was “looking to pad its bottom line at the expense of our valued clients and the millions of consumers who rely on their trusted travel advisor.”

Henry Harteveldt, president of the travel industry market research firm Atmosphere Research Group, told  Fodor’s Travel  the move is a “very inward-looking” perspective on American Airlines.

“It’s not a very consumer-friendly approach, and American is being a bit of a bully here,” Harteveldt explained — adding the move will put loyalty airline members in the crossfire of the company’s dispute with agencies.

Harteveldt believes the move is also being monitored by the company’s competitors, who may adopt the change if it’s a success or whose sales teams may swoop in to poach any American flyers unpleased with the new method.

“As risky as American’s actions are, a lot of airlines are watching to see if it works out well for them, because if it does, I would not be surprised to see United and Delta copy it in certain ways,” he told the outlet.

While the airline is deadset on the change, Brett Snyder — author of the popular travel industry blog Crankyflier and CEO of the travel assistance service Cranky Concierge — said the move could cause “confusion” for the company’s flyers who already are trying to navigate their “frequent changes.”

“The biggest impact will likely be on business travelers who may not have a choice of where to book depending upon company policy,” Snyder told the outlet.

“The fact that American still hasn’t told everyone who is or is not preferred adds more to the confusion.”

As the airline industry waits to hear who American will list as their “preferred agencies,” occasional travelers may also feel the weight of the change, Snyder explained.

He worries that some agencies may not disclose that to their customers during the booking process.

Also, the move could affect cruise lines that book airfares as part of their packages, who may opt against using certain agencies not listed as one of American’s preferred agencies.

The changes will only affect travelers who collect AAdvantage Miles for their flights on American.

Flyers using corporate accounts with American will continue to earn miles for their flights no matter which booking channel they use unless they book a Basic Economy fare.

Travelers collecting miles from other Oneworld partners—the global airline alliance American is a member of with 13 other Airlines, such as British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Malaysia Airlines—will continue to earn miles for American Airlines flights regardless of booking channel.

Share this article:

Advertisement

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Credit card rates
• Balance transfer credit cards
• Business credit cards
• Cash back credit cards
• Rewards credit cards
• Travel credit cards
• Checking accounts
• Online checking accounts
• High-yield savings accounts
• Money market accounts
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Car insurance
• Home buying
• Options pit
• Investment ideas
• Research reports
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

NV obtains new photos and videos of the elimination of traitorous ex-MP Ilya Kyva near Moscow

• Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

Photos and videos of the elimination of pro-Russian ex-MP Ilya Kyva in a Moscow suburb were obtained by NV from sources in Ukraine’s SBU Security Service on Dec. 11.

This special operation was meticulously planned and successfully executed, the SBU informant confirmed.

Read also: “Surrender for your own safety” advises Ukrainian intelligence to traitors

In one imgae, Kyva's lifeless body can be seen in the snow surrounded by bloodstains. The location where “deserved punishment awaited the traitor” is near the place that Kyva filmed many anti-Ukrainian videos, sources say.

Kyva was a high-priority target, SBU said. His daily routines, movements, and habits were extensively studied in the operation. Despite strong security, the SBU managed to eliminate him just outside Moscow.

“This [Kyva’s elimination] serves as a signal to all traitors and military criminals who have sided with the enemy. Remember: Russia will not protect you. Death is the only prospect awaiting enemies of Ukraine,” SBU Chief Vasyl Malyuk said.

Ukraine’s SBU eliminated Kyva in a special operation in Moscow Oblast on Dec. 6, said NV sources in the intelligence service.

Kyva's “bloodied body”, discovered with a shot through the head, was found in the park of an elite club hotel in the Moscow region on Dec.6, Russian propaganda Telegram channels reported.

Read also: Former Ukrainian MP and traitor Illia Kyva found dead in Moscow Oblast – NV sources

Kyva was shot with an unidentified firearm and died from the injuries on the scene, the Russian Investigative Committee claimed.

Kyva had fled to Spain ahead of Russia’s full-scale invasion. He then appeared in Russian propaganda broadcasts in Moscow, actively spreading lies about Ukraine. Kyva also sought “political asylum” and citizenship from the enemy aggressor.

The Ukrainian parliament stripped Kyva of his MP status in March 2022, charging him with treason. He was additionally charged with publicly calling for a violent change in the constitutional order and propaganda on behalf of the aggressor state in Aug. 2023.

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron !

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine

Recommended Stories

Wnba draft winners and losers: as you may have guessed, the fever did pretty well. the liberty perhaps not.

Here are five franchises who stood out, for better or for worse.

Ryan Garcia drops Devin Haney 3 times en route to stunning upset

The 25-year-old labeled "mentally fragile" by many delivered the upset for the ages.

Dave McCarty, player on 2004 Red Sox championship team, dies 1 week after team's reunion

The Red Sox were already mourning the loss of Tim Wakefield from that 2004 team.

Yankees' Nestor Cortés told by MLB his pump-fake pitch is illegal

Cortés' attempt didn't fool Andrés Giménez, who fouled off the pitch.

Boban Marjanović hilariously misses free throws on purpose to give Clippers fans free chicken

Boban Marjanović is a man of the people.

Robert Kraft reportedly warned Falcons owner Arthur Blank not to trust Bill Belichick during head coach interviews

Bill Belichick's former boss Robert Kraft reportedly tanked his chances of getting hired as the Falcons head coach.

A rare 'devil comet' will reach peak brightness this weekend. Here's how you can see it.

On Sunday, the rare devil comet will reach its closest point to the sun, creating an illuminating sky show. Here is how skygazers can watch it.

Oakland University outfielders combine to make spectacular catch vs. Northern Kentucky

Oakland University outfielders John Lauinger and Reggie Bussey combined on what could be college baseball's best catch of the 2024 season against Northern Kentucky.

Arch Manning puts on a show in Texas' spring game, throwing for 3 touchdowns

Arch Manning gave Texas football fans an enticing look at the future, throwing for 355 yards and three touchdowns in the Longhorns' Orange-White spring game.

2024 Shelby Super Snake upgrades the Mustang with insane power and plenty of carbon fiber

Shelby's new Super Snake is a super-limited, one-year-only build that takes the Mustang to a whole new level of performance.

Shohei Ohtani breaks Hideki Matsui's MLB record for HRs by Japanese-born player

Shohei Ohtani keeps dominating.

Commanders hosted 4 top QB prospects at once, and Jayden Daniels' agent wasn't happy

The Commanders had an unusual visit with multiple QB prospects.

2024 Masters payouts: How much did Scottie Scheffler earn for his win at Augusta National?

The Masters has a record $20 million purse this year.

NBA playoffs: Predictions for Knicks-Sixers, Nuggets-Lakers and every first-round series

Our NBA experts make their predictions for every first-round series in the playoffs.

Former Rams and Eagles QB Roman Gabriel, 1969 NFL MVP, dies at 83

Former Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Roman Gabriel died at the age of 83. He was the NFL MVP in 1969.

The world isn’t as messed up as you might think

Americans are in a gloomy mood, but new research points out that a lot of imortant things are going right.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Review: Cool, capable, family friendly, perhaps too pricey

Everything we know about the all-new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, including its price, fuel economy, hybrid power specs and more.

Pirates phenom Paul Skenes still has 'steps he needs to take' after comically dominant start to season

Skenes has struck out 27 in 12 2/3 scoreless innings pitched at Triple-A so far this season.

How Victor Wembanyama's rookie season ranks in NBA history

Victor Wembanyama's rookie NBA season is finished. The San Antonio Spurs will sit him in Sunday's regular-season finale. Where does his first season rank among the league's greats?

Trump trial updates: Jury selection finished, man sets himself on fire outside courthouse

Five more alternate jurors were selected Friday following questioning from prosecution and defense lawyers, rounding out the 12 jurors and six alternates needed for the case against Trump to proceed.

Preferred by 40,000+ Travel Agents

The Smart Way to Grow Your Business

Welcome to myPartner, a platform built exclusively for travel agents to fulfill all their customer travel needs with easy-to-use features and amazing deals.

Get the Best Deals on Flights

Book from the Widest Range of Hotels

Why myPartner?

Join us to discover the smart way to grow your business

Choose audio language:

best ever rates

Exclusive rates for our partners

Express Care

Easy-to-use tools for query resolutions

WIDEST INVENTORY

300+ Airline carriers and 8 lac+ hotel properties

CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED

Complete confidentiality of your customer details & bookings

myPartner Advantages

It is a feature loaded platform!

Easy access to booking and payment records

Easy and quick post booking modifications

Safe and hygienic stays with MySafety compliant properties

Best-in-class cancellation policies

Share options directly with customers via WhatsApp

Get booking confirmations printed under your agency’s logo

People Love myPartner

See some of the stories., start a profitable business today with the best b2b travel portal in india.

Is a Travel Agent Worth It? The Pros and Cons

N eed to pivot your trip plans but don't want to deal with the extra time, money and hassle of rebooking flights and accommodations on your own? That's just one area where a knowledgeable travel agent (also commonly known as a travel advisor) can help. Read on to discover the other benefits – as well as the downsides – of using a travel agent, so you can confidently decide whether or not a travel agent is worth it for your next trip.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks.

"In some cases, you'll actually get a better  deal by working with a travel agent," says Jackie Steele, travel expert at MagicGuides . "This could be in the form of a cruise onboard credit (free spending money to use on the ship), access to special agency/group rates, or even just learning about a discount you qualify for but weren't aware of." The best agents will even keep an eye on new discounts as they're announced and apply them to your trip even after you've booked, he notes.

Travel agents handle all the details

Hotel room? Booked. Dinner reservations? Made. Tour tickets? Ready to go. A travel agent handles every detail of your vacation itinerary. "The traveler still gets to be involved in the fun part of dreaming up ideas and providing their travel wishes, while we take and perfect them," says Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer .

Molly McShea, owner and travel advisor at McShea Travel , points out that travel agents can also help with timing logistics. "Travel agents know how many days should be spent in each destination, which tours go together, and how many things you should do in a day," she says, adding that crafting an itinerary can be challenging if it's not something you regularly do. Additionally, travel agents can help you choose the best time to visit your preferred destination(s) based on seasonality and your budget, and sift through travel insurance policies to find the best option for your needs.

Travel agents can provide local expertise

"A travel advisor's industry connections and relationships provide added value to their clients," says Valerie Edman, a luxury travel advisor and agency owner at Cultured Travel LLC. She says when working with a travel agent, travelers gain access to a global network of connections including:

• In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about
• Exclusive experiences not available to the general public

You'll avoid surprise fees

When deciding if a travel agent is worth it for you, remember this: A reputable agent can guarantee you won't encounter any surprise fees on accommodations and activities once your trip is booked.

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

A travel advisor is essentially your personal vacation concierge. "Because they've been around for so long, agents really know what to look for," says Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and journalist. "Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays , making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away." 

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

It might not be your cheapest option.

There are some instances when it makes more sense to plan your own trip. "If you're planning a quick flight from New York City to Los Angeles, it's easy enough to book it yourself online directly or through a third-party booking site," says Elliott. "If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or bucket list honeymoon , that's when you call the experts."

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

The upside of working with a travel agent is having someone plan an epic vacation for you based on industry knowledge and local expertise. But this can also be a downside in the event you discover an activity you'd like to do or a restaurant you'd like to try that isn't on your pre-planned itinerary. If you alter your plans, you risk losing money; plus, the time it takes for you and your travel agent to coordinate your change of plans may not be worth the hassle.

You still have to do some research

It's important to find an agent you can trust, which means you still have to do some of the vacation planning. For this part, Parker recommends picking up the phone. "Lots of people avoid or don't pick up the phone as much anymore," she says. "That's where you get the high-touch service, tone of voice, excitement or concerns to manage." She advises to look for the following red flags:

• No fees: " Travel advisors are charging planning fees more now or increasing them, so the client knows more confidently than ever, we work for them, not the suppliers with the best commissions," Parker explains. "There are a lot of things that are non-commissionable and the advisor's time and expertise shouldn't be given away for free, either. That's the best way to show an advisor takes their business seriously."
• Limited options: If you work with someone who is inexperienced or has an incentive to book you with a certain supplier, they may not be prioritizing your best interests. "It's important to check if they are with a larger consortia, accreditations and network, typically listed on their website and signatures," says Parker. "That level of mindshare doesn't come with a lone advisor unless they have many, many years of experience."
• Slow response times: If communication is delayed, that's a sign they may be too busy to plan your trip – but again, this is something you can avoid by having the right conversations early on.

Edman suggestes starting your search with the American Society of Travel Advisors . "ASTA-verified travel advisors are committed to the highest industry standards and have verifiable industry knowledge so consumers can feel confident in working with them," she says.

You might also be interested in:

• Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline
• What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
• The Best Luggage Brands

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report