travel advisor vs agent

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June 30, 2020

4 minute read

Travel Agent vs. Travel Advisor

The travel industry is constantly evolving, with new trends, exclusive deals, and must-visit destinations emerging every season.

So, too, is the work of travel professionals ever-changing. Shifts in demand and expectations, as well as the growth of new technologies have added to their long list of duties and reshaped their traditional roles.

In 2019, InteleTravel followed the lead of the recently rebranded trade association American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) in dropping the term ‘travel agent,’ and adopting ‘travel advisor,’ to more accurately represent what we do and how we contribute to your travel experience.

Advisors are so much more than salespeople, and if you’re not familiar with the profession, now’s a good time to get acquainted.

Why the Change?

‘Travel agent’ is an outdated term that falls short of defining our current job responsibilities. In fact, the ASTA’s rebranding was the organization’s first in nearly 75 years.

That’s an eternity in the travel industry. Consider this: Commercial flights emerged in popularity in the 1950s; cruise lines Royal Caribbean and Carnival were founded in 1968 and 1972, respectively; and Walt Disney World opened in 1971.

Add in the long list of popular destinations that have welcomed tourists en masse after decades of geographic or cultural isolation—such as Iceland , Egypt , and Thailand —and you begin to understand that travel today is not what it was in the 1940s. The same is true of ‘travel agents.’

For a better understanding of what these titles represent and their association to the public, let's examine the differences between the old term and the new.

Travel Agents

Travel agencies date back to 1841, when businessman Thomas Cook opened operations by offering 'holiday’ train excursions to the British countryside. Advancements in transportation expanded vacation possibilities—a trend continued to this day.

Since the mid-20th century, travel agents have mainly served as booking agents for airlines and hotels.

Think back to family trips of your youth: There’s a decent chance a travel agent was involved at some point, especially if you were embarking on a cruise or to an international destination. Your travel agent likely handled flights, potential upgrades, and packaged amenities.

This obviously changed with online travel sites. Not only could tourists conduct their own research, but also book their own trips, with little effort involved.

Still, agents remained relevant for specialty trips—such as group travel and luxury vacations—and securing exclusive deals. The original ‘travel agent’ moniker is still often used today, even after the ASTA officially made its switch.

Travel Advisors

Despite the familiarity of ‘travel agent,’ you should understand why the new name was adopted.

‘Travel advisor’ re-emphasizes the growing importance of the profession to the industry: They provide human connection in a world where everything is increasingly automated and online. They represent new and improved versions of travel agents. They don't just work to book flights, as their predecessors once did; they advise clients on aspects of their trip they may not be so familiar with, such as popular tours and other activities, exclusive culinary or cultural experiences, local languages and etiquette, and even lend personal touches by learning more about you than simply where you want to go.

Travel advisors continue their education, earn certifications, attend webinars, and conduct a significant amount of research to remain up to date on destinations, amenities, special deals, and other offerings to help plan and achieve the ultimate travel experience.

Travel advisors are also specialists with deep knowledge and extensive experience in niches such as cruises, escorted land tours, bachelorette parties, and multigenerational family vacations, just to name a few.

The bottom line: Advisors are so much more than call centers that take credit card numbers and book flights.

With so many variables at play when it comes to traveling, it’s best to rely on the real professionals. When you have questions, your advisor will have the answers to help build your dream vacations.

Work With InteleTravel to Plan an Unforgettable Vacation

While working with an advisor will always improve your vacation , finding the right advisor can make all the difference.

InteleTravel Advisors specialize in a wide variety of preferred travel styles and destinations , and tailor their services to achieve exactly what you’re looking for.

Our advisors work with you to familiarize themselves with your expectations and requirements, conduct research on your preferred destinations, arrange a custom itinerary, book the various parts of your trip, and leverage industry connections to secure deals and upgrades to enhance your experience.

They also provide support before, during, and after your travels to ensure your trip is seamless, hassle-free, and truly memorable from start to finish.

The best part: While some advisors charge a fee , InteleTravel Advisors never charge travelers for their services , instead passing the cost along to our supplier partners— so you get access to an experienced and dedicated travel professional, at no additional cost!

So what are you waiting for? Contact InteleTravel today to get started!

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• Plan Your Trip

Travel Advisor vs. Travel Agent: Who To Consult Before Traveling?

Published: June 6, 2020

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Ray Angeles

• Travel Tips

Planning your dream vacation can take out a lot from you? But who wouldn’t want to have a holiday that’s hitch-free? For this, getting the help of travel professionals, such as travel advisors and agents, is an option everyone should consider taking. What’s the difference between the two, and how can you find the perfect professional to trust? Here’s everything you need to know about travel advisors vs. travel agents.

Travel Advisors Vs. Travel Agents: What’s The Difference?

Some people may err and use the terms ”travel advisors and travel agents” interchangeably. However, anyone seeking the help of these travel professionals should know the fundamental differences in their roles.

Travel Agents

©Photo by Edeltravel_ on Pixabay

What is a travel agent? As their job title suggests, travel agents serve as the intermediary between you and the hotels and airlines you wish to book. Way back in the day, clients weren’t able to reserve a room nor buy airline tickets on their own. Travel agents were the professionals that made these reservations and purchases possible. Of course, their services aren’t limited to this, as they can also help you book tickets to certain attractions you want to visit on your trip.

Usually, these travel agents are directly affiliated with agencies that serve as middlemen between customers and travel booking systems. Now, hotels and airline tickets are easily booked through the internet. However, there are still many travel agents around, who can help book everything you need for a worry-free trip.

If you are a seasoned traveler, love working with people, and dream of changing your office job to a more casual style, getting a travel agent remote job is a great possibility to combine your passion for travel and professional fulfillment.

Hiring a Travel Agent: The Pros

If you’re asking yourself: “Why use a travel agent when I can book all of these myself?”, you need to take note of the pros of hiring them. The pros of hiring a travel agent primarily lie on convenience. While many of the best travel sites around can get you bookings for hotels, airlines, and attractions, you’re competing with a lot of other people. This is especially true during peak season.

By hiring a travel agent, you’re hiring the help of someone with direct connections to such establishments and ticket distributors. These people know the travel market, and they can help you navigate it with their services. Through them, you’ll have a lot of options to choose from, making it easier to plan for your trip. You can also get deals that are only available through them.

If you’re asking around, trying to find out how to get travel agent hotel rates, the only answer is to avail of it by hiring an agent. With the help of these professionals, you don’t have to stress over finding and getting all the bookings and reservations for your trip.

Hiring a Travel Agent: The Cons

Travel agents focus more on getting you that booking or reservation rather than on helping you plan where you’ll stay and visit during your trip, so you’re the only one who’ll be planning the trip. You won’t likely receive any collaborative input on how you can make your trip the best that it can be. Helping you realize the vision of your perfect trip through creative planning is also beyond the scope of their job roles. So don’t expect any tailor-fit suggestions from them all the time.

Travel Advisors

© Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

Many describe travel advisors as to the evolved form of travel agents. The scope of their job goes beyond reserving and booking rooms and tickets. These travel professionals offer advice on planning your trip so that your travel experience can be the best that you can get.

When planning for a trip, you need to do your research to get the best experience out there, but not everyone has time to do this nor does everyone have the experience to know what to believe. This is where travel advisors come in. They’ve collected years of experience in the travel profession that they can help you spot the good and the bad. They also have many travel contacts so that they can make strong recommendations with regard to making any travel planning-related decisions. They help you piece together the perfect travel plan , from tours and activities to the hotels you stay in, to see that you’ll get a holiday that’s tailor-fit to your needs and wants.

Hiring A Travel Advisor: The Pros

On top of convenience, there are many benefits to hiring a travel advisor. When you hire a travel advisor, you’re getting help from a person with a lot of travel experience. Their services go beyond getting you those bookings. So, hiring them means you get collaborative input from a person who has the experience you need to make your vision come to life.

They would know which hotel in the area can provide the exact services and experience you need, in line with your travel vision. They would also know what activities in the area would suit your tastes. Travel advisors also stay on top of the newest trends, so they can suggest the best new attractions you can go to for your holiday.

Apart from the planning stage, hiring a travel advisor is also practical. They also know the ins and outs of the industry, so they’re there to help you get the best deals for your money. Travel advisors are knowledgeable about the lesser-known services in hotels or cruises that can add value to your trip. Also, if, for some reason, something doesn’t go as planned in the middle of your vacation, most travel advisors help you get back on track as soon as they can.

Planning a trip to Bucharest, Romania soon? Check out our guide !

Hiring A Travel Advisor: The Cons

While there are many good things you can get from hiring a travel planning collaborator, there are still a few cons you need to consider. First, despite being experienced and knowledgeable about travel, advisors are still not you. While they may have a good idea of what your vision of a perfect vacation is, there are times when you and another person might not see eye to eye.

Second, hiring travel advisors may cost more money. Sometimes, they cost more than travel agents, and not every tourist has the budget to hire one. If you’re tight on budget, hiring a travel advisor might not be the way to go.

What To Look For In A Good Travel Advisor Or Agent

©Photo by Nik MacMillan on Unsplash

While there are many who advertise their services as a travel agent, only a few are worthy of your trust. A good travel professional makes sure that you’ll receive the services and the convenience you are paying for. To make sure a travel advisor or agent is worth your trust, here’s how to pick a travel agent or advisor. 

Credentials And Certifications

Of course, the first things you need to look for in a travel agent or advisor are their credentials. Since they’re professionals who provide services for other people, they need to have the right certifications. Having the appropriate permits is a good indication that a travel industry professional can be trusted.

Although, you mustn’t rely on their certifications alone. You need to know their credentials as well. Find out what they can offer based on what they’ve achieved and their experience on the job. Based on these, you can decide if you want to do business with them.

Professionalism

While many travel consultants have both the right certifications and seemingly decent credentials, sometimes, a few prove sloppy. When you inquire about their services, observe how they reply to you, whether it be in person or via email or phone call. Do they do things professionally or do they work sloppily?

Professionalism is one of the many good indicators of whether the person you’re hiring as a travel agent is good at his or her job. If you’re working someone who doesn’t show professionalism in his work, careless mistakes can happen that might cause some problems to your travel plans.

Interpersonal Skills

When looking for potential travel agents who can help you, observe how they treat you and talk to you. Interpersonal skills are important in any business transaction to make sure all goes according to plan. This includes making travel bookings. Finding an agent with good people skills can help lessen the likeliness of any miscommunication when forming a deal.

Resourcefulness

Some places or flights are hard to book, and a good travel agent always needs a backup plan. While there are reservations that are impossible to book, even for travel advisors and agents, the one you hire must be resourceful enough to find alternatives.

As much as possible, find a travel consultant who is honest. Avoid anyone who offers deals that seem to be scammy or overpriced. The best way to make sure of this is to get recommendations from someone you trust or find reviews online about potential travel agents.

How Much Do They Cost?

©Photo by ian dooley on Unsplash

Of course, since you’re hiring the services of professionals, you expect to pay a fee, but what is travel advisor fee? How much do you pay them?

Well, it varies.

How much you pay for a travel professional’s services depends on the work you hired them for. If it’s for a few bookings, you may get a $50-$75 bill, on average. However, if you’re hiring an advisor to help you design a full travel itinerary, with bookings included, you can expect a fee as high as $500 or even more.

Many travel advisors and agents make money in two ways. First is from the fee you’re billed upfront. Second is from the commissions they get from establishments. Most travel consultants earn from both.

However, there are some established travel agents who don’t charge a service fee upfront and just get money from commissions. Since many travel suppliers have stopped giving commissions, this type of travel professional is rare, and you should find yourself lucky if you found one that can be trusted. So when budget planning, always anticipate that there is a fee you need to pay unless your travel advisor or agent says otherwise.

Tips On Working With Travel Advisors

©Photo by Dan Dimmock on Unsplash

See What Others Have To Say

Wondering about how to find a travel advisor you can trust? The best way to find one is through other people’s recommendations. If you have close friends who have worked with travel advisors before, ask them to recommend a travel advisor they know and trust. If you don’t, there are many review aggregation sites for travel and services online, such as yelp. Look for ratings of travel advisors near you and read the reviews so that you’ll have an idea of what to expect if you seek out their services.

Find Someone Near You

If you can, find a travel advisor you can go to and talk to in person. By having a trusted advisor near you, you can save time and avoid the hassle of going back and forth between your home and a far-away travel agency. Also, miscommunication is less likely to occur when you’re working with and talking to someone in person. So, as much as possible, hire a consultant near you.

Don’t Expect Unbelievably Low Booking Prices

Many travel advisors help their clients look for the best deals. Sometimes, however, they get clients with expectations that are unpractical, especially when it comes to hotel and airfare prices. Yes, hiring professionals can help you save money in booking your hotel and airfares. However, don’t expect prices that are too low.

Be Transparent With Your Budget

A travel plan’s backbone is your budget. Travel advisors need to know your budget so that they know what they’re working with. They’re there to help you find the best bang for your buck, after all. By letting them know how much you’re willing to spend on a travel itinerary, they’ll know the perfect attractions and hotels they can book that you can afford.

Trust Their Advice

Since you’ve decided to hire a travel advisor, this means you’re looking for their input in planning your dream vacation. Travel advisors are experts in their field, and they know the industry more than most people. They know the similarities and differences of travel practices in different locations. They know the good and the bad. If you know the travel advisor you’ve hired is trustworthy, then rest assured that you’re in good hands.

While it may seem simple, crafting a good travel itinerary is hard to perfect on your own. The travel industry has become more complicated throughout the years. But, don’t fret as many travel advisors and agents are ready to help you navigate through it. Planning doesn’t have to be stressful. If you can, don’t hesitate to hire the services of these travel professionals.

Have you decided on your travel plans yet? If you’re going to New Zealand, don’t miss out on these hidden caves !

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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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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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Travel Agent vs. Travel Advisor: What’s The Difference & How To Decide If You Need One

Some people, like my husband, thrive on doing it all themselves. They know how to look for the best flights and hotels (“best” can be price, time frame, brand name or a mixture of all three). They love learning all the ins and outs of what they can do on the trip and making an itinerary based on that. All that work can take them hours, days or even weeks of worth, but to them, it’s worth it because that’s half the fun of the trip.

Others are just as happy having someone else do all the legwork. And that’s OK too; it’s a Your Mileage May Vary situation.

Which one is best for you? That’s up to you, based on a variety of factors. This might help:

Do You Need A Travel Agent To Plan A Trip? (This Was Not Written By A Travel Agent)

Meanwhile, if you’ve been planning trips (or using travel agents) for a while, you may have seen or heard a new phrase in the past few years: Travel Advisor .

What is the difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor? Virtually nothing.

ASTA stands for the American Society of Travel Agents. Well, of Travel Advisors, now. Founded in 1931, they’re a trade association that was formed to represent and defend the business and regulatory public policy interests of travel intermediaries, including travel agencies and tour providers.

Over time, the duties of travel agents have changed; nowadays they do a whole lot more than just booking trips. So in 2018 , they decided on a name change, from Travel Agent to Travel Advisor.

Same (ever-evolving) job…different name. It’s all good. 😉

Feature Photo: U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics

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It’s the same thing but sometimes Travel Advisors are employees of agencies versus the owners or principals of the agency so it can make a difference. I also love the thrill of the hunt and like doing it all myself but there are situations where a travel agent/advisor can help. They can almost always get you a better deal or better perks on cruise ships or all-inclusive resorts. They also are helpful for complicated trips like Safari’s and such. They really can’t do much for air or hotels but they will do all the leg work if time is important to you.

If you need a competent travel agent, the gold standard is CTC (Certified Travel Counselor). It’s tough to attain and has prerequisites that include years of work history so if you need to find someone experienced an competent, it’s a good way to go. Interesting that ASTA changed their name.

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Travel Agent vs. Travel Advisor: What’s the Difference?

For the past 20 years, travel has continually evolved. As flights, hotels, and travel experiences have become more accessible online, old-school travel agents have become less needed. In their place is the evolved travel agent—the travel advisor. But what makes a travel advisor different than an agent, and why do you need one? Let’s discuss.

Travel Agents

In the past, travel agents were “agents” for the airlines and hotels since consumers couldn’t book travel on their own. They answered calls, booked the trips their clients requested, and essentially served as order-takers.

Travel Advisors

Travel advisors are the evolved version of the travel agent. With the rise of the internet, consumers have almost too much information on the internet. For example, when you Google “Mexico vacation,” you get 328,000,000 results. Who has time to wade through all of that? Travel advisors give you the information you need while saving one of your most valuable resources—time! Doing basic travel research, like browsing online travel reviews, can take hours. Save time and get the expert advice you need with a travel advisor.

A travel advisor is well-traveled and has key contacts and resources in the industry to make the perfect recommendation for their clients. Through their years of first-hand experience and knowledge, they have improved the travel-planning process by figuring out methods of personalizing the experience for each of their clients.

One of the common myths about travel advisors is that using one makes your trip more expensive. This isn’t true. Actually, using a travel advisor gets you a better price on nearly every booking! Many travel advisors do charge trip-planning fees, since many travel suppliers no longer pay commission. But, getting expert knowledge on your behalf is worth the additional cost. Imagine using a financial advisor without paying them. It doesn’t make sense. A travel advisor does essentially the same thing, including saving you money on your expenses.

Other Benefits of Using a Travel Advisor

· Travel advisors work directly with a hotel’s executive team (whom they often have a personal relationship with!) to personalize your stay. Consumers are all about authentic experiences and extras these days. A travel advisor takes your experience even further by handling your show tickets and restaurant reservations. · Through preferred vendor relationships , most travel advisors can get their clients complimentary perks such as room upgrades, cruise line onboard ship credits, breakfast, wi-fi, early check-in, and more. · Advisors know their clients on a personal level so that they can continually suggest new and exciting vacation destinations that fit their preferences. · Travel advisors use personal contacts to make reservations that aren’t available online or through typical booking systems. · Hotels and airlines give travel advisors first dibs on some of the best travel products and experiences throughout the world.

All in all, travel advisors personalize travel to fit you rather than fit you into travel. These changes really take travel to the next level. As a network of independent travel advisors, we focus on creating a greater experience for our clients.

Explore our website to learn more about Andavo Travel. For consumers looking to find a luxury travel advisor, visit our For Travelers page.

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“Travel Agent” or “Travel Advisor”: Which is correct?

Post date: Dec 8 2022

Date: Dec 8 2022

By: Cindy Sosroutomo

TORONTO — So you’re finally ready to book that bucket-list trip you’ve spent years saving up for. Who do you turn to for help: a travel agent or a travel advisor?

Turns out, they are one and the same, at least from a consumer’s perspective. But ask an actual travel professional and they’ll tell you the two terms couldn’t be more different.

The divergence in terminology came to a head in 2018 when the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) launched a rebrand that replaced the term ‘travel agent’ with ‘travel advisor,’ based on the fact that their role and responsibilities are no longer simply transactional.

Following ASTA’s rebrand, ACTA (Association of Canadian Travel Agencies) here in Canada researched the terminology in late 2019 and found that although ‘travel agent’ was more commonly used at that time, ‘travel advisor’ was becoming increasingly popular.

“At that time, some travel agency owners and travel agents preferred to use the terminology of travel agent because A) They liked the term, and B) They preferred to make it clear that travel agents are ‘agents’ of a travel supplier from a legal perspective,” says Wendy Paradis, President of ACTA.

“With the emergence of the pandemic in early 2020, and government advocacy for financial support, ACTA intentionally continued to use the terminology ‘travel agent’ since this was the terminology government was most familiar with,” she adds.

However, in 2022, Paradis notes that most organizations associated with the United States, “for example, consortia and travel suppliers,” are now using the term ‘travel advisor,’ along with many Canadian travel agents. She adds that other popular terms in Canada include ‘travel consultant,’ ‘travel counsellor’ and ‘travel specialist.’

When asked whether the terminology actually makes a difference in the way consumers view travel agents, Paradis says that over time, it will.

“Evolving to the terminology ‘advisor’ seems to be becoming common in other industries as well, such as Financial Advisor, Insurance Advisor and Real Estate Advisor. But I do notice that many organizations in these industries continue to use both, like Insurance Agent and Real Estate Agent,” she adds.

With both terms being used simultaneously, Travelweek took the question directly to travel professionals hemselves: how do they prefer to be known – travel agent, or travel advisor?

Laurie Keith, President of Boutique Travel Services, says that the majority of her American travel agent friends refer to themselves as ‘travel advisors,’ however, she still refers to herself as a ‘professional travel agent.’

“This is what I’ve been for over 25 years and this is what Canadian consumers understand best. I’ve heard of other titles like ‘dream-maker,’ ‘travel consultant’ and ‘travel concierge,’ but I think they all still point back to our core business – being a travel agent.”

Keith notes that although today’s travel agent offers professional and expert advice, “we still act as an agent, securing travel arrangements for our clients through third party travel suppliers, much the same way since the first travel agency started in 1865 under Thomas Cook.”

Lise Archambault, Travel Agent & Cruise Centre – TravelPlus in Ottawa, ON, also agrees, telling Travelweek that the way she prefers to be recognized is the same way she’s listed below her signature – Travel Agent.

“I am a TICO-certified agent, which means I have licence to book travel, not just give advice or guidance, something already clearly in my repertoire,” says Archambault. “Let’s say you were moving to Ottawa. I could give you advice and guide you to a great neighbourhood, but I can’t sell you a house. That’s the distinction for me. As an agent, I have the credentials to close the deal.”

Though both Archambault and Keith make valid points, the vast majority of travel professionals Travelweek reached out to prefer to be called ‘travel advisor.’ Here’s what they had to say:

Heidi Hurst, Lead Travel Agent and Adventure Travel Specialist, Hideaway Travel, Calgary, AB

  “I don’t mind the difference between travel agent and travel advisor. With the idea of ‘travel advisor,’ it maybe places more emphasis on what it is that we do, because we do give a lot of advice. And with ‘travel agent,’ it seems to be more about just taking a booking. But I don’t like when people use the term ‘travel advisor’ to justify their fees. “it’s not posh, it’s not grandiose. It doesn’t change anything, but I think sometimes it changes the way people think about you.”

Scott Penney, Travel Advisor, The Travel Agent Next Door, Stewiacke, NS

“I prefer travel advisor. The main difference between the two is the level of service you provide to your client. As travel advisors, we are not order takers, and even though our clients are much more educated, they have more questions, need more advice and more recommendations than ever before since so much has changed over the last couple of years. Our roles are so much more now than just pushing a button, and files are way more complicated than in the past.”

Joanne Saab, Travel Advisor, Curated Travel, Ancaster, ON

“I prefer travel advisor or, given my business name, I often refer to myself as a Travel Curator as really this is what I’m doing for my clients – curating unique itineraries and trips. But I definitely prefer travel advisor over travel agent. ‘Travel agent’ infers a simple transactional process. You are an agent or a seller of a specific travel product – full stop. ‘Travel advisor’ is a more inclusive term for the services we provide. It also infers there is some sort of relationship that exists between the travel advisor and the client, which is true.”

Brenda Slater, Beyond the Beach, Tiny, ON

“I prefer to go by travel advisor – or independent travel advisor – although my business card says ‘travel concierge’ because that is how I prefer to work with clients. The difference is, a travel agent is someone who is more of an order taker, usually new, usually sticks to selling all-inclusives and pre-packaged tours. A travel advisor is capable of more. They have usually done extensive training and research and are capable of assisting with independent travel.”

Cindy Gaudet, COO, Fareconnect.com

“Over the last few years, we feel our title has definitely become more as a ‘travel advisor.’ There is a lot more advice and preparation involved now in sending clients on their travels. Travel advisors play a very important role in the development and growth in the tourism industry now. We have educated ourselves on a whole new level.”

Marilyn Stainer, Cruise and Travel Consultant, Burnaby, BC

“I would definitely prefer travel advisor. To me a travel agent is an order taker and only books exactly what is requested and nothing more. A travel advisor does just that – advises. Before booking or making any suggestions, we ask many questions to see what the best fit would be for the client and may suggest upgrades that the client may not even know is available. We have done a lot of travelling so we have firsthand knowledge of a resort, cruise or tour package to make suggestions for our clients that they will enjoy.”

Gary Rams, Soft Adventure Specialist, Independent – Crowfoot Travel Solutions, Calgary, AB

“When clients think of me I try to have them think of the term ‘Soft Adventure Specialist.’ For some clients, I would like them to refer to me as a travel advisor. How clients see us is very important. The term ‘travel agent’ reminds me of where we were years ago – an agent for airlines and tour operators. The term ‘travel advisor’ is more in line of working for clients. We advise the best value and experiences.”

Tony Santelli, Senior Travel Advisor, FunRexAlcyon Travel, Laval, QC

“Definitely travel advisor. In fact, I usually add ‘Senior Travel Advisor’ after my name. The reader will either think I’m old or that I have many years of experience in the travel industry. They would be right on both counts. The term ‘agent’ today sounds archaic. It was used when one was a ticket agent such as an airline ticket, rail ticket agent and passenger ship ticket agent. One need only see the work performed by travel advisors during the pandemic and we can all be proud of having been ‘advisors’ to our clients.”

Marianne Vogel, Just for You Travel & Consulting, Dundas, ON

“I like to be referred to as a travel advisor because that means long term. I want to serve my clients long term, not just a one-time deal. A travel agent means an order taker in my book, and you are only working for the supplier, whereas an advisor works for the clients and the suppliers who are offering their properties. I care about my clients’ trips, interview them to find out their likes and dislikes, and try to advise them on the best places to go that reflects their wants and needs.”

Carol Murray, President, Your Vacation Home, Concord, ON

“I definitely prefer travel advisor over travel agent. I would even add a ‘professional’ in front to make it ‘Professional Travel Advisor.’ The term ‘agent’ may incorrectly imply that you are simply a ‘booker’ of travel, like someone at a help-desk. Advisors, on the other hand, are there through the whole process, including when the client is in destination and upon their return.”

Valerie Murphy, Travel Advisor, Vision Travel, Waterloo, ON

“I might be a little old school as I am used to being called a travel agent, but I think ‘advisor’ does describe what we do, rather than ‘agent.’ An ‘agent’ makes me think of a ticketing agent just running off tickets, when in reality we are advising clients on all aspects of their travel – documentation requirements, health requirements, giving options on hotels, resorts, locations and more.”

Got a story idea? Reach out to Deputy Editor Cindy Sosroutomo at [email protected] .

Tags: Advisor, Agent, Lead Story

Cindy is Deputy Editor at Travelweek and has worked for the company since 2007. She has travelled to more than 50 countries and counts Kenya, Morocco, Thailand and Turkey among her favourite destinations.

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Travel Advisor vs. Travel Agent: What's the Difference and Do You Need One?

In early 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic forced the closures of international borders and stay-at-home orders became the norm, many travelers were left scrambling. Along with expensive rebooking and cancellation fees, travelers were faced with long lines at borders and even longer wait times with customer service representatives. But for consumers who had employed a travel agent, or travel advisor, to book their trips, it was a different story. "We saw travel advisors grabbing flights with no change fees; negotiating future travel credits; doing the legwork on behalf of their clients to avoid their clients having to pay anything out of pocket," says Erika Richter, the senior director of communications for the American Society of Travel Advisors. As Richter puts it, "Travel advisors were made for that moment."

So, what's the difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor? There isn't one. It's a matter of updated terminology within the industry: Thanks to a 2018 rebrand by the ASTA, travel agents are now known as travel advisors. They are still able to help those planning everything from epic honeymoons to family vacations to far-flung international trips, in addition to assisting travelers with other perks. Though a travel advisor may seem obsolete (with the prevalence of travel booking sites like Expedia and the ease of booking flights and accommodations directly online with an airline, a hotel or a vacation rental property), Richter explains that travel advisors are no longer just transactional. "They do so much more than booking tickets and pushing a button, and we know now that it's going to be a little more complicated than just pushing a button," Richter says. "There's a lot more to consider."

As borders reopen and the vaccination rollout continues, you may be eager to plan a trip and wonder if a travel advisor is right for you. U.S. News spoke with Richter and John Rees, owner and founder of J5Travel, a travel agency based in Davidson, North Carolina, that specializes in luxury travel. They explained the benefits of using a travel advisor, including ways an advisor can help you navigate the ever-changing testing, vaccine and quarantine requirements, as well as the hotel capacity and international border restrictions. Read on to understand what travel advisors can assist with and to learn several savvy tips to help you find the right travel advisor for your next vacation.

[Read: Where Can Americans Travel Right Now? ]

Help You Navigate COVID-19

Though COVID-19-related restrictions across the U.S. and the globe are starting to loosen, there are still a lot of variables for travelers to keep in mind. "The CDC's numerous orders that were intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 have also created confusion and uncertainty, and also scarcity and unpredictably in the planning process," Richter says. A travel advisor can help you navigate the evolving state-by-state and country-by-country accommodation and dining restrictions and help you better understand local regulations. "You really need to narrow in on where you'll be staying, what the new rules are, and consulting with a local professional in the destination where you want to go can save you a lot of time and hassle, truly," Richter says.

And if you're hoping to travel abroad, you'll have to contend with even more regulations, including testing requirements or proof of vaccination. "There's added work involved because all these countries have different restrictions, different requirements, and you have to get them right," Rees says. "I would say using a travel advisor gives you a big leg up on having to do that work yourself because a lot of this information is really hidden away. You have to track all this stuff down," he says.

In addition to helping you understand the rules and requirements of the destination you're hoping to visit, a travel advisor can also educate you on your travel insurance options. "Travel insurance is more important than ever," Rees says. "If it's the worst case and you're abroad and you are COVID-19-positive abroad and you don't have travel insurance, you're in a lot of trouble," Rees says. "[Travel insurance] is something that travel advisors will always recommend -- that doesn't mean the client takes it, but we think it's important."

And the guidance and assistance from your advisor doesn't stop after you've booked your trip. Should you encounter any trip disruptions during your vacation, such as a canceled flight , you can rely on your advisor to help you. "They read the fine print for you so you understand the complete terms and conditions so you're not in a position that you would have to go it alone and navigate refunds or future travel credits or be on hold for hours on end trying to get your money back -- that's what travel advisors do," Richter says.

[Read: The Best Travel Insurance Companies .]

Use Their Relationships to Score You Perks

Travel advisors don't just handle the logistics of your trip; they can leverage their relationships with travel suppliers, such as hotels and tour operators , to score you perks like hotel room upgrades, free breakfast and spa credits, according to Richter. "They have dedicated industry relations that give them their own dedicated customer service access, in essence, and because travel advisors work in larger groups, they have this sort of collective buying power and influence that they pass on to their clients," Richter says.

Plus, many will up the wow factor with special touches along the way, as was the case for Richter during a recent trip to Greece in which her travel advisor arranged for a personalized note and a bottle of wine to be delivered to her hotel room upon arrival. "It's the surprise and delight element that makes it memorable," Richter says.

And as Rees puts it, it's not just his knowledge you'll be tapping into, it's his network's, too. "I'm going to get you all the information and I'm going to get you extra amenities," Rees says.

Help You Use Your Travel Rewards

Hoping to use your points or miles to pay for your trip? A travel advisor like Rees can help you navigate the various travel rewards programs and help you maximize your elite status to enhance your vacation. "If we're successful [in applying travel rewards], the client feels like they've saved thousands of dollars, and quite a bit of that gets reinvested back into the trip, which makes it a better experience than it would've been," Rees says.

[Read: What Will Happen to My Elite Status and Points Because of the Coronavirus? ]

How to Find a Travel Advisor

Aside from asking friends and family for travel advisor recommendations, you can also easily find an ASTA-verified advisor through the organization's affiliate website, TravelSense.org. You can use the site's search tool to connect with an advisor who specializes in trip types, such as beach vacations or river cruises, or is an expert in your chosen destination. Using an ASTA-affiliated member means you're working with someone who has been vetted and follows the organization's code of ethics, which can be important should you need a dispute or complaint resolved.

And if you're worried about the cost, consider that most travel advisors offer free consultations, according to Richter. J5Travel is one such agency that does not charge a consultation fee. According to Rees, the in-depth consultation usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes and is a way for the advisor to get a better understanding of the client's objective for a trip and things they want to do and see. "They don't take you out of the planning equation," Richter says. "If you have an itinerary in mind or things that you're interested in doing, it truly can be a collaborative process."

The consultation is also a time for the traveler to see if the advisor is a suitable fit, according to Rees. "We are luxury. If someone is looking for a budget trip and they're going to price check everything on Expedia, then that's not our client and it wouldn't be fair to them to say they were our client," Rees says.

Along with your preliminary vacation plans, you'll also talk about the fees associated with hiring the travel advisor, which can vary widely depending on the complexity of the trip. For instance, J5Travel's fees can range from $99 to $349 per trip. But both Richter and Rees iterate that whatever fee you pay will likely come back to you in the form of perks that you wouldn't be able to secure yourself. "Travel advisors have relationships that would take you a lifetime to build," Richter says.

Plus, you'll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you've got a dedicated expert to help you every step of the way. "Travel is really a way that we're going to heal," Richter says. "We're going to be able to reconnect with the world and each other, and there's so much riding on it, so don't risk it."

You may also be interested in:

-- Where Can You Travel if You're Vaccinated?

-- Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic: What You Need to Know

-- 7 Ways Hotels are Changing Because of the Coronavirus

-- The Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies

-- The Best Places to Visit in the USA

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Travel By Bailey

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• Aug 25, 2020

Travel Agent vs. Travel Advisor: What's the Difference?

Updated: May 26, 2021

For the past few decades, travel has continually evolved. As flights, hotels, and travel experiences have become more accessible through the internet, old-school travel agents have become less relevant. In their place is the evolved travel agent—the travel advisor. But what makes a travel advisor different than an agent and why do you need one? Let’s talk!

Travel Agents

In the past, travel agents were “agents” for the airlines and hotels, since consumers couldn’t book travel on their own. They answered calls, booked the trips their clients requested, and essentially served as order-takers.

Travel Advisors

Travel advisors are the evolved version of the travel agent. With the rise of the internet, consumers have almost too much information on the web. For instance, when you Google “Hawaii vacation,” you get 346,000,000 results. Who has time to wade through all of that? Travel advisors give you the information you need while saving one of your most valuable resources—time! Doing basic travel research like browsing online travel reviews can take hours. Save time and get the expert advice you need with a travel advisor.

A travel advisor is well-traveled and has key contacts and resources in the industry to make the perfect recommendation for their clients. Through their years of first-hand experience and knowledge, they have improved the travel-planning process by optimizing methods of personalizing the experience for each of their clients.

One of the common misconceptions about travel advisors is that using one makes your trip more expensive. This isn’t true. Actually, using a travel advisor adds more value to nearly every booking! Many travel advisors do charge trip-planning fees to compensate the services they provide that booking through the internet does not offer. But, getting expert knowledge on your behalf is worth the additional cost. Imagine using a financial advisor without paying them. It doesn’t make sense. A travel advisor does essentially the same thing, including saving you money on your expenses and so much more.

Other Benefits of Using a Travel Advisor

Travel advisors work directly with a hotel’s executive team (whom they often have a personal relationship with!) to personalize your stay. Travelers are all about authentic experiences and extras these days. A travel advisor takes your experience even further by handling extras such as show tickets, private transfer pick ups, restaurant reservations, local guides and more.

Through preferred vendor relationships, most travel advisors can get their clients complimentary perks such as room upgrades, cruise line onboard ship credits, breakfast, Wi-Fi, early check-in and more.

As an advisor, I know my clients on a personal level so that I can continually suggest new and exciting vacation destinations that fit their preferences.

Travel advisors use personal contacts to make reservations that aren’t available online or through typical booking systems.

Hotels and airlines give travel advisors first-dibs on some of the best travel products and experiences throughout the world.

All in all, travel advisors personalize travel to fit you, rather than fit you into travel. It’s these changes that really take travel to the next level. As a network of independent travel advisors, we focus on creating a greater experience for our clients.

Learn more about Travel Central, my host agency, by exploring our website, www.travelcentralvacations.com. Or, if you're looking to use my services, please visit www.travelbybaileycom .

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Kommentarer

Travel Advisor vs. Travel Agent: What’s the Difference and Do You Need One?

A travel advisor can help you book a vacation, use your travel rewards and score you perks.

In early 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic forced the closures of international borders and stay-at-home orders became the norm, many travelers were left scrambling. Along with expensive rebooking and cancellation fees, travelers were faced with long lines at borders and even longer wait times with customer service representatives. But for consumers who had employed a travel agent, or travel advisor, to book their trips, it was a different story. “We saw travel advisors grabbing flights with no change fees; negotiating future travel credits; doing the legwork on behalf of their clients to avoid their clients having to pay anything out of pocket,” says Erika Richter, the senior director of communications for the American Society of Travel Advisors. As Richter puts it, “Travel advisors were made for that moment.”

So, what’s the difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor? There isn’t one. It’s a matter of updated terminology within the industry: Thanks to a 2018 rebrand by the ASTA, travel agents are now known as travel advisors. They are still able to help those planning everything from epic honeymoons to family vacations to far-flung international trips, in addition to assisting travelers with other perks. Though a travel advisor may seem obsolete (with the prevalence of travel booking sites like Expedia and the ease of booking flights and accommodations directly online with an airline, a hotel or a vacation rental property), Richter explains that travel advisors are no longer just transactional. “They do so much more than booking tickets and pushing a button, and we know now that it’s going to be a little more complicated than just pushing a button,” Richter says. “There’s a lot more to consider.”

As borders reopen and the vaccination rollout continues, you may be eager to plan a trip and wonder if a travel advisor is right for you. U.S. News spoke with Richter and John Rees, owner and founder of J5Travel, a travel agency based in Davidson, North Carolina, that specializes in luxury travel. They explained the benefits of using a travel advisor, including ways an advisor can help you navigate the ever-changing testing, vaccine and quarantine requirements, as well as the hotel capacity and international border restrictions. Read on to understand what travel advisors can assist with and to learn several savvy tips to help you find the right travel advisor for your next vacation.

Help You Navigate COVID-19

Though COVID-19-related restrictions across the U.S. and the globe are starting to loosen, there are still a lot of variables for travelers to keep in mind. “The CDC’s numerous orders that were intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 have also created confusion and uncertainty, and also scarcity and unpredictably in the planning process,” Richter says. A travel advisor can help you navigate the evolving state-by-state and country-by-country accommodation and dining restrictions and help you better understand local regulations. “You really need to narrow in on where you’ll be staying, what the new rules are, and consulting with a local professional in the destination where you want to go can save you a lot of time and hassle, truly,” Richter says.

And if you’re hoping to travel abroad, you’ll have to contend with even more regulations, including testing requirements or proof of vaccination. “There’s added work involved because all these countries have different restrictions, different requirements, and you have to get them right,” Rees says. “I would say using a travel advisor gives you a big leg up on having to do that work yourself because a lot of this information is really hidden away. You have to track all this stuff down,” he says.

In addition to helping you understand the rules and requirements of the destination you’re hoping to visit, a travel advisor can also educate you on your travel insurance options. “Travel insurance is more important than ever,” Rees says. “If it’s the worst case and you’re abroad and you are COVID-19-positive abroad and you don’t have travel insurance, you’re in a lot of trouble,” Rees says. “[Travel insurance] is something that travel advisors will always recommend – that doesn’t mean the client takes it, but we think it’s important.”

And the guidance and assistance from your advisor doesn’t stop after you’ve booked your trip. Should you encounter any trip disruptions during your vacation, such as a canceled flight, you can rely on your advisor to help you. “They read the fine print for you so you understand the complete terms and conditions so you’re not in a position that you would have to go it alone and navigate refunds or future travel credits or be on hold for hours on end trying to get your money back – that’s what travel advisors do,” Richter says.

Use Their Relationships to Score You Perks

Travel advisors don’t just handle the logistics of your trip; they can leverage their relationships with travel suppliers, such as hotels and tour operators, to score you perks like hotel room upgrades, free breakfast and spa credits, according to Richter. “They have dedicated industry relations that give them their own dedicated customer service access, in essence, and because travel advisors work in larger groups, they have this sort of collective buying power and influence that they pass on to their clients,” Richter says.

Plus, many will up the wow factor with special touches along the way, as was the case for Richter during a recent trip to Greece in which her travel advisor arranged for a personalized note and a bottle of wine to be delivered to her hotel room upon arrival. “It’s the surprise and delight element that makes it memorable,” Richter says.

And as Rees puts it, it’s not just his knowledge you’ll be tapping into, it’s his network’s, too. “I’m going to get you all the information and I’m going to get you extra amenities,” Rees says.

Help You Use Your Travel Rewards

Hoping to use your points or miles to pay for your trip? A travel advisor like Rees can help you navigate the various travel rewards programs and help you maximize your elite status to enhance your vacation. “If we’re successful [in applying travel rewards], the client feels like they’ve saved thousands of dollars, and quite a bit of that gets reinvested back into the trip, which makes it a better experience than it would’ve been,” Rees says.

How to Find a Travel Advisor

Aside from asking friends and family for travel advisor recommendations, you can also easily find an ASTA-verified advisor through the organization’s affiliate website, TravelSense.org. You can use the site’s search tool to connect with an advisor who specializes in trip types, such as beach vacations or river cruises, or is an expert in your chosen destination. Using an ASTA-affiliated member means you’re working with someone who has been vetted and follows the organization’s code of ethics, which can be important should you need a dispute or complaint resolved.

And if you’re worried about the cost, consider that most travel advisors offer free consultations, according to Richter. J5Travel is one such agency that does not charge a consultation fee. According to Rees, the in-depth consultation usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes and is a way for the advisor to get a better understanding of the client’s objective for a trip and things they want to do and see. “They don’t take you out of the planning equation,” Richter says. “If you have an itinerary in mind or things that you’re interested in doing, it truly can be a collaborative process.”

The consultation is also a time for the traveler to see if the advisor is a suitable fit, according to Rees. “We are luxury. If someone is looking for a budget trip and they’re going to price check everything on Expedia, then that’s not our client and it wouldn’t be fair to them to say they were our client,” Rees says.

Along with your preliminary vacation plans, you’ll also talk about the fees associated with hiring the travel advisor, which can vary widely depending on the complexity of the trip. For instance, J5Travel’s fees can range from $99 to $349 per trip. But both Richter and Rees iterate that whatever fee you pay will likely come back to you in the form of perks that you wouldn’t be able to secure yourself. “Travel advisors have relationships that would take you a lifetime to build,” Richter says.

Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve got a dedicated expert to help you every step of the way. “Travel is really a way that we’re going to heal,” Richter says. “We’re going to be able to reconnect with the world and each other, and there’s so much riding on it, so don’t risk it.”

Courtesy of USNews

6 reasons a travel advisor is essential for planning travel in 2021

By AAA staff

February 03, 2021

After a long pandemic, many Americans are excited to book trips for 2021 and 2022, but they face a changed travel landscape that's easier to navigate with the help of an advisor.

Change and cancellation policies are in flux, COVID testing requirements differ slightly between countries, and it's tricky to know what the best value is when so many companies are offering unprecedented deals. We look at these and other reasons that getting a travel advisor's assistance is more valuable than ever.

1. They can handle the details so you don't have to

Traveling abroad can be a hassle in the best of times. Add in testing requirements both for entering foreign countries and for returning to the U.S., plus different rules for each country and varying policies from each travel provider, and the value of a travel advisor to sort it out becomes clear.

Travel advisors can also assist with more mundane things, like advising you on passport renewal requirements and recommendations for obtaining an International Driving Permit.

2. They can help in unexpected circumstances

Travel advisors act as the traveler's advocate if something goes wrong, such as cancellations or weather delays. For example, if your tour provider cancels your trip, it'll be your travel advisor going through the (potentially lengthy) process to get a refund or future credit, not you. And if something happens on the trip, you don't have to navigate the challenge of changing your itinerary and dealing with car rental, airlines, and tour companies directly to make all the pieces fit together.

3. They can help find the best deals & perks

One of the foremost reasons travelers turn to travel advisors is to stretch their dollars further. An advisor may be privy to deals that most people don't know about, and will have a better idea of the best times to travel, what a trip should cost, and which offers are actually deals.

That's especially true now, with many companies lowering prices and offering free perks to entice travelers to book soon. With capacity expected to be limited, these offers won't last forever. An advisor will be familiar with where to find them and which ones are the most valuable

RELATED CONTENT: 5 reasons why you should book travel now

4. They can help take the hassle out of planning

Fun in the sun at a resort in Jamaica? Culinary adventures on a river cruise in Thailand? The modern traveler can choose from hundreds of destinations and many options for how to visit each one. A travel advisor can narrow the search by matching what you want with the available options.

They can also take the guesswork out of planning the logistics of traveling to a place you've never been before. That's even more important now that the U.S. is requiring all incoming travelers, including citizens returning from abroad, to provide a negative COVID test—your advisor can help you pick a resort that provides on-site or other testing options.

5. They've been there & done that

Travel advisors are often well-traveled thanks to educational trips where they visit the destinations and sample the experiences that they recommend to travelers. That means an advisor may not merely know a lot about a destination—they may have been there, sometimes multiple times, and can make recommendations based on personal experience. See our  guide to London  and  guide to Rhine river cruising  for examples of the insights an advisor can offer.

Some advisors have also traveled during the current pandemic, allowing them to lend more specific insights. 

6. They can help personalize your trip

No two travelers are perfectly alike, so no two trips should be either. If you have dietary needs, accessibility concerns, or other requirements, a travel advisor can help make your trip as smooth as possible. 

A travel advisor can also personalize a trip to your tastes. For example, if you've already been to Paris and don't need to see the usual sights this time around, an advisor can help put together an itinerary that goes beyond the obvious.

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Travel agent vs. travel advisor: understanding the distinction.

• X (Twitter)

By Courtney Eisen

March 15, 2023

When planning a luxury vacation, it is important to understand who you should turn to for expert advice - is it a travel agent or an advisor? There has been much debate about the difference between the two professions, with some claiming that they are interchangeable while others insist that they do not. The truth of the matter is that while the terms "travel agent" and "travel advisor" may be used differently in popular culture, they refer to the same type of professional in reality.

When pursuing a career in selling travel, you may find yourself torn between two titles - travel agent or travel advisor. There has been an ongoing debate about the differences between these two professions. While some argue they are interchangeable, others insist they carry distinct meanings. In reality, however, both terms refer to the same type of professional.

Luxury Travel Agents and Advisors: Similar Services, Extensive Knowledge

Luxury travel agents and luxury travel advisors share extensive industry knowledge and offer similar services to their clients. Whether you choose to be an agent or an advisor, you will have access to exclusive deals on high-end resorts, cruises, and flights. These professionals excel at organizing luxury trips and often have valuable contacts within the industry. These connections allow them to secure discounted prices or special services that may not be readily available through mainstream channels. They can negotiate prices, book reservations, provide destination advice, and suggest attractions or activities based on your preferences.

The Subtle Connotation: Tailored Experiences

The main distinction between the two titles lies in a subtle connotation. The term "travel advisor" emphasizes the creation of unique experiences tailored to each client's specific needs. Advisors take into consideration factors such as budget, destination preferences, accommodations, activities, food and beverage options, and more. Those who prefer to be called travel advisors instead of travel agents aim to communicate a more sophisticated approach to travel. They want to differentiate themselves from run-of-the-mill travel agents by highlighting their ability to curate personalized experiences. While the term emphasizes this aspect of service, it doesn't exclude the same services from being associated with the title "Travel Agent".

Interchangeable Usage: Focus on Training and Certification

In popular culture, the terms "travel agent" and "travel advisor" are often used interchangeably. It's important not to get too caught up in the difference between the two. Both professions require formal training and up-to-date certification from accredited institutions like IATA to operate lawfully. Whether you choose to go by the title of agent or advisor, know that the path to success in this industry remains the same.

If you're interested in pursuing a career as a Luxury Travel Advisor or Agent, LuxRally Travel is here to support you. We offer free, online, self-directed travel agent training along with a range of resources designed to ensure your success. As a Luxury Host Agency founded by the highest-grossing luxury travel agent in the world, LuxRally Travel understands what it takes to turn travel into a six or even seven-figure career.

Why does LuxRally Travel use the title Luxury Travel Agent?

The answer is simple; people use the word travel agent more than travel advisors when searching for our services on Google. We want people looking for luxury travel agents to find us, and the search volume supports this decision. Additionally, while there is a more luxurious connotation to the term travel advisor, we do not see a material difference and find that only industry professionals care about the differences between the terms. Instead of using a different word, we aim to redefine what people think about when they hear the word "travel agent." We use our services and commitment to excellence to differentiate ourselves, not semantics.

Now, let's address some common questions that people researching how to become a travel agent or travel advisor often ask:

Do I need formal training to become a travel agent or travel advisor?

Yes, both professions require formal training and up-to-date certification from accredited institutions such as IATA. This ensures that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to operate lawfully and provide quality service to your clients.

What sets a luxury travel advisor apart from a regular travel agent?

Nothing separates these terms but the semantics and the connotation.

How can LuxRally Travel help me succeed as a luxury travel advisor or agent?

LuxRally Travel offers free, online, self-directed travel agent training to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for success. As a Luxury Host Agency founded by the highest-grossing luxury travel agent in the world, we understand the industry inside out and provide additional resources to help you build a thriving career.

Remember, whether you choose to be called a travel agent or a travel advisor, what matters most is your dedication to providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable experiences for your clients.

If you are interested in becoming a Luxury Travel Advisor (or Agent) LuxRally Travel offers free, online, self-directed travel agent training along with a host of other resources to ensure success. As a Luxury Host Agency founded by the highest-grossing luxury travel agent in the world , LuxRally Travel understands what it takes to turn travel into a six or even seven-figure career.

More Resources

Why You Should Be a 24 Hour Travel Agent

How Do Travel Agents Make Money?

How to Start a Travel Agency From Home

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Know the difference between Travel Consultants and Travel Agents

What is the difference between a travel agent and a travel consultant? The shift started in the 1990's with the introduction of online booking sites. Travelers who once reserved air tickets and hotels directly with a travel agent now had access to book directly. In the following 25+ years, thousands of agencies closed their doors and the business models shifted from distributors to specialists.

Travel agents are often affiliated with an agency or consortia and serve as an intermediary between booking systems and travelers. They may have a speciality for a destination, region, or niche like African safaris or Caribbean cruises. Agents also receive incentives from the companies and organizations they promote. For example, if they book a certain number of rooms with Marriott Hotels & Resorts, they accrue bonuses and/or complimentary stays for personal use.

Travel consultants have emerged to serve the need of those seeking experiential travel. While online sites now dominate the market for air ticket + hotel bundles, consultants offer a personal touch. They are advocates who create a conversation, map logistics, and offer authentic experiences for their clients. Consultants often work directly with Destination Management Companies (DMC's) abroad in the respective countries.

So who is the ideal resource for your trip?

If you are seeking a good deal on basic services, including flight ticketing and hotel rooms, an agent may have volume from their host company to offer discounted rates. However, if a good value to you includes assistance and advocacy on specialized experiences, a travel consultant will have access to more local connections - farmhouse cuisine with villagers, tea with a royal family, or private viewings of art collections. 

At Sodha Travel, we consider our team travel consultants. We are certified destination specialists, independently owned, and only reserve comprehensive itineraries. Additionally, we are not associated with a commission or loyalty program and can therefore offer unbiased suggestions for accommodations and experiences. Our philosophy is to create relationships with our clients and offer truly customized travel programs. We have spent thousands of hours staying in hotels, meeting guides, inspecting vehicles, and building relationships with vendors, proprietors, and locals. Sodha Travel has a mindful, integral approach to tourism with a commitment to socially and environmentally conscious itineraries. This expertise and awareness comes from years of servicing South Asia.

Let us know how we can assist with planning your adventure in South Asia!

Topics: Accommodations , Transportation , Education , consultant

Written by Allison Sodha

As the President of Sodha Travel and author of Go! Girl Guides India, Allison has spent almost two decades exploring South Asia. She has a passion for creating experiences fueled by a deeper understanding of local communities.

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5 Types of Travel Advisors: Find Your Match

October 31, 2023.

Table of Contents

I’m a relative newbie to the travel industry, having launched Mango Tree Travel in 2022. When I dove in, I had a vague awareness that travel advisors existed.

But I’ll be the first to admit: I did not fully appreciate their day-to-day work, the nuances between the different types of travel advisors, or their role in helping experienced travelers like me.  

Learning the ins-and-outs of planning travel these last two years has been like drinking from a firehose of information. The more types of travel advisors I meet, though, the more I realize many of us have entered the scene just in the last 3-5 years.

Travel advisors, it turns out, are having a major resurgence. And these are not your grandmother’s travel agents.

Wipe from your mind the image of a crotchety “travel agent” who books business flights. Today’s travel advisors are a sophisticated, energetic, plugged-in bunch, out to offer unique and elevated travel experiences. They – or shall I say we, as I’ve now entered the fray – can add value even to the most persnickity, experienced, and independent travelers.

As with everything in today’s age of endless information, though, it can be overwhelming to sort through the myriad types of travel advisors and ways to book travel. How do you know the best option?

Let’s start by sorting through the different types of travel advisors and travel agencies to point you in the right direction.

The Basics: What Is A Travel Advisor?

A travel advisor is a professional trip planner. At the most basic level, travel advisors help clients – travelers like you – plan and book trips. They provide travel advice, and match travelers with the right destinations, hotels, flights, and tour operators. They also book and arrange the travel logistics for you.

The booking component is important. Why? Because most travel advisors work, at least in part, on commissions. Travel suppliers – including hotels, cruise lines, car rental companies and tour operators – factor commissions into the rates they charge customers, rewarding travel advisors who bring them business.   

Travel advisors work with industry suppliers and partners to varying degrees to arrange travel for their clients.  In that sense, travel advisors are also professional relationship builders. Through their connections with suppliers, they add value to your trips in the form of insider tips, personal connection, and VIP treatment and amenities.

What’s The Difference Between Travel Agent vs. Travel Advisor

There’s no real difference between how to define travel agent vs. travel advisor. They are the same — except for how modern day travel advisors see themselves relative to suppliers, and to clients.

Before the internet, travelers booked with travel agents in person. It was a brick-and-mortar business, and the only way to do travel.  Many travel agents were truly agents of the airlines, hotels chains, and suppliers. They weren’t necessarily out to get you the best travel experience, but instead were primarily a booking vehicle.

Most of today’s travel advisors, on the other hand, are independent travel agents operating in a client service role. They set out to design the best trips for you, and to work collaboratively to plan travel experiences. They help their travelers weed through seemingly endless options, and curate exceptional trips.   

But they do so in different ways, depending on the type of travel advisor.

Learn more: Why hire a travel advisor in 2024 ? 

5 Different Types of Travel Advisors and Travel Agencies

1.  leisure travel advisors .

Imagine having someone meticulously craft a travel journey for you, just like a tailor would design you a bespoke suit.

Full-service leisure travel advisors – many of whom are luxury travel advisors – are like personal concierges, tailoring each trip according to your desires.  

Typically, you’ll start your relationship with a luxury travel advisor with a discovery call, where they learn about your trip goals, priorities, desired destination(s) and budget. From there, they will create a custom itinerary for you.

From discovering hidden gems in a familiar city to ensuring your stay is comfortable , luxury travel agents can manage every aspect of your trip. Their services aren’t just about booking flights and accommodations; they delve deep into the nuances—matching your trip with local festivals, making reservations at exclusive restaurants, and arranging private tours.

That said, your leisure travel advisor doesn’t have to do it all for you. You can lean on them as much as you need, but reserve certain aspects of the trip to plan yourself.  

One incredible thing that I learned since becoming a leisure travel advisor myself is that they don’t do it alone! As mentioned briefly above, a big part of a travel advisor’s job is to build relationship with hotel representatives, tour operators, and other ground partners. Those relationships help us identify the unique experiences that are hard (or impossible) to find and book on your own.

In other words, when you hire a leisure travel advisor, you aren’t just hiring someone to do exactly what you would do, i.e. read all the TripAdvisor review to try to sort out which tour or hotel is worth your money.  Instead, you’re plugging into a vast web of industry relationships, resources, and partnerships to access the best travel experiences.  

Learn more : The perks of booking with a travel advisor (and the two circumstances when you’re better of planning alone). 

Leisure travelers can offer a range of luxury experiences. Some do their best work in the realm of the elite, learning the ins-and-outs of private yacht charters and private jet transfers, exclusive resorts, and over-the-top experiences. Think private dinners atop a secluded mountain, or a safari game drive on a private reserve.

Others offer a mix of properties, focusing on boutique hotels and hidden gems for a range of budgets.

The takeaway: Before you work with a luxury travel advisor, make sure you’re on the same page about the type travel advisor and the type of of experience you’re looking for.  There’s a travel advisor out there for you, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all type of relationship.  

Planning a family trip? Explore our travel planning services to see if we’d be a good fit. 

2. Full-Service Or Host Travel Agency

Most travel advisors today are independent contractors who work with a full-service travel agency, or a host agency. That’s because a solo travel advisor, without support, cannot build the industry connections and relationships needed to offer his or her clients the best travel experiences.  

No matter how skilled an individual travel advisor is at planning knock-out trips, he or she can’t possibly know every hotel or tour operator in the world. Plus, a single travel advisor would struggle to send enough clients to any particular hotel brand to be in a position to negotiate preferred benefits for clients.

Travel agencies offer advisors power in numbers, and a network of peers to learn from. A travel advisor’s relationship with her host travel agency elevates your trip experience.

To provide an example, Mango Tree Travel is an affiliate of Jetset World Travel , a full-service travel agency, with advisors specializing in luxury travel.  Through our Jetset World Travel network, we have access to top tier hotel programs, like Four Seasons Preferred and Virtuoso, and endless travel industry partners and resources.

In short, a  full-service host agency  is the ultimate support system for leisure travel advisors. They help us build our network, make industry connections, and offer back-end support.  

As the client, you don’t necessarily need to understand the detailed features of the travel agency that your advisor is a part of, so long as you pick a travel advisor that suits your personal style.  But it can help to confirm that your travel advisor is part of a well-connected travel agency that can help take your trip to the next level, and that he or she is not limited by their host agency in the types of travel they can effectively book.

3. Specialty or Niche Travel Advisors

Just as a sommelier possesses deep knowledge about wines, specialty travel agents are experts in specific niches of the travel realm.

Consider the Disney travel advisor who knows every nook and cranny of the Disney parks, or the cruise specialist who knows exactly how to get you the right cabin and navigate shore excursion and entertainment. These types of travel advisors go deep on one or a handful of specific things, specialists rather than generalists. 

Niche travel advisors can specialize in certain kinds of travel destinations or certain types of travel, such as ecotourism, destination weddings, or health and wellness retreats.

Or, some travel agents specialize based on traveler type, such as family or solo travelers, or group trips, and develop the expertise to mold their trips to the unique needs of their clients.

For example, we specialize in family travel here at Mango Tree, making us uniquely suited to handle the travel struggles faced by parents, like how to handle your toddler in a hotel .

Learn more : Why you should use a  Caribbean travel advisor  to plan your tropical family vacation.

4. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are the web-based platforms that have become common household names, like Expedia, Travelocity and Booking. OTAs have made it easy for travelers to search and book from a wide inventory of travel suppliers.  

These websites are referred to in the industry as online travel agencies because, in a way, they operate like travel agencies. Customers use these online platforms to find their hotels, tours, flights, and other travel components, and then books through them. When a customer books travel through an online travel agency, these platforms keep a percentage of the travel cost, i.e. a commission.

It’s worth noting a few things about OTAs, given their popularity in today’s travel market.  

First, what OTAs offer in breadth, discounts, and the ability to book quickly, they lack in depth, customization, service, and personal touch.

OTAs are excellent for those on a tight budget, or very independent travelers. They are also a great starting point for your travel planning, to get a sense of what’s available. But they are not a good fit for those looking for highly tailored experiences, luxury accommodations, or top customer service.

OTAs also often have negotiated deals with hotel brands to  keep up to 30% of the booked rate . Travel advisors, by comparison, can typically earn 10-15% commission on hotel bookings. 

Hotels prefer bookings that come in through travel advisors and typically give travel advisor clients preferred treatment, in the form of welcome gifts, better upgrades, and overall experience.

5. Business Travel Agencies

If you work for a large company, and travel for work, you may have booked through your company’s corporate travel agents.

Business travel agencies specialize in corporate travel.  These types of travel advisors have a  different set of skills  than leisure traveler advisors, with a greater expertise in last-minute and flexible flights, business-focused hotel chains, and conference or meeting space.  

Business travel agencies may also have negotiated hotel rates with specific hotel brands to whom they send a large volume of customers, and may quickly be able to get you the private transfers you need to make it to a meeting.

A Final Word About The Different Types of Travel Advisors 

Now you have a better sense of what’s going on behind the scenes, and the different types of travel advisors available to help you organize your travel.

Whether you need help with frequent business trips, are planning a once-in-a-lifetime luxury safari to Africa, or simply want guidance on which island is the best choice for a quick family getaway, there’s a travel advisor out there who can add value to your trip.  

Once you find the right type of travel advisor that matches your personal style and plans the type of travel experience you’re looking for, the value proposition will become clear.

Learn all the benenits of working with a travel advisor — and two times you should never do so.

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Travel Advisor Resources

Travel Advisor vs. Travel Consultant Jobs: Are They Different?

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/travel-consultant-jobs

Travel consultant jobs: are they any different from travel advisor or travel agent jobs ? Is there a difference between travel advisors and agents? We get it — it’s confusing. That’s why we’re covering all the bases, from traditional in-office travel agent positions to contemporary remote travel consultant jobs. 

Interested in an awesome career in travel? Sign up to become a Fora Advisor today.

Traditionally, travel advisor & travel consultant jobs were different

Today, travel agent , travel consultant and travel advisor are all used interchangeably for the most part. 

However, if you want to get technical, there are slight differences. Here’s how they break down.

(P.S. Here’s what travel agents do .)

Historically, travel agents only booked trips & reservations for clients

Travel agents have existed since the late 1800s (it was one of the first jobs in the travel agency ), where they booked accommodations and railroad tickets through networks existing in the United States. There was no internet to rely on back then, so going through an agent was the only surefire way to secure hotel rooms or train tickets in advance. 

Over time, the types of bookings travel agents could make expanded, particularly as it became significantly easier to travel around the world in the 20th century. Meanwhile, competition was increasing among agents, especially in major cities, where people were more likely to travel elsewhere.

Travel consultants changed the equation by helping clients plan trips

By the 1960s, as travel networks continued to expand worldwide, it became increasingly possible to plan detailed itineraries abroad. Likewise, more involved travel agents began distinguishing themselves as travel consultants to separate themselves from ordinary travel agents. 

Thus, in the early days, travel consultant jobs were geared toward booking and planning, whereas “standard" travel agents still focused mostly on booking.

“Travel advisor” is the contemporary term (and what Fora uses)

Travel agents and consultants thrived through the late 20th century until the advent of the internet, when automated, online travel agencies (or OTAs) began outpacing real people as a seemingly more convenient choice. Unfortunately, many in the industry failed to evolve properly, and like many 20th-century professions, travel planning with a person was largely reserved for bespoke trips and the occasional savvy traveler. 

From these “survivors” (we acknowledge that may be a tad dramatic) came contemporary travel advisors — the term we feel best encapsulates the profession.

Travel advisors — and by extension, Fora Advisors — bring much more to the table than OTAs. For one, they’re real people who can handle unusual circumstances, special requests and offer an all-around more concierge-based experience. Moreover, there’s a lot more value to booking with an advisor than through an OTA (see all the types of bookings you can make as a Fora Advisor ).

But there has always been tons of overlap, and the terms are still used interchangeably

There has always been tons of overlap between travel consultants, agents and, more recently, advisors. Often, it’s up to the professional to determine their title.

Moreover, with additional categories like remote travel agent or traditional travel agent further muddying the waters, it can still be pretty confusing knowing what’s what. In reality, all three terms are more or less accurate today, so don’t worry too much about the jargon.

Interested in a travel consultant job? Sign up to become a Fora Advisor today.

(Want to know how to become a travel agent ? Check out our full guide.)

Travel consultant jobs: FAQs

Here are a few answers to common questions about travel consultant jobs (a.k.a. travel advisor jobs).

What does a modern travel consultant do?

Anyone referring to themselves as a travel consultant in today’s market likely provides all the same services as modern travel advisors. Again, the terms are often interchangeable and up to the discretion of the advisor (or agent, or consultant).

Curious about what it takes to be a successful travel advisor ? Our guide has tips.

Can you make good money as a remote travel consultant? What does a travel consultant’s salary look like?

With patience and determination, absolutely. We can’t comment on the success of other travel agencies, but the Fora travel advisor salary of many of our top earners exceeds six figures (in case you’re wondering if being a travel agent is worth it ).

Our guide to how much travel agents make breaks this down a bit more, including topics like travel agent commissions and more.

Sound like a great deal? Apply to become a Fora Advisor .

How do you become a remote travel consultant online? Is it hard?

Becoming a travel agent online is actually pretty straightforward when you join Fora; we make it simple. As part of our membership, we provide extensive, expert-led travel agent training and opportunities for travel agent certification . More importantly, you don’t need to attend some sort of outdated travel agent school to become a Fora Advisor. We should note that some travel consultant jobs do require prior experience and education.

( What does it take to become a travel agent ? At Fora, having a passion for travel means you’re already 90 percent of the way there.)

What experience do you need to become a travel consultant?

As we noted, while some agencies require existing experience or travel agent education , this isn’t universal. In fact, it’s one of the most common myths about becoming a travel advisor . At Fora, we welcome anyone with a passion for travel, no experience, certification or degree required.

Are any travel consultant jobs part time?

Some agencies do require a full-time commitment, but there’s no reason your travel consultant job can’t be a travel side hustle . One of the perks of working with Fora is that we place flexibility front and center. 

Looking for a part-time gig in an exciting field? Become a Fora Advisor .

Are there different types of contemporary travel consultants?

Yes, though it’s probably more accurate to say that travel consultant jobs can take on a variety of niches. For instance, corporate travel agents book and plan business trips. Luxury travel advisors plan (what else?) luxury trips. And Disney travel agents plan Disney vacations. 

The list of niches is nearly endless, and you’ll find plenty of travel consultants who specialize in travel to specific destinations, like the best places to stay in Hawai‘i .

Want to learn more about remote travel consultant Jobs? Ask Fora

If you’re dying to learn more about remote travel consultant jobs, why not ask the source? Sign up to become a Fora Advisor . 

There are tons of reasons to become a Fora Advisor (take it from our existing advisors), but to sum it up, you don’t need experience or education, you can work as much or as little as you want and we’ll teach you all you need to know to be successful. 

Still testing the waters? Check out these travel advisor resources, too:

How Long Does It Take to Become a Travel Agent?  

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Travel Agent? Fora Tells  

How Do Travel Agents Get Clients? Fora's Top 5 Tips  

Why Group Bookings Are Great: Tips from an Expert  

How Much Do Travel Agents Make Per Booking?  

How to Market Your Travel Business Like a Pro: Tips from the Experts  

Room Blocks 101: Mastering the Art of Group Bookings

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The American Society of Travel Advisors is Disappointed by DOT’s Lack of Understanding of Travel Agencies and the Role They Play in Selling Airline Tickets

American Airlines Postpones NDC & AAdvantage Changes

Global Travel Advisor Groups Raise Concerns around American Airlines’ Anti-Competitive Actions

American Society of Travel Advisors Takes Aim at American Airlines, Launches Save My Miles Campaign.

Accepting Nominations for "Travel Advisor of the year"

The American Society of Travel Advisors Expands Travel Advisor Mentorship Opportunities

ASTA Applauds Congressional Funding of Travel and Tourism Office

Five Things for Travel Advisors to Love About Puerto Rico

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Booking through agent Vs Airline direct - Air Travel Forum

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Example.... London to Auckland Via Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur on Turkish/Malaysian.

Direct through Turkish Airlines you can't go on a Wednesday.....only Tuesday/Thursday. LGW-IST-KUL-AKL

But on the search engines you can get the same leaving on a Wednesday. But is that the same as booking separate flights ?

I wouldn't want to have to check in at each layover ideally.

Thx in advance

10 replies to this topic

They do fly to IST/KUL on a Wednesday but the onward connection to AKL doesn't appear as an option. Might try ringing them.

I expect the resident OTA representative to declare that there is no real advantage in booking directly with the a1rlines and that booking through an OTA is just fine and dandy.

Booking through any sort of third party agent, whether a respectable one like Trailfinders or one I’d run a mile from like KIwi never confers any different terms for baggage transfer ever.

The rules and regs are determined by the ticket type, eg single ticket vs multiple, separate tickets with ‘self connections’, or whether the connection/layover - terms aren’t necessarily synonymous - are in countries which allow ‘smooth, simple’ connections, and the USA notable is an outlier here but not quite unique. Some airports can also make a difference.

The devil is in the detail of ticket type, and prices usually reflect that with complex routes.

Not all agents are made the same.

Trailfinders are undoubted . They will make the booking and provide excellent after sakes suppirt.

Expedia are reputable and will make the booking but not so easy to deal with if you need after sales support

I would not touchOpodo with the proverbial barge pole

Go to a brick and mortar agency. They will insure it is all on one ticket if that is what you want and can find you th ebest pricing and options. They may not match a shoddy OTA but thats because they won't be booking separate tickets, etc.

Thanks all.....appreciate the feedback.

Expedia don’t issue separate tickets so I wouldn’t have an issue booking a connection with them, even with multi airlines who are not in an alliance or partnership, ie just regular run of the mill ticketing interline agreements.

With Opodo, you’d have to check the itinerary & notes, messaging etc that comes with it. If it’s a self connection, obviously there’d be no baggage transfer. I think you can filter out those options from the search.

With offline TAs like Trailfinders, they’re a professional organisation, very well respected so no

concerns there.

And as some posters have already mentioned, OTAs & TAs offer different combinations to airline websites because airlines are not travel agents and do not offer anything beyond simple itineraries involving their flights & those of their alliance partners. OTAs & TAs in the other hand, can combine any airlines on one itinerary & e-ticket as long as there are interline ticketing agreements & the itinerary can be priced.

So depending on your itinerary, eliminating OTAs and TAs will limit your choices if you want something more complex than just out & back on same airline .

It’s not a question of booking one way is better than another, it’s a question of choosing the right booking channel for your requirements.

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Travel Advisor vs. Travel Agent: What’s the Difference and Do You Need One?

U.S. News & World Report

May 19, 2021, 12:00 AM

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In early 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic forced the closures of international borders and stay-at-home orders became the norm, many travelers were left scrambling. Along with expensive rebooking and cancellation fees, travelers were faced with long lines at borders and even longer wait times with customer service representatives. But for consumers who had employed a travel agent, or travel advisor, to book their trips, it was a different story. “We saw travel advisors grabbing flights with no change fees; negotiating future travel credits; doing the legwork on behalf of their clients to avoid their clients having to pay anything out of pocket,” says Erika Richter, the senior director of communications for the American Society of Travel Advisors. As Richter puts it, “Travel advisors were made for that moment.”

So, what’s the difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor? There isn’t one. It’s a matter of updated terminology within the industry: Thanks to a 2018 rebrand by the ASTA, travel agents are now known as travel advisors. They are still able to help those planning everything from epic honeymoons to family vacations to far-flung international trips, in addition to assisting travelers with other perks. Though a travel advisor may seem obsolete (with the prevalence of travel booking sites like Expedia and the ease of booking flights and accommodations directly online with an airline, a hotel or a vacation rental property), Richter explains that travel advisors are no longer just transactional. “They do so much more than booking tickets and pushing a button, and we know now that it’s going to be a little more complicated than just pushing a button,” Richter says. “There’s a lot more to consider.”

As borders reopen and the vaccination rollout continues, you may be eager to plan a trip and wonder if a travel advisor is right for you. U.S. News spoke with Richter and John Rees, owner and founder of J5Travel, a travel agency based in Davidson, North Carolina, that specializes in luxury travel. They explained the benefits of using a travel advisor, including ways an advisor can help you navigate the ever-changing testing, vaccine and quarantine requirements, as well as the hotel capacity and international border restrictions. Read on to understand what travel advisors can assist with and to learn several savvy tips to help you find the right travel advisor for your next vacation.

[Read: Where Can Americans Travel Right Now? ]

Help You Navigate COVID-19

Though COVID-19-related restrictions across the U.S. and the globe are starting to loosen, there are still a lot of variables for travelers to keep in mind. “The CDC’s numerous orders that were intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 have also created confusion and uncertainty, and also scarcity and unpredictably in the planning process,” Richter says. A travel advisor can help you navigate the evolving state-by-state and country-by-country accommodation and dining restrictions and help you better understand local regulations. “You really need to narrow in on where you’ll be staying, what the new rules are, and consulting with a local professional in the destination where you want to go can save you a lot of time and hassle, truly,” Richter says.

And if you’re hoping to travel abroad, you’ll have to contend with even more regulations, including testing requirements or proof of vaccination. “There’s added work involved because all these countries have different restrictions, different requirements, and you have to get them right,” Rees says. “I would say using a travel advisor gives you a big leg up on having to do that work yourself because a lot of this information is really hidden away. You have to track all this stuff down,” he says.

In addition to helping you understand the rules and requirements of the destination you’re hoping to visit, a travel advisor can also educate you on your travel insurance options. “Travel insurance is more important than ever,” Rees says. “If it’s the worst case and you’re abroad and you are COVID-19-positive abroad and you don’t have travel insurance, you’re in a lot of trouble,” Rees says. “[Travel insurance] is something that travel advisors will always recommend — that doesn’t mean the client takes it, but we think it’s important.”

And the guidance and assistance from your advisor doesn’t stop after you’ve booked your trip. Should you encounter any trip disruptions during your vacation, such as a canceled flight , you can rely on your advisor to help you. “They read the fine print for you so you understand the complete terms and conditions so you’re not in a position that you would have to go it alone and navigate refunds or future travel credits or be on hold for hours on end trying to get your money back — that’s what travel advisors do,” Richter says.

[Read: The Best Travel Insurance Companies .]

Use Their Relationships to Score You Perks

Travel advisors don’t just handle the logistics of your trip; they can leverage their relationships with travel suppliers, such as hotels and tour operators , to score you perks like hotel room upgrades, free breakfast and spa credits, according to Richter. “They have dedicated industry relations that give them their own dedicated customer service access, in essence, and because travel advisors work in larger groups, they have this sort of collective buying power and influence that they pass on to their clients,” Richter says.

Plus, many will up the wow factor with special touches along the way, as was the case for Richter during a recent trip to Greece in which her travel advisor arranged for a personalized note and a bottle of wine to be delivered to her hotel room upon arrival. “It’s the surprise and delight element that makes it memorable,” Richter says.

And as Rees puts it, it’s not just his knowledge you’ll be tapping into, it’s his network’s, too. “I’m going to get you all the information and I’m going to get you extra amenities,” Rees says.

Help You Use Your Travel Rewards

Hoping to use your points or miles to pay for your trip? A travel advisor like Rees can help you navigate the various travel rewards programs and help you maximize your elite status to enhance your vacation. “If we’re successful [in applying travel rewards], the client feels like they’ve saved thousands of dollars, and quite a bit of that gets reinvested back into the trip, which makes it a better experience than it would’ve been,” Rees says.

[Read: What Will Happen to My Elite Status and Points Because of the Coronavirus? ]

How to Find a Travel Advisor

Aside from asking friends and family for travel advisor recommendations, you can also easily find an ASTA-verified advisor through the organization’s affiliate website, TravelSense.org. You can use the site’s search tool to connect with an advisor who specializes in trip types, such as beach vacations or river cruises, or is an expert in your chosen destination. Using an ASTA-affiliated member means you’re working with someone who has been vetted and follows the organization’s code of ethics, which can be important should you need a dispute or complaint resolved.

And if you’re worried about the cost, consider that most travel advisors offer free consultations, according to Richter. J5Travel is one such agency that does not charge a consultation fee. According to Rees, the in-depth consultation usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes and is a way for the advisor to get a better understanding of the client’s objective for a trip and things they want to do and see. “They don’t take you out of the planning equation,” Richter says. “If you have an itinerary in mind or things that you’re interested in doing, it truly can be a collaborative process.”

The consultation is also a time for the traveler to see if the advisor is a suitable fit, according to Rees. “We are luxury. If someone is looking for a budget trip and they’re going to price check everything on Expedia, then that’s not our client and it wouldn’t be fair to them to say they were our client,” Rees says.

Along with your preliminary vacation plans, you’ll also talk about the fees associated with hiring the travel advisor, which can vary widely depending on the complexity of the trip. For instance, J5Travel’s fees can range from $99 to $349 per trip. But both Richter and Rees iterate that whatever fee you pay will likely come back to you in the form of perks that you wouldn’t be able to secure yourself. “Travel advisors have relationships that would take you a lifetime to build,” Richter says.

Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve got a dedicated expert to help you every step of the way. “Travel is really a way that we’re going to heal,” Richter says. “We’re going to be able to reconnect with the world and each other, and there’s so much riding on it, so don’t risk it.”

You may also be interested in:

— Where Can You Travel if You’re Vaccinated?

— Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic: What You Need to Know

— 7 Ways Hotels are Changing Because of the Coronavirus

— The Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies

— The Best Places to Visit in the USA

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Travel Advisor vs. Travel Agent: What’s the Difference and Do You Need One? originally appeared on usnews.com

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Here’s How To Become a Travel Agent and Earn $3,000 Monthly

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No matter the type of travel you enjoy doing travel planning takes attention to detail mixed with a bit of the spirit of adventure. Every once in a while when the stars align you can take what you love to do and turn it into a living. It’s time to pack your go bag and explore the travel agency world .

See Also: 6 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work)

How To Become a Travel Agent

Just because someone has travel experience does not mean they can automatically become a travel agent. However, if you are interested in becoming a travel agent there are many programs you can take to help you become one, or even start your own business. Skills you will learn include how to organize travel arrangements, business ethics, customer service, itinerary planning and the ins and outs of travel insurance.

No matter your career goals, whether you want to focus on luxury travel or more of a local tour operation, the following programs and certifications, which can be done in person or remotely, can get you started on the right path.

• Departure Lounge: Learn how to navigate the hotel industry as an independent contractor as well as get tips on tour operating.
• Premier Cruise Lines: Many lines such as Virgin Voyages, Cunard or Ritz-Carlton Yachts provide training programs for travel agents to help them sell their products and services more efficiently.
• Get Certified: When your training and coursework are complete a certification helps distinguish you in the field with these designations. Some popular ones include the International Air Transport Association, Cruise Line International Association or Travel Industry Designator Service. Be sure to research which certification makes the most sense for you as it will imply different things for your business.

How Much Do Travel Agents Make?

The median pay for what travel agents get paid in the United States is estimated to be about $46,400 annually which is over $3,000 monthly. This may seem underwhelming, but this is an estimate by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics which means is only based on what full-time employees make and not self-employed people. In other words, you can make a lot more money as an independent travel advisor as opposed to working for a host agency. 

Travel agents make money by earning commissions on trips they book as well as charging fees such as booking or service fees. This is a great way to also set your own schedule and only choose the gigs you like. 

Final Take To GO: Love To Travel?

When it comes to starting as a travel agent, a good rule to follow is to try to sell and book trips you yourself would want to take. If you already love to travel this could be a natural next step in your career or a budding side business. 

A great way to sell yourself as a travel agent is to define your unique selling point. Essentially what is it about you that will make people want to book trips with you? It also helps to optimize your website, create high-quality content from trips you’ve booked or been on and leverage your social media platforms. Once you have your foundation firmly established, everything else is booking a day at the beach. 

• Full-time travel agents make roughly $46,400 a year which is over $3,000 a month. However, there is a chance to make more money than this estimate by starting your own travel agency and working for yourself. This way you can set your own schedule and don't have to worry about splitting your commissions.
• You don't need a specific degree to get started as a travel agent, but finding a training program and getting certified with varying destinations does help distinguish you as a trusted travel agent to your potential clients.
• Selling yourself as a travel agent, much like with any job or small business, starts with defining your unique selling point. Essentially what is it about you that will make people want to book trips with you? It also helps to optimize your website, create high-quality content from trips you've booked or been on and leverage your social media platforms.
• Get Certified: When your training and coursework are complete a certification helps distinguish you in the field with these designations. Some popular ones include the International Air Transport Association, Cruise Line International Association or Travel Industry Designator Service. Research which certification makes the most sense for you as it will imply different things for your business.

Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy .

• Condé Nast Traveler. 2023. "How to Become a Travel Agent—Because, Believe It or Not, the Industry Is on the Rise."
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2024. "Travel Agents: Occupational Outlook Handbook."
• Host Agency Reviews®. 2024. "How Much Do Travel Agents Make? | 2024 Travel Agent Salary."

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Is a Travel Agent Worth It? The Pros and Cons

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

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

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

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

Travel agents handle all the details

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

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

Travel agents can provide local expertise

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

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

You'll avoid surprise fees

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

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

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

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

It might not be your cheapest option.

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

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

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

You still have to do some research

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

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

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

You might also be interested in:

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

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