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• Responsible Travel

In our pursuit of creating endearing and memorable experiences for our agents and their clients, we recognise the imperative to minimise our ecological footprint and safeguard the planet for generations to come.

As we actively progress towards sustainability within our business, we extend this ethos by educating our agents and partners on the principles of responsible travel. This involves crafting compelling content that embraces sustainable initiatives, offering tips on responsible travel practices, and outlining ways to support local communities during journeys. Given that many countries depend on tourism to fortify their economies and preserve natural habitats, we aim to foster positive change at both global and local levels, cultivating a supportive and gratifying work community.

Central to our responsible travel strategy are our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Ambassadors—a dedicated team of 10 staff members fervently steering the business toward recognition as a Travelife certified travel partner by the close of 2023 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2026. They convene monthly to strategise initiatives across our four key pillars: People, Planet, Philanthropy, and Wildlife, all aligned with our chosen six UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Travel transcends beyond mere personal enrichment or relaxation; it holds immense economic and employment value globally. Before the pandemic, travel and tourism constituted 10.3% of the global GDP (US$9.6 trillion), employed 10.3% of the global workforce (333 million), and contributed to 1 in 4 jobs worldwide. Its impact extends to fostering prosperity, generating positive social and environmental outcomes such as landscape preservation, pollution reduction, wildlife conservation, tradition preservation, and providing unique opportunities for women, minorities, and young people. In various parts of the world, tourism serves as a vital support system for local communities, eliminating the need for external fundraising or aid.

Read more about how we are investing in and supporting each of our 4 pillars below.

The core vitality of our company resides in our people. As we expand and evolve as a cohesive team, our steadfast commitment lies in investing in our staff. We strive to foster an environment of support, offering comprehensive learning and development programs while nurturing a culture of respect. Our initiatives, ranging from 'Time To Talk' Sessions to weekly fitness classes, reflect our dedication to staff wellness and promoting healthy lifestyles.

This approach seamlessly aligns with our pursuit of the Good Health UN Goal. Moreover, our endeavours to provide opportunities for learning, open communication, and robust support systems also align with the Gender Equality UN Goal. We facilitate this through employee surveys, volunteer days, flexible working arrangements, and ensuring a real living wage for all our staff.

As connoisseurs of luxury travel, we understand that appreciating the marvels of the world entails a responsibility to safeguard them. Committed to preserving the planet for future generations, we have undertaken the pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2026. In alignment with our Climate Action UN Goal, we have implemented a set of 12 new initiatives across our business aimed at mitigating our carbon footprint.

These initiatives encompass the establishment of a low-energy-use office environment, achieving a substantial 57% reduction in waste, and conducting comprehensive surveys of our portfolio of hotels to assess and enhance their sustainability practices and accreditation programs.

Philanthropy

Committed to cultivating and reinforcing a network of partnerships aligned with our Goals, we annually contribute to and invest in causes at local, national, and international levels. Through staff-selected charities such as Refuweegee and the Barbados Sea Turtles Project, along with a dedicated Ukraine refugee fundraiser in March 2022, we have successfully raised over £10,000. Our objective is to organise a minimum of four fundraising activities each year, promoting active participation from our staff who are encouraged to utilise their volunteer day.

At If Only, we champion gratifying and meaningful experiences, emphasizing positivity for all. Our commitment to elevated welfare standards is unwavering, and we've crafted a wildlife policy in harmony with ABTA guidelines and our Life On Land and Life Below Water UN Goals. We adamantly discourage the exploitation of our fellow inhabitants on this planet and collaborate with trusted destination contacts to enforce audits that protect wildlife.

We strive to inspire our agents and their clients to opt for responsible experiences, be it Dolphin Tracking, participating in beach clean-ups, or safely observing endangered animals.

Responsible Travel Tips

Our Wildlife Policy

Sustainability Policy

If Only and Travelife

StarTribune

Short on time have special requests a travel agent may be just the ticket..

When Debbie Reynolds embarked on a whirlwind trip last fall it nearly turned into a disaster, but her travel agent saved the day.

She was flying to Amsterdam to meet family and continue on to Africa, but another passenger had a medical emergency. The flight was delayed five hours and Reynolds missed her connection to Tanzania.

"That gets really complicated when you're trying to rebook flights and connections and do it on your cellphone," the 75-year-old St. Louis Park resident said. "The travel agent figured out how to rebook me and I didn't have to do a thing. I was able to join my family a day later."

Once thought to be on the brink of extinction due to digital platforms, travel agents are enjoying a revival.

Travel agents say they see more older clients seeking assistance as travel has become more complex — with considerations like foreign visas, tourist taxes and travel insurance. In addition to serving as an anchor during an emergency, they can save you time, reduce stress and help meet older travelers' special needs — from dietary restrictions to hotels with elevators to wheelchair accessibility.

"Travel has changed quite a bit over the past four years," said Erika Richter, spokeswoman for the American Society of Travel Advisors. "[Travel advisers] leverage a network of travel suppliers they know and trust. People place more value on that type of advocacy these days. There are so many things that can go wrong."

As post-pandemic leisure travel exploded, many travelers turned to one of the more than 66,000 travel agents nationwide. Nearly three-quarters are home-based independent agents and many market through social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. The number of travel agents is expected to grow through 2032.

Teri Waataja, a travel consultant at Preferred Adventures Ltd. in Mounds View, with 27 years of experience, estimates that 60% to 70% of her clients are age 50-plus.

Travel agent clients tend to be older and wealthier than the average traveler, with 72% over age 40 and 55% with annual incomes of at least $100,000, according to a report by tourism research firm Phocuswright Inc.

Whether they're world nomads or people on their first international trip, many don't have the time or inclination to research, plan and book itineraries. Others are overwhelmed by the online options. Phocuswright data shows the top reasons people frequent travel agents are a personal relationship (34%), customer service (34%) and expertise (28%).

Here are five ways travel agents can help travelers.

They sweat the details.

Laurie Johnsrud, a travel adviser with Travel Leaders Market Square in Rochester with 40 years of experience, has noticed that some older adults aren't comfortable booking online or are wary of inputting their credit card information.

"Many times, we can get a better deal for them," she said. "We can think of things they don't think of such as they book an air-and-hotel package and forget to look at transportation between the airport and hotel."

They're experts.

Nowadays, travel agents often specialize in certain parts of the country or world, such as Europe, or in certain types of travel like adventure and family travel. Phocuswright data shows that ocean cruises are the most common specialization (63%), followed by Disney (59%) and tours/packages (53%).

Charuta Fadnis, senior vice president of research and product strategy for Phocuswright Inc., also thinks travelers increasingly will turn to travel agents for luxury travel to "ensure that a high-cost, luxury vacation goes off without a hitch."

Minneapolis resident Beth Hawkins began working with a travel agent a few years ago when she found an airfare deal to Bali, but felt "so out of depth for how to prepare for that trip" that she contacted a travel agent referred by a friend.

"The travel agent arranged a number of tours for us with bilingual guides" and booked a three-bedroom villa with a kitchen and a pool "that I never would have imagined we could afford," Hawkins, 59, said.

They handle complexities.

As 50-plus travelers book complex bucket-list and adventure trips, travel agents can advise them on where to go and stay, what to do and ensure that special requests are conveyed to the travel provider, Fadnis said.

On a more recent trip to New Zealand trip this past winter with her 21-year-old autistic daughter, Hawkins was short on time so once again she turned to a travel agent.

"The travel agent was a godsend with the New Zealand trip because I have aging parents [both in their 80s who live nearby] and literally did not end up with time to figure that trip out," she said. In addition to planning and booking the whole trip, the travel agent also helped obtain their visas and replace a lost passport.

Some travel agents also help you determine if you need travel insurance, what type and file a claim for you.

They troubleshoot emergencies.

Waataja, who is available by cellphone 24/7 for emergencies, recalls once taking a 3 a.m. call when her clients' flight was canceled in Europe. Over the years, she has helped handle the death of a client in Cambodia, arrange an airlift to the United States from the Costa Rican jungle for a woman with an aneurysm and rebooked travelers who went to the wrong hotel.

"I have some clients who are very seasoned travelers," she said. "Regardless of if they book something on their own, they always book their airfare with me because if there's a schedule change or they miss a connection, they have somebody to call and help them work through it and fix it."

They can access deals and discounts.

Travel agents' buying power and network lead to services, such as free upgrades, free Wi-Fi or spa credits, that travelers can't get on their own, Richter said.

Some travel agents don't charge a fee for their services, usually if they're getting paid a commission by a tour operator or preferred partner such as a resort. (Airlines and railroads don't pay commissions.) Others charge a service or booking fee, depending on the trip length, number of people and services required, but others don't. Some charge a flat fee for services like booking hotels or obtaining visas.

"The power of access is really what you get when you're working with a travel adviser if you're willing to spend the money," Richter said. "If you want to camp on an iceberg in Antarctica, they can make that happen."

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Travel Agents Are Back—Do You Need One?

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• Travel Tips
• Types of Travel

Travel agents have gone slowly out of style since the early 2000s.

On one hand, it’s about our perception of what ‘real’ travel is. Reality travel shows like Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations and Passport to Europe popularized the idea of getting off the tourist track and into unknown lands .

On the other hand, it’s also about saving money. Most people believe that planning trips themselves can help them save big on flights, hotels, and more. This focus on savings has been important, especially considering more young travelers and students have hit the road over the last twenty years.

Pre-COVID, travel agencies seemed like vestiges of a long-last past.

Now, however, dozens of travel publications are reporting on the rise in bookings through travel agencies.

Gone are the days of getting into the nitty-gritty of researching, planning, and implementing complex trips—at least, for some travelers.

If you’ve taken a step back from travel agencies over the last decade or so, you aren’t alone. But why not take another look at whether handing over the reins to a trained professional might be right for you?

Here are the five surest signs that you would benefit from working with a travel agent to plan your next vacation.

Reason #1: You Have Funds, Not Time

Travelers know: t takes a lot of time and energy to plan a multi-leg trip. The farther from home, the higher the stakes. The more destinations on that trip, the more complex the demands.

In other words, planning a truly memorable trip is basically a part-time job.

Actually, it is a job—a full-time one that many people have trained for years to excel in. If you have the funds to put together a great trip but simply lack the energy and spare time, then pass it off to an expert. It’s that easy.

Reason #2: Your Trip is for Rejuvenation

If you’re traveling to drop off the map and relax, then don’t waste your precious time and energy planning.

Once again, it makes more sense to hand over the reins to an agent who will craft a calming trip for you. One that doesn’t include any short airline connections or murky questions about travel insurance.

When an agent plans your trip, all you need to do is show up with the necessary equipment for a great trip. Depending on how in-depth their planning is, you might not need to lift a finger at all—just follow directions when someone points you onward to a hotel room, restaurant, or tour.

Reason #3: You Have Specific Themes or Needs in Mind

Travel agents regularly use their experience and connections to create tailored vacations.

Like the name ‘agent’ suggests, they tend to have a lot of contacts in the travel world. Even if they don’t have direct experience creating the trip of your dreams, they have the resources to make it a reality.

Many travel agencies offer some type of specialized focus. These cover themes like ancestral tours that explore family trees or tours that focus on history, such as visiting WWI sites.

On the other hand, specialized travel agencies can also focus on client needs, including tours geared toward autistic travelers and tours designed for disabled travelers.

Reason #4: You Know Jack About the Destination

The less you know about a place, the more help you’ll need when planning a vacation.

While most travelers look forward to exploring a new culture and lifestyle, these obstacles can be difficult for travelers to navigate. From language barriers to what it means to be ‘on time’, it helps to have a basic understanding of your destination.

If that’s a little too hefty for you to manage, then let a travel agent do the heavy lifting.

Not only do they have experience planning trips to just about anywhere, but they also have a strong understanding of what types of concerns visitors usually have. Both will set you up for success.

Reason #5: You Want Accountability

One of the greatest risks of planning a trip is knowing what to do when things go wrong . There’s rarely a straightforward solution, as each problem is born from unique circumstances.

Every traveler has felt the sinking doom of running into one of these problems on the road.

Travel agents might not be omnipotent, but they’re usually the first resource when it comes to things going wrong.

If the hiccup was their fault, they’ll take immediate accountability to rectify the issue. Even if the obstacle you face isn’t their fault, they’ll still probably have a few spare ideas to help you solve your problem.

Tay Belgeri is a content writer with global experience. She writes for brands like Santander Bank, PokerStars, DraftKings, and OddsChecker. Her affiliate posts have appeared on AP News, Ranker, Notion, OK! Magazine, and other major sites. She writes about a variety of cultural topics (from sports to high fashion) but specializes in travel. Originally from Missouri, she now lives in Spain. In a few years, she will have spent more time outside the US than inside it. Career highlights: • Selected to present research by the National Council of Undergraduate Research (2014) • Acquired grants for New York City’s first Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration (2015) • Joined OddsChecker’s US Launch team (2020) • Shortlisted for the Foreword INDIES (2021, 2023)

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Should You Get a Travel Agent to Book Your Vacation? Here Are the Pros and Cons

Find out when using an agent is helpful and when it's not worth it.

Erica is a personal finance writer and travel expert with a decade of experience. She contributes to USA TODAY, Forbes, CNBC, and many other top-tier media outlets. Erica writes about travel tips, destinations, reward credit cards, and ways to save money on travel. Highlights: * Regular contributor to USA TODAY, covering destinations, trends, and how to save money on travel * Travel insurance expert for Forbes, contributing 50+ articles on travelers' insurance * Freelance writer covering health, real estate, business, and parenting with work published in Oprah Magazine, Reader's Digest, U.S. News & World Report, Parents, and NBC News

• Travel Agent Pros
• Travel Agent Cons
• How Much Does it Cost?
• Do Commissions Play a Role?
• How to Find an Agent

Sergey Chayko/Getty Images

If you’re getting ready to travel you may be considering using a travel agent to help plan your itinerary and book for your trip. Although there are scenarios and occasions where a travel agent could be a great asset in your trip-planning pursuits, you may not always need professional assistance. So, we’ve consulted with travel experts to break down all the pros and cons of using travel agents. 

Pros of hiring a travel agent

There are several great benefits of partnering with a travel agent. Here are a few of the standout advantages:

You get expert advice

Travel agents, after all, are experts in travel planning, and they often have inside information about a number of different destinations. “The best travel agents are experts in the place you’re traveling to, and will likely have experienced the trip they’re helping you book themselves,” says Sally French, travel expert at NerdWallet. “Given that, they can make personal recommendations and give advice specific to you, such as activities that fit your travel style or restaurants that fit your preferences.”

You have a go-to helper if anything goes wrong

Travel advisors can be a great resource to ensure you’re comfortable and have a smooth trip, and if something does go wrong, they’re also there to help you out, such as handling getting you rebooked in a different hotel room should something go awry, says French. “You might need support for a variety of possible disruptions, say a snowstorm delaying flights or an illness or injury to someone in your travel group,” French adds. “A travel agent is there to ensure you actually go on the trip, which means they’ll help make modifications to your itinerary in those events.”

You may get access to better deals or perks

Chris Gray Faust, executive editor of Cruise Critic, shares that travel agents have access to a treasure trove of travel deals, and can often offer special pricing that you wouldn’t have access to without working with them. “Beyond discounted pricing, they can also provide ways to save in other areas or [ways to] take full advantage of offerings available to you—bringing not just cost savings, but delivering an even greater overall value,” Gray Faust says. 

You get expert assistance with logistics, especially abroad

For many, the time and research it takes to manage the logistics of traveling, especially internationally, can be overwhelming, says Melissa DaSilva, president of Trafalgar, North America. “Advisors will step in to manage all of the logistics of in-destination transportation, score hard-to-get reservations at the best restaurants and deal with any hiccups, like flight delays or cancellations,” she explains. Travel advisors are also well-versed in the destination’s top accommodations to guide travelers towards exactly what they are looking for within their budget, says DaSilva. “Advisors can help travelers save money by keeping a pulse on the latest offers, special fares and deals, and book bucket list experiences that you may not have even known about if you hadn’t spoken to an advisor,” she says.

Cons of hiring a travel agent

There could be instances when utilizing a travel agent may not make sense. Here are some reasons you may want to skip using one. 

The added layer of communication may be unnecessary

Travel agents can be helpful in making and changing reservations, French says, but sometimes they can end up being an unnecessary middleman. “If you need to change your hotel reservation, often it’s easier to just call the hotel yourself, rather than wait for the travel agent to do it,” she acknowledges.

The enjoyment of planning your own travels could be missed

Sure, there is the convenience factor of outsourcing your trip-planning duties, but surrendering all those tasks could leave you with some vacation remorse. “If you let the agent do all the planning, then that might rob you of some of the joy that comes from travel—which is the very act of planning the trip,” cautions French. 

The travel agent may not possess the expertise you need

Gray Faust says, just like any other professional industry, the depth of travel agent knowledge and expertise varies from agent to agent, and not all agents are built the same. “When you’re looking for a travel agent, be sure to ask about their experience, their affiliations, any ongoing education and any specialties,” Gray Faust continues. “Many agents specialize in certain travel types, so their knowledge of those particular trips is even more expansive than a more generic agent.”

How much does it cost to use a travel agent?

Cost for travel agents can vary. “It depends,” says French with NerdWallet. “Sometimes, travel agents won’t cost you anything if their paychecks come from commissions paid by the suppliers who you end up booking with.” 

Other travel agencies charge fees for individual services like research, bookings and changes, in which case they might charge either by time or by service provided, French says. 

Be sure to ask that question upfront, Gray Faust says, so you don’t have any unexpected charges tacked on to your bill.

Are travel agents swayed by hospitality providers who offer higher commissions?

While it’s impossible to say definitively, as it varies by agent, French says to consider that “those who work on commission are incentivized to book you on trips that pay them out.”

Gray Faust offers a differing outlook. “A good travel agent will not be swayed by commissions, as it’s in their best interest to deliver a quality service to their clients to turn them into returning customers,” she states. 

How can you find a suitable travel agent?

Spread the news that you’re planning a trip. “Word-of-mouth is a great way to find a travel advisor—ask your family and friends to connect you with someone they worked with and loved,” DaSilva suggests.

She also recommends searching for an advisor that’s certified or credentialed and use resources such as the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). “Good travel advisors will respond in a timely manner and ask a lot of questions about what you want from your next vacation to fully understand your needs so they can match you with your perfect travel experiences,” adds DaSilva.

Related Articles

I booked a weeklong trip to a mystery destination. I had a lot of fun, but I'd do a few things differently next time.

• I booked a solo  trip to a mystery destination with a company that planned everything for me.
• I traveled to Lisbon and enjoyed group tours and activities — as well as some alone time.
• It was fun to step outside my comfort zone, but I would have liked more time to explore by myself.

When traveling, I prefer leaving things to chance, as many of my most memorable moments typically happen on less-crowded streets or when I'm chatting up strangers at a restaurant.

That's why when my friend suggested I check out Journee — a travel company that specializes in mystery tours and plans everything, including your destination — I couldn't resist trying it out for a solo trip .

Companies like Journee have become more popular in recent years as more travelers lean into the idea of having a trip planned for them. In fact, a survey of 27,000 travelers by Booking.com found that over half of the respondents would welcome the idea of a trip to an unknown destination.

I was excited to see what all the hype was about and book a surprise trip of my own. Here's what it was like to travel to an unknown destination with Journee.

The company asked me questions about my travel preferences and sent clues leading up to the reveal

When booking my trip, the company provided me with an in-depth travel questionnaire that asked about my interests, curiosities, risk tolerance, well-being, and overall travel philosophy. It also dug into the "why" of my trip, the safety criteria, and logistics and budget.

The company then sent me a trip proposal, which provided a few clues about the city I'd be traveling to. There was no pressure to book and the proposal itself was completely free.

Once I committed, they built up the suspense by gamifying the pre-trip content, slipping fun facts and clues into my WhatsApp DMs.

I challenged myself (and my friends) to rely on our brains (no Googling) to figure out where I might be going, which led to many meaningful conversations about travel.

The company also provided a high-level packing list , which included items like a bank card, phone, charger, passport, and comfortable walking shoes.

The destination reveal turned out to be pretty underwhelming

On the day of departure, I added some euros to my carry-on before taking an Uber to Newark Airport. In the car, I found myself daydreaming about my destination, secretly hoping it was somewhere I'd never been.

My plan to film a reveal video at the airport was quickly foiled when my driver informed me that Newark has two international terminals.

Related stories

Because the tour company didn't note the terminal information on the envelope, I had no choice but to open the card in the car, which was underwhelming.

However, I was excited by the location listed on my card — Lisbon.

Along with the destination, the envelope included a detailed itinerary with daily pre-booked excursions, including an e-bike tour and a sunset cruise, with one free day to myself.

The company did a great job arranging my accommodations and activities

I arrived in Lisbon mid-morning after my basic-economy flight . I was relieved to find the company booked me a studio apartment with a sweeping balcony overlooking the street.

I liked being in a residential area, and the proximity to a metro hub and grocery stores made it feel like I had moved abroad.

My first group excursion turned out to be a one-on-one personalized e-bike tour of the city when folks bailed because of the rain.

My city guide took me on a two-hour tour along the Tagus River waterfront, and I ended up taking that same route several times throughout the week.

I also enjoyed the other trips Journee booked for me, including a drive along the countryside to a small village southeast of the city. Here, my group dodged the rain to visit a Stonehenge-like megalithic complex dating back 7,000 years .

One of the last curated events of the trip was visiting the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Feeling utter tranquility in the cloisters was worth the 90 minutes I spent waiting in line.

As the week went on, I started veering from the pre-planned schedule

Although I enjoyed the group excursions, I worried that I wouldn't have enough time to explore the city on my own. That's why I decided to skip my third-day excursion to wander off the beaten path.

I weaved through the Alcântara district, stopping at the LXFactory, an old industrial textile complex turned food and art hall.

I also biked to explore the Mouraria and Alfama districts, filling up on bacalhau, Lisbon's salted codfish tapas. I even spent a few hours at the Fado Museum , an interactive and immersive cultural arts center where I learned about the history of Portugal's soulful music.

I loved being able to explore another side of the city, which hadn't been in my original itinerary.

I enjoyed the trip, but would make a few changes next time

Overall, it was exciting to step outside my comfort zone and hand over the travel planning to someone else. I loved the surprise of not knowing the destination and visiting historical sites off the beaten path.

Next time, I would book with a friend and have a more direct conversation with the tour company about having more time for independent exploration.

Watch: Marriott International's Tina Edmundson tells Insider that the travel mindset has changed since the pandemic

• Main content

Need a passport in a hurry? It’ll soon be easier if you live in one of these US cities.

• The State Department will open six new passport agencies to assist those with “urgent travel needs.”
• The new agencies will bring the total number to 35.
• The State Department did not share addresses or opening dates for the new facilities.

Travelers in a rush to get a passport will soon have more options.

The State Department will open six new passport agencies to assist those with “urgent travel needs,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Tuesday. The new facilities will be in these cities:

• Salt Lake City
• Kansas City, Missouri
• Orlando, Florida
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• San Antonio, Texas

Passport agencies and centers serve “customers by appointment only who have urgent travel to a foreign country in the next 14 calendar days, or need a foreign visa in the next 28 calendar days,” according to the State Department’s website . The new agencies will bring the total number to 35.

“While we undertake steps to establish these new agencies, we are issuing more passports than ever before while maintaining our passport processing times at our pre-pandemic levels,” Blinken said in a news release . “We thank Congress for its partnership and support, and we look forward to working with our congressional partners and other stakeholders to open these new facilities.”

Learn more: Best travel insurance

The State Department did not share addresses or opening dates for the new facilities. “We are in the initial stages of planning for these additional facilities and will provide updates in the future about specific locations and timelines for these new agencies,” a spokesperson told USA TODAY in an emailed statement.

The world's most powerful passports: See where the US ranks

Travelers can find a map of passport agencies and centers online. There are also more than 7,000 acceptance facilities – such as post offices – where those who don’t need urgent service can apply.

The news comes after the State Department opened a trial for online passport renewal earlier this month.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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

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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.

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Do you need travel insurance this summer? It’s complicated, experts say

Travel troubleshooter.

If you’re planning to travel somewhere this summer, you’re probably thinking of buying travel insurance.

Kingsley Hopkins is. He’s headed to Portugal and Iceland with his girlfriend, and he wants to make sure he’s covered for things like medical emergencies or trip disruptions, “or if a volcano erupts,” he says.

But getting the right travel insurance can be complicated. There’s no one-size-fits-all policy, and Hopkins, an assistant editor at a book publishing company in New York, has been spending a lot of time thinking about how to protect his summer vacation.

Chances are, so have you.

more Summer travel tips

• 6 pro travel tricks for an affordable, stress-free summer vacation
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Why finding the right travel insurance is so hard

Most surveys suggest this will be a record summer for travel. How much of a record? Demand is so high that some airlines are afraid they will run out of planes. Now that’s busy.

At the same time, danger and uncertainty are lurking everywhere — wars in Europe and in the Middle East, the usual slate of natural disasters like hurricanes and maybe a volcanic eruption or two. It’s no wonder people are giving some serious thought to insurance. 

Older travelers are particularly worried. And they should be, says PK Rao, CEO of INF Visitor Care . Claims by travelers over age 50 spike during the summer months.

“According to our claim data, medical emergencies tend to uptick during the summer, especially for those going on trips that involve outdoor activities,” he says.

But there are so many choices out there, including credit card coverage, medical evacuation membership programs and stand-alone travel insurance. What should you get?

More Travel Troubleshooter

You need peace of mind .

But don’t just reflexively start shopping for a travel insurance policy this summer. Instead, look for peace of mind — knowing that if something goes wrong, you’ll be taken care of.

“Knowing you’re protected from unforeseen travel mishaps — like delays, lost baggage and even medical emergencies — can make the trip that much more enjoyable,” says Daniel Durazo, a spokesperson for Allianz Partners USA .

As it turns out, there are several ways to get the peace of mind you need. And there are times when you can safely skip travel insurance.

This is when you don’t need insurance

Here’s when you can skip travel insurance, according to experts:

• If you already have coverage. “You may already have travel coverage through your benefits at work, your credit card or through group benefits with an organization,” says Jiten Puri, CEO of PolicyAdvisor.com. If you do, there’s no need to buy more coverage. You’re all set.
• If you’re not traveling far. If you’re taking a driving vacation and staying in a place where lodging is free, like a relative’s sofa, then there’s not much to insure. “If you already have health insurance, it may cover you for a domestic trip, so you don’t need to think about health insurance coverage,” says Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance .
• If your trip isn’t insurable. Traditional travel insurance covers conventional trips with prepaid, nonrefundable components like airline tickets and hotel stays. You might find that you either already have coverage through your medical insurance, or the trip is essentially uninsurable.

So think twice before saying “yes” to optional travel insurance that your online travel agency may offer you when you’re booking a trip. You might not need it.

Here’s when you need travel insurance

But most travelers should consider some kind of travel insurance coverage this summer. Here’s when you need the extra coverage:

• If you have travel expenses that insurance would cover. “If you have many prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, it’s best to take out travel insurance,” says Lauren Gumport, a spokesperson for Faye Travel Insurance . “This includes things like flights, hotel rooms, tickets and activities.” The more conventional your vacation, the likelier travel insurance is to cover almost every aspect of your summer vacation.
• If you’re leaving the country. “Your regular medical insurance might not extend coverage beyond your home borders,” says John Rose, chief risk and security officer at ALTOUR . Also, many countries require travel insurance for entrance. They include Bermuda, Qatar, Sri Lanka and some European countries.
• If you can’t afford to lose your trip. “When considering travel insurance for your summer trip, evaluate whether you can afford to lose your vacation investment due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, weather disruptions or emergencies,” explains Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association . “Can you afford the financial risk if you miss your cruise departure because of covered flight delays? What if you have to cut your trip short because of illness?”  

One of the most common mistakes travelers make is assuming their credit card will cover them. For example, I found that my credit card only covered my rental car as secondary insurance, which made it completely useless when I rented a car in Tampa, Fla., recently. I had to buy a stand-alone policy from Allianz to cover the vehicle.

How one traveler insured his summer vacation

So how did Hopkins handle his travel insurance needs? Well, as I already mentioned — it’s complicated.

Hopkins says he always buys some travel insurance before he takes a trip, “but how much, and what I cover, varies,” he explains.

He decided that his path to peace of mind in this case was to spend a few extra dollars: He made fully refundable flight and hotel reservations, just in case something goes wrong. That would eliminate a lengthy claim with his travel insurance company or credit card.

But he still needed at least $50,000 in medical coverage with emergency evacuation because of his active schedule.

“We’re going to be doing a lot of hiking in Iceland,” he says. “And you just never know.” 

At the beginning of the year, he decided to buy an annual MedjetHorizon plan, a membership that would get him from a hospital in Portugal or Iceland to a hospital at home, in case something happened. 

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For insurance, Hopkins checked TravelInsurance.com to find an affordable travel insurance policy. He found coverage through Trawick International that pays up to $50,000 in medical expenses and up to $200,000 for an evacuation.

“I’ve heard good things about them,” he says. “Hopefully, we won’t need any of it.”

How do I insure my trips?

I’m on the road about 360 days a year, so I’m always thinking about peace of mind. I currently use a Wells Fargo credit card with lots of travel benefits, and I have long-term policies through Faye and Cigna, which have worked fairly well. I also am a longtime MedjetHorizon member. If I rent a car, I turn to Allianz for my primary coverage.

I know — that’s a lot of peace of mind. 

But I’ve also run into trouble and had to use many of those benefits. Medjet got me back home during the pandemic. Cigna covered me after a serious ski accident in Switzerland. My old Allianz policy took care of my medical expenses when I had to see a doctor in Santa Fe, N.M., a few years ago.

Like I always say, when it comes to having enough insurance, better safe than sorry.

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• Travel Agents Are Back: Here Are 4 Expert Companies Ready to Craft Your Dream Trip

Sometimes it's best to leave it to the experts.

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It’s official: Internet booking sites are the worst. Which means travel agents are back in a big way, to such a degree that the crème de la crème among them are so selective that they’ll work with only a small group of card-carrying members.

We talked to the top dogs at four very different membership travel companies to find out what kind of VIP hook ups they’ll get you—and how much hand-holding you can expect along the way.

Fischer Travel

Courtesy of The Tailor  Nathan Dyer

Source:  Stacy Fischer Rosenthal, president

The Gist: Founded almost 54 years ago by her father, Bill Fischer—who got his clients into sold-out spots like the Hotel du Cap in Antibes in the ’80s—this family-run business is as exclusive as a club gets. “We have a very serious vetting process,” says Fischer Rosenthal.

The Membership: You might want to sit down for this: a $100,000 initiation fee, plus an annual $25,000 renewal fee, plus service fees for all trip planning. And that’s only if you’re accepted. Right now, Fischer has just 175 members.

The Claim to Fame: One-on-one tennis lessons with John McEnroe, a private tour of the Egyptian pyramids, Christmas dinner cooked by a Michelin-starred chef—you name it, Fischer Rosenthal can do it. If she told us her team could move mountains, we’d almost believe her.

Hand-Holding Quotient: Next-level. “My clients will never check in at a front desk, they will never fill out any forms, they will never have a moment when their trip isn’t absolutely seamless.”

Essentialist

Courtesy of Essentialist

Source: Joan Roca, founder

The Gist: Former Travelocity exec Roca ditched digital and went private bespoke in 2017 after realizing travelers didn’t need more choice—they needed more curation. His cabal of experts includes more than 75 journalists and editors specializing in various destinations around the world.

The Membership: A flat fee of $1,400 per household per year includes unlimited travel-planning services by a designated “travel designer” who knows everything about you, from what you like to eat to what you like to drive.

The Claim to Fame: Ultra-insider experiences are the name of Roca’s game, whether it’s the best paella in Majorca at a secret restaurant few locals know or a private dinner in a Venetian palazzo. “It’s not about the price tag,” he says. “It’s about discovering things that are under the radar and unique.”

Hand-Holding Quotient: Minimal. “Our client doesn’t require a lot of hand-holding,” Roca says. “They don’t want people standing at the door of their hotel room every morning. They just want to go.”

Courtesy of Marchay

Source:  Karl Backlund, cofounder

The Gist: With partner Jon Ein of private equity firm Foundry Capital, Backlund devised not an agency but a “travel community of like-minded individuals,” in which pay-for-play travel agents wouldn’t be welcome.

The Membership: $4,500 for a full annual membership with unlimited bespoke trip planning , or $1,750 for a one-trip planning fee. “We admit limited members to make sure the service standards are maintained,” Backlund says.

The Claim to Fame: Seamless execution of even the most complicated itineraries, whether it’s an island-hopping extravaganza in the Caribbean via private jet and yacht or a Scottish golf spree with 11 tee times in 11 days.

Hand-Holding Quotient: That’s up to you. “Our clients appreciate a significant portion of discovery—the thirst for exploration is definitely there,” Backlund says. But he’ll still hold your hand if you ask.

Inspirato Pass

Source:  Brent Handler, founder

The Gist: Handler is like the Thomas Edison of travel clubs . He invented the destination club with Exclusive Resorts in 2002, then went on to create Inspirato , a similar but more affordable club in 2011. The Inspirato Pass , his latest brainchild, is a subscription app.

The Membership: $2,500 per month gets you household booking rights to exclusive trips, events and accommodations—all at no added cost. The catch? After booking a trip, you have to take it before you can reserve another.

The Claim to Fame: There’s the usual hotel suites and over-the-top villas, but what gets really interesting is Inspirato Pass ’s access to marquee events and experiences, from US Open seats to a European river cruise.

Hand-Holding Quotient: Surprisingly high, for an app. “All Inspirato Pass trips include pre-trip planning by our expert travel designers, including custom itineraries,” says Handler. Impressive.

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Best Online Travel Agencies

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kind Traveler

I Like Local

• See More (4)

Final Verdict

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

 Booking.com

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

Lots of options to choose from

Interface is easy to use

Numerous filters to customize your search

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

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

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

Best Budget : Skyscanner

 Skyscanner

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

Simple interface

Option to toggle searches between specific dates or by monthly calendars

Search Everywhere button is great for spontaneous planners

Extra clicks are required to make a final purchase

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

Ads on the sidebar can be distracting

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

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

Best Price Predictor : Hopper

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

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

App is easy to use

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

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

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

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

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

Most Innovative : Kiwi.com

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

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

Kiwi Guarantee offers rebooking or cancellation protections

Nomad option appeals to travelers with a lot of flexibility

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

Kiwi Guarantee has an additional fee

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

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

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

Best for Eco-Conscious : Kind Traveler

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

All participating hotels include a local give-back component

Exclusive savings and perks

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

Inventory is much smaller compared to other booking platforms

Some of the amenities mentioned are based on availability only

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

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

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

Best for Social Impact : I Like Local

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

Social impact mission woven into organization’s business model

Immersive experiences led by local guides

Range of experiences offered

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

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

No experiences outside of Africa and Asia

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

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

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

Best for Design-Forward Homestays : Plum Guide

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

Highly curated inventory of vacation rentals across the world

Design-forward

Thorough vetting process

Does not publish guest reviews

Other platforms have homes available across more destinations

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

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

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

What Is the Biggest Travel Agency?

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

Are Online Travel Agencies Worth It?

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

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

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

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

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

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• Host Agencies
• Accelerator Course
• Travel Jobs
• Travel Agent Chatter
• Etiquette & Rules
• Privacy Policy

• Question & Answer

Company Details

• Founded 1974
• Host Type Hybrid (Host & Travel Agency)
• Currently Accepting Beginner Agents, Experienced Agents
• Accepts Agents in Canada (AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT)
• # of Contractors 900
• Annual Sales $250 million
• Languages Spoken English
• Business Attributes Woman-Owned (100%), Immigrant-Owned (100%)
• Profile Updated 03/22/2024
• Consortia Ensemble
• Accreditations CLIA, IATA, TICO
• Members of ACTA, BBB, CLIA, TICO
• Seller of Travel Quebec, Ontario, Washington
• E&O Insurance Included
• Focuses Adventure, Cruise, Corporate, Disney, Groups, Leisure, Luxury, Ethnic, Honeymoon/DWs, FITs, Tours

Program Details

• Ticketing Service for non-GDS Agents
• Minimum Sales Requirement —
• Charge for Ticketing
• Lead Program
• Leads Belong to Agent
• Charge for Leads
• Education Program IC Education, In-person, On-demand
• Allows Sub-agents

Pricing & Commission

• Military/Veteran discounts
• Start Up Fee $0
• Location requirement Home-based
• Annual Fee $599
• Commission Split Range 70% to 100%
• Frequency of Commission Payments Every Two Weeks
• Method of Payment Direct Deposit

Technology & Tools

• Marketing Programs Direct Mail, Website Program, Consumer Magazine, E-mail Marketing, Social Media Tools
• Sample Website View Sample Website
• Leisure Tools Air Booking Tool, Consumer Booking Tool, Cruise Booking Tool, Hotel Booking Tool
• Corporate Tools 24/7 Support Service, RFP Support

About TravelOnly

TravelOnly host agency serves the independent contractor home based agent market in Canada. They are a family owned and run business that has been in business since 1974.

TraveOnly homed based travel agents the ability to earn up to 90% commission and accepts both new and experienced corporate and leisure travel agents.

Included in the program is support, marketing, and training. TravelOnly home based agents will have access into Clientbase and the associate portal where they can interact with other agents in the network, track commissions, and sign up for trainings.

HAR's Latest News

• Host Agency Locator Map - NEW LOCATION! June 26, 2024
• Top 10 Benefits of Using a Host Agency June 26, 2024
• Top 5 (Free) Travel Agency Marketing Tools for 2024 June 26, 2024
• What is an OTA (Online Travel Agency) in Travel? June 21, 2024
• What Does FIT in Travel Mean? June 20, 2024

Call Our Reservation Specialists: 0141 955 4000

Open Today: 09:00 - 17:30

• Special Offers

Browse our latest selection of special offers

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Currently viewing 179 luxury holiday offers

The Datai Langkawi

Langkawi, Malaysia

Luxury Malaysian Escape

• Saving up to 15% on accommodation
• Three complimentary nights included*
• Spectacular Andaman Sea views
• Private outdoor furnished patio

12 night stay

From £3,185 per person

Grecotel LUXME Costa Botanica

Corfu, Greece

Corfu Family Break

• All Inclusive
• Set in the heart of the village of Acharavi
• Located steps away from a 1,000 metre long natural beach

7 night stay

From £4,999 per family

Grecotel LUXME White Palace

Crete, Greece

Crete Family Break

• Located on Crete’s stunning north coast
• Incredible "Luxe All Inclusive Living®” holiday plan included
• Adults only designated zone on the beach and at the restaurant, Ventanas Il Mar

From £4,699 per family

Family Crete Getaway

From £6,479 per family

Family Corfu Retreat

From £3,899 per family

Grecotel LUXME Dama Dama

Family Rhodes Retreat

• Views over the Aegean Sea
• Located on the famous Faliraki beach
• Luxe All Inclusive Living®

From £3,699 per family

From £5,899 per family

From £6,139 per family

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

Aruba Retreat

• Intimate, boutique resort
• Exclusively for adults
• Eco-friendly and healthy living
• Discover the cultural treasures and natural wonders of Aruba

From £3,619 per person

Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah

Family Ras Al Khaimah Retreat

• Reduced rates included
• Complimentary upgrade to half board
• Located on a beautiful pristine natural beach surrounded by mangroves
• Direct beach access

5 night stay

From £4,499 per family

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Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.

• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Bykovo Manor
• Balashikha Arena
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Pekhorka Park
• Saturn Stadium
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center