Travel Agent FAQs:

1. What does a travel agent do?

   A travel agent is your personal travel expert, planner, and advocate. Instead of spending hours researching destinations, comparing prices, and navigating confusing booking sites, a travel agent handles every detail for you. That includes helping you choose the right destination, finding the best value for your budget, booking accommodations, arranging transfers and excursions, and creating a customized itinerary tailored to your travel style.

   Beyond planning, a travel agent provides insider knowledge, exclusive perks you can’t find online, and ongoing support before, during, and after your trip. If anything goes wrong—like a flight delay, cancellation, or last-minute change—they step in to fix the issue so you’re never stuck on your own.

   In short, a travel agent takes the stress out of planning and ensures your vacation is smooth, memorable, and perfectly suited to you.

2. Why should I use a travel agent instead of booking online?

   Using a travel agent means you get expertise, personalization, and peace of mind that online booking sites simply can’t provide. While you can book a trip yourself, a travel agent helps you avoid overwhelm and costly mistakes by cutting through the noise and finding the best options for your budget, travel dates, and preferences.

   Travel agents have access to insider knowledge, trusted suppliers, and exclusive perks—such as upgrades, resort credits, and special promotions—that aren’t available to the public. They know which resorts consistently deliver great experiences, which cruise cabins to avoid, and how to build an itinerary that flows smoothly.

   Most importantly, you get a real human advocate. If something goes wrong—delayed flights, schedule changes, weather issues, or unexpected hiccups—your travel agent steps in to handle it for you. You don’t have to spend hours on hold with airlines or vendors; you have someone in your corner who’s dedicated to making your trip successful.

   In short: a travel agent saves you time, reduces stress, adds value, and gives you support every step of the way—so your vacation starts long before you leave home.

3. Do travel agents charge a fee?

   Every travel agency is a little different, but many travel agents do not charge a fee for most bookings. In many cases, travel agents are paid by the hotels, cruise lines, or tour companies after you complete your trip—so you get expert planning and support at no extra cost.

   Some agents do charge planning or research fees for complex trips, custom itineraries, groups, or airline-only bookings. These fees cover the time and expertise required to design a personalized vacation that fits your budget, preferences, and travel style.

   If a fee applies, your agent will always explain it upfront so there are no surprises. The goal is to provide clarity, transparency, and excellent value—often with added perks or upgrades that more than offset the cost.

   In short: sometimes yes, sometimes no—but you’ll always know before you book, and the service you receive is well worth the investment.

4. How do travel agents get paid?

   Travel agents are typically paid in two ways:

   1. Commissions from travel suppliers
   Hotels, cruise lines, and tour companies pay travel agents a commission after you travel. This means you get expert planning, personalized recommendations, and ongoing support without paying extra for most trips—the supplier compensates the agent for bringing them business.

   2. Service or planning fees (in some cases)
   For complex itineraries, custom planning, groups, or flight-only bookings, some agents charge a planning or consultation fee. This covers the time, research, and expertise required to design a trip tailored specifically to you. If a fee applies, it will always be disclosed upfront.

   In short: Most of an agent’s income comes from the suppliers you’re already booking with—so you get professional guidance and advocacy at no additional cost to you, unless specialized planning is needed.

5. Can you work with clients outside your local area?

   Absolutely! Travel agents can book trips for clients anywhere, regardless of location. Thanks to online communication, secure digital documents, and virtual planning tools, everything can be handled by email, phone, or video call.

   Many agents work with clients across the country—and even internationally—every day. Your location doesn’t affect the quality of service you receive. You’ll still get personalized planning, expert recommendations, and full support before, during, and after your trip.

   So even if we’re miles apart, I can help you plan the perfect vacation.

6. How do I get started working with you?

   Complete this Customized Travel Form or fill out the Contact section on my website—whatever works best for you. From there, we’ll schedule a brief consultation to talk about your travel plans so I can get started researching and putting together personalized recommendations. You’ll have a chance to review everything, ask questions, and make adjustments before we move forward with booking.

   After you approve the plan, I’ll handle all the reservations, confirm the details, and provide you with a complete itinerary. I’ll also stay available for support before, during, and after your trip.

   In short: reach out, share your vision, and let me take care of the rest!