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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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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." 

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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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Guides > Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Agent: What’s the Reality?

Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Agent: What’s the Reality?

• Darrien Watson

In this guide

Table of contents.

The idea of becoming a travel agent sounds like riding unicorns in the sky—who wouldn’t love getting paid to help others plan their dream vacations and enjoy some perks along the way? 

But as with any career, some pros & cons can make the job a bit more complicated than just browsing travel brochures and clicking “book.” There are over 589,000 travel agencies operating worldwide in 2024, and IBISWorld predicts this number to grow even more in the coming years. 

Almost every travel enthusiast thinks of opening a travel business once in a lifetime. Although it’s a good business idea, being a travel agent comes with many advantages and disadvantages. But if you use platforms like SquadTrip , some challenges could be overcome, especially for booking and payment management to make the job look less stressful and more fun.

Do Travel Agents Still Make Good Money? 

Despite online travel agencies, people still prefer travel agents. Group trips like destination weddings, bachelor parties, and corporate retreats require a travel expert who can derive a package plan that meets client requirements and preferences. 

People also prefer meeting travel consultants because of personal connection. SquadTrip makes things easier for travel agents to book and manage their clients so that they can focus on planning better travel experiences for their clients. 

What type of travel agent makes the most money?

Travel consultants, travel advisors, and travel providers from host agencies make good money depending on how many clients they attract. 

If you’re just starting, consider what type of travel is most popular among your target audience and create a package plan that sells .

Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Agent

Based on my experience as a travel agent, and talking to other tour operators, here’s what I believe are the worst and best parts of running a travel agency business:

It’s Flexible: You Can Work From Anywhere

Most travel agents operate home-based offices or online, with flexible timings . This flexibility can make the job feel less like a traditional 9-5 and more like a lifestyle choice. You’re your own boss! 

Many single parents are independent travel agents for this very reason. But of course, flexibility comes with its own challenges, many believe running your own business means you’re also managing your own schedule, which can be a blessing or a curse depending on how you handle it. 

If you use platforms like SquadTrip , you can manage your schedule since you have your own dashboard to keep track of your booking pages and also help with dispute management. 

You Get Travel Perks  

If you’ve ever dreamt of traveling the world without draining your savings, being a travel agent gets you pretty close. You might score discounts on flights, hotels, cruises, and vacation packages on luxury travel. Travel vendors usually offer these perks as an incentive for agents to experience their services and recommend them to clients.

Successful travel agents also earn commissions on bookings they make for clients, which can add up significantly, especially with higher-end trips. Some vendors also offer bonuses for meeting certain online booking targets, providing another revenue stream.

You Get to Build Memorable Experiences 

Nothing is more rewarding for a travel agent than building memorable experiences for travelers. Many travel agents feel a sense of fulfillment planning honeymoons, family trips, or ticking of bucket lists for their clients. 

You’re doing more than just pushing papers; you’re making a direct impact on someone’s happiness by creating an unforgettable travel experience. That’s a pro not every career can offer.

You Can Travel to New Destinations for Free

Travel agencies are always looking for ways to introduce new and ideal destinations into their own travel packages. Right now, places like India, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe are hotspots in the travel industry. 

The bonus? You often get to explore these destinations along with different types of travel such as luxury travel or cruise lines. And you don’t even have to worry about costs because of the discounts and familiarization trips. 

It’s like getting paid to travel the world while gathering insider knowledge to plan your best trips. 

There’s a High Competition, Standing Out is Tough

It’s no secret that big travel agencies have made it tougher for newer or small travel agents to compete . Furthermore, travelers often book most trips themselves, so convincing clients to use a travel agent often means offering something they can’t get anywhere else. 

It could be a personalized service, a unique location, or a memorable experience, but it requires effort and marketing. For agents just starting out, standing out from the sea of competition can be exhausting.

However, if you use SquadTrip , you can create booking pages, plan itineraries for each day, and add images based on your experience, this makes your trip look even more authentic and fun for potential clients. 

Client Management is Not Always Easy 

Creating dream trips is fun, but dealing with difficult clients can be a nightmare. From those who can’t make up their mind about where they want to go, to last-minute changes and cancellations, it’s not always smooth sailing. One bad feedback can lead to larger reputation damage, so maintaining everyone’s preferences can be a challenge. 

SquadTrip offers an easy-to-navigate booking and payment management system, so your clients can view all details, pick whatever location they like, pick add-ons for personalized experience, and even choose between payment plans . You can also make customizable itineraries based on client preferences to increase customer satisfaction.

Legal Challenges Require More Money

Many travel consultants often complain about high fees for gaining a license and other legalities. You also need to be certified or registered with organizations like IATA (International Air Transport Association) to obtain proper accreditation . Without this accreditation, you risk being unable to compensate clients if mistakes happen, which can seriously hurt your reputation.

Another con is to do with buying travel insurance to save yourself from liable damages during trips. These insurance plans can be quite an expense, especially if you’re starting off with no investment money. 

Training certification programs can help you deal with this to some extent. SquadTrip and Melanin On The Map training program is a 6-month course program with travel perks, commissions, community support, and one-on-one coaching with industry experts. 

Is Being a Travel Agent Right Choice for You?

Like every other career, being a travel agent comes with many good and bad. New travel agents often find startup costs, income instability, and mismanagement, a big challenge. But they also enjoy the perks, the sense of fulfillment, and the excitement of organizing trips for their clients.

So then is being a travel agent worth it?  Yes, especially if you’re passionate about traveling and like exploring new destinations, this job is right for you. 

But you don’t necessarily need to start a travel business of your own. A good alternative could be to work with a host agency. You can gain experience and access industry resources. This allows you to test the waters before diving fully into entrepreneurship. You can also become a travel advisor.

But if you have decided to set up your own agency, make sure you use the right tools and booking software like SquadTrip to assist you in your journey. 

Ready to dive in? Start planning your next group trip for free today.

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Travel Advisor Resources

Is Being a Travel Agent Worth It? Fora Discusses the Pros & Cons

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/is-being-a-travel-agent-worth-it

Fora Advisor Gaya Vinay

Is being a travel agent worth it? We’re breaking down all the pros and cons of being a travel agent.

First, what does a travel agent do exactly?

Fora Advisor Fallon Alexandria

What does a travel agent do ? Travel agents — or travel advisors, they're different words for the same role — earn money by selling and booking trips for clients. Travel agents can book hotels, cruise lines, itineraries, travel experiences, rental cars, travel insurance and more. (Learn about some types of bookings you can make for clients as an advisor .)

We’re biased, but we think it’s one of the best jobs in the travel industry . 

Do people still use travel agents to book their travel? What’s the demand like?

Many people don’t realize that travel agents even exist still — much less that it’s a booming part of the travel industry! In 2023, it was an $865.5 billion industry, and it’s expected to grow to $905.89 billion in 2024 .

Here’s a quick history lesson: the first recorded travel agency was launched in 1841 by Thomas Cook . There have been a few advancements since then (hello, modern technology), but the general concept remains relatively the same: agents plan and book trips.

Rapid adoption of the internet in the 90s and online travel agencies (sites that you can book your travel online) gained popularity. But the services provided by online booking sites lack the personal connection that an actual person can provide. At Fora, we’re spearheading the emergence of the modern travel advisor, bringing personalized service back to trip planning. Read more about the benefits of booking with a travel advisor .

How do travel agents make money?

Fora Advisor Rabia Malik

Travel agents make money by booking trips. It is mostly a commission-based industry (meaning that hotels and other travel partners will pay you when you book with them), but advisors also earn money from planning and service fees. Learn more about how travel agents get paid .

How do you become a travel agent?

If you have a passion for travel and connecting with others, becoming a travel agent could be the perfect career option for you. You can spend your days researching and planning travel, helping your clients to make extra-special memories from their vacations.

Our guide on how to become a travel agent offers an in-depth breakdown of the process. But the short version is that you’ll want to find a host agency (an umbrella organization like Fora that gives you the tools you need as a travel advisor) and then participate in comprehensive training to learn the ins and outs of the role. From there, you’ll work to build your book of business as a travel advisor over time.

Is being a travel agent worth it? Breaking down the pros

Fora Advisor Kerry Boyd

Is being a travel agent worth it? We certainly believe so, but we don’t expect you to take that at face value. Here are all of the pros of becoming a travel advisor. 

Pro: It’s a flexible career

You can work as a travel advisor part-time or full-time. It’s also a career that you can build up over time, which means that you can start part-time and then transition into a full-time role once you have established your clientele base.

“As an avid traveler who felt trapped in the rigid schedule of a traditional healthcare worker, Fora gives me the opportunity to grow my passion for travel in to a business at my own pace while still working full-time and eventually make the leap to travel advising full-time when I'm ready,” Fora Advisor Alexandra Vigilante Chamberlin said. “I think the most valuable thing about working with Fora is that I probably would not have gotten started down this path without you!"

As an independenct contractor, you’ll be your own boss. You can work as much as you want, and when you want.

"I needed an agency that could offer me the flexibility to balance my responsibilities, including being a mom and juggling another work gig,” Fora Advisor Timadge Berkhadley said. “Choosing Fora as my host agency was an easy decision. Fora's approach allowed me to seamlessly manage my other responsibilities while still booking dream vacations for my clients."

Another one of the perks of becoming a travel agent online is that you never have to commit to an office space (unless you want to, of course). As a travel advisor, you can work from anywhere.

Read more: Here's Why Being a Fora Advisor is One of the Best Part-Time Jobs for Moms & Dads

Pro: You don’t need prior experience to get started

Many (but not all) host agencies offer training when you join their network as a travel advisor, which allows you to learn what you need about the role as you build your career in the space.

At Fora, we offer comprehensive travel agent certification as well as ongoing educational opportunities. Our travel agent training covers everything from booking basics to how to market your travel business like a pro , including how to market to your own network as well as build your business through social media. It is offered online so you can learn at your own pace.

Pro: You can build a career doing something you love

Working as a travel advisor is a fun and rewarding career in many ways. Working as a travel advisor can be a great pathway for you to build a career in travel on your terms. It is also an opportunity to transform a passion for travel and connections into your full-time role.

From a monetary perspective, you might be wondering: do you make good money as a travel agent? The amount of how much do travel agents make varies widely from advisor to advisor. Put simply: you get in what you put in. Typically, those who concentrate on high-end travel or specific niches tend to generate greater earnings than their counterparts who cater to budget-friendly travel options. Learn more about how travel agents get paid .

Pro: You can choose your niche (or skip one entirely)

The ability to control your business also means you get to control what type of travel you sell. And there are so many different travel agent jobs and niches. 

Want to make reservations at glamorous hotels in Dubai for discerning travelers? Perhaps becoming a luxury travel agent is in your wheelhouse. Want to help your clients enjoy the magic of Disney or Universal Studios? How about helping your clients embark on voyages on the high seas to scenic, tropical destinations? The options are endless and entirely up to you.

(Learn how to become a Disney travel agent or how to become a cruise travel agent — or both.)

Pro: You get to work in an exciting field that makes people happy

For many, being a travel agent is worth it simply because you’re helping clients plan memorable vacations.

Whether you’re sharing the best places to visit in Spain for first timers , the most gorgeous Bahamas resorts , the top hotels in Downtown NYC … As a Fora Advisor, you’re planning trips to amazing destinations, helping to create some of your clients’ fondest memories. 

Pro: You get to meet other travel experts

Fora Advisors participate in a workshop at Live Forum 2022, our annual conference

We always say that travel people are the best people. When you work as a travel agent, you’re constantly meeting other industry professionals. This means you’re forging connections with local hotels and partners, as well as meeting fellow travel advisors.

At Fora, we pride ourselves on our very welcoming community. You’ll be able to connect with fellow Fora Advisors online (learn about our community app ) as well as in-person through conferences, familiarization trips and more.

"I love that I can essentially run my own travel business while also working with so many talented and helpful people,” Fora Advisor Jennifer Lopez said. “As I tell my clients, no one is an expert on all travel destinations. One of the biggest benefits for my clients of my being a Fora Advisor is that I can tap into the knowledge and expertise of the Fora Advisor network to help me plan the perfect vacation for my clients."

Pro: Startup costs are minimal (at Fora, anyway)

Just about any independent business is going to have startup costs: equipment, office space, licenses…you get the idea. To become a Fora Advisor , these pricing costs are minimal, though. Our membership fee costs $49 monthly or $299 annually. We set you up with everything you need to run a successful travel advisor business with a one-stop shop solution. Plus, our advisors typically make back their membership fee within their first month.

What is the downside of being a travel agent? The cons

No job is without its cons, but we bet you'll still think being a travel agent is worth it after checking out the cons below. 

Con: There are startup costs to consider

We get it. Startup costs are a bummer. It can be hard to spend money on a business as you are just getting started. But we’re willing to bet you’ll find that it’s worth the investment to be your own boss. It’s worth noting that Fora’s membership costs are approachable (we have a flat-rate, $49/month subscription fee – or $299 annually) that gives you everything you need to start your business as a travel advisor.

Con: There’s a learning curve

Fora's Head of Travel Operations Leslie Overton leads a workshop at Live Forum 2023

When you’re just getting started as a travel advisor, there’s a lot to learn. There’s a whole side to the travel industry that you might never have heard of (for example, understanding industry lingo like what a DMC is).

But as you book, you’ll gain confidence (and also speed). Over time, working as a travel advisor will become second nature.

"I had never booked travel before so the certification trainings from Fora were invaluable,” Fora Advisor Timadge Berkhadley said. “It gave me the jumpstart and confidence I needed to dive right in and to begin booking. The destination trainings were particularly helpful, as they gave me insights into countries I hadn't visited before, thus expanding my understanding of various destinations."

We’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to become a successful travel agent.

Con: Sometimes clients can be high-maintenance

We’re just going to say it: Sometimes clients can be extra (we love them, though!). You will have to be patient as a travel advisor, and prioritize extending the white-glove service. Travel planning is a customer-facing role, after all, and many clients expect a degree of attentiveness and professionalism. 

The good news is that most clients simply want to work with a friendly advisor who takes their needs and goals seriously. Likewise, a good portion of travel planning is simply listening . Over time, you’ll find that confidence comes naturally.  

( How do travel agents get clients , anyway? Our guide tells all.)

Con: Most travel agents earn income from commissions & planning fees (i.e., there’s no base pay)

It’s worth considering financial implications of becoming a travel advisor before you dive in so that you can decide if it’s right for you. As an independent travel agent , is that you’re forgoing a traditional salary. This is the trade-off for being your own boss and setting your own schedule. On the flip side, this also means your earning potential is unlimited.

A good travel advisor is an excellent salesperson and knows how to transform this “con” into a “pro” and build a lucrative career as a travel advisor.

Con: Some travel agents are always on-call (including during holidays)

Your clients will often expect you to be available in case something goes awry — even if they’re on the other side of the world, in a completely different time zone. And since so many people travel during holidays, you may find yourself busy during your own celebrations. As with any trip, life happens, and you’ll have to navigate cancellations and some mishaps along the way. We offer plenty of training and support to help you navigate difficult situations if something does go sideways. Read a few of our tips in our guide on four things advisors can do when there’s a travel snafu .

Con: Your own travel might turn into work trips

More than a few of us have taken detours on our vacations so that we can check out a hotel property that’s on our bucket list. As travel advisors, we love our jobs, and we admit it can be hard to separate business from pleasure. This isn’t necessarily a con, though, and many travel advisors love this aspect of the business.

Overall: is being a travel agent worth it? We think so!

Fora Advisors attending a partner talk at Live Forum 2022

Being a travel agent is worth it many times over. It’s a career path where you get to set your own schedule, make people happy, live out your passion for travel and make a fantastic living. It does take effort and commitment, but the work is fun and rewarding in so many ways. If that sounds like a dream, apply to become a travel advisor .

"I had never booked travel for anyone other than myself before joining the Fora community. I had never even worked with a travel advisor until the year before joining Fora,” Fora Advisor Alexandra Vigilante Chamberlin said. “I had been dreaming about a career pivot for a while but always felt stuck on how to make it happen. It never occurred to me that travel advising could be my calling until I stumbled across Fora. And I’m so glad I did.”

Are you ready to become an independent travel agent?

We have everything you need to get started as an independent travel agent. From training to tech, community and more, Fora is a one-stop shop to build your business as a travel advisor. Learn more and become a Fora Advisor today.

We also have more resources on becoming a travel advisor:

How Much Do Travel Agents Make Per Booking?  

Why Group Bookings Are Great: Tips from an Expert  

Room Blocks 101: Mastering the Art of Group Bookings  

Book a Cruise With a Virgin Voyages Travel Agent  

6 Jobs Where You Travel: From Au Pairs to Travel Advisors

How to Start a Travel Agency (& Why It’s Not Your Best Option)

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