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Breaking Down the Pros and Cons of Using a Travel Agent
You're convinced that having a travel expert by your side will be useful. But how do you go about knowing when and how to book with them?
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Confession: I’m a big fan of travel agents (whoops, sorry, travel advisers ), even though I could technically book all my trips through websites and apps. And despite the fact that many of us might consider this industry old-fashioned and out-of-date, research shows that travelers, and millennials in particular, are once again turning to these specialists to help plow through TripAdvisor detritus. If you’re wondering: how much does a travel agent cost, and why would I book with one anyway? Read on.
How to Know If You Need a Travel Agent
Once you’ve come around to the idea of hiring a travel agent, ask these three questions before booking:
- Is this a domestic trip or one that involves traveling to a part of the world you’ve never been? If it’s the former you don’t need a travel agent.
- Can I get a better deal by using a travel agent? (This question requires you pricing out your trip with and without one.)
- Is this a big-budget, special-event kind of trip? If the answer is yes, go with a travel agent.
The Pros of Using a Travel Agent
They can find crazy deals..
This is literally their job. If they have been in the travel business for many years, they likely have supplier relationships in place that can help leverage better deals for you. Many travel agents specialize in locations (i.e., cruise vacations in Europe). Some travel agents offer package deals, with more savings passed on to you then booking the trip on your own—that is good news to your wallet.
They will be your advocate.
One of the best ways to utilize a travel agent is as an advocate should something derail on your trip. They can help you with lost luggage, in the case of natural disasters, if you get stuck in a location before your trip, etc. They are there to help you get your trip back on track.
They’ll take care of the little things.
I love my travel agent, and I love all the extras she provides when we use her services for a trip. For instance, when we traveled to the Bahamas, she made sure there was a nice bottle of champagne and strawberries in our room on our arrival, and she also upgraded our room free of charge. While this certainly is not a guarantee when you use a travel agent, there are a lot of added-value extras you can expect when you use a travel agent. Why? Because travel agents know you don’t have to use them to book your trip, and they want to say thank you.
They’re true experts.
Most travel agents have been working in the industry for years now, and it’s their job to stay on top of travel trends and upcoming hot destinations. When I spoke with my travel agent about a trip to Europe recently, she offered a few alternate destinations. I was not thinking about the destinations she suggested, but the alternatives offered great activities, culture, food, interesting boutique hotels, and more options for less money than my original destination.
They don’t usually cost extra.
It’s a myth that working with a travel agent will automatically cost you more; most get paid via commissions from the hotel or outfitter. Sure, some travel agents do charge a fee for putting together an itinerary, but most will credit you that fee if you end up booking the trip through them. Make sure you know all the potential fees before you use a travel agent, and do not hesitate to negotiate away.
The Cons of Using a Travel Agent
They’re not going to help with cheaper airfare..
Back in the day, you would use a travel agent to book every aspect of your trip. However, with so many options to find low-cost airfare, like Google Flights , Scott’s Cheap Flights , and Skyscanner , booking your own flights is easy and cost-effective. Most travel agents cannot score discounted flights, and many travel agents will not even bother. Follow these tips on how to find the cheapest flights possible , instead.
They’re not you.
This may seem obvious, although it’s still important to consider. A travel agent not only finds you the best deals, but they also offer suggestions for activities, restaurants, and more. This is great if you’re someone who doesn’t like to research these things, but you run the risk of working with someone who doesn’t get your personal preferences (maybe they lean toward road tours rather than technical singletrack). Do your own research first, and come up with a list of activities that you want to do. Once you have that list, pass it along to your travel agent to see if they can rustle up any deals as they book.
How to Find a Great One
One of the best ways to find a reputable travel agent is to get referrals from your friends and family. Anyone that has used that travel agent for a previous trip and enjoyed their service is someone worth checking out. As with anything, I always suggest talking to at least two different travel agents to see who you feel most comfortable with. Remember, they are there to work for you.
Know your travel budget before you reach out to a travel agent. Likely, this will be the first question they ask you and will help steer them toward the best destinations for that budget. If you are traveling somewhere that’s specialized, like going on that once-in-a-lifetime African safari , find a specialist that knows that region inside and out. They will usually have the best deals and relationships with hotels and activity companies in that area.
How Much Does a Travel Agent Cost?
Usually, the cost of hiring a travel agent to organize a trip for you is fairly minimal. Many agencies charge a flat fee of around $100, and others may charge a certain small percentage of your trip. Most of their take-home profits come from the hotels, wholesalers, resorts, and businesses they work with, but be sure to as your travel agent about fees upfront and before you start working with them to plan your next dream vacation. (No one likes hidden fees and surprises.)
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Is a travel agent worth it the pros and cons.
Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner.
The Pros & Cons of Using a Travel Agent
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Need to pivot your trip plans but don't want to deal with the extra time, money and hassle of rebooking flights and accommodations on your own? That's just one area where a knowledgeable travel agent (also commonly known as a travel advisor) can help.
Read on to discover the other benefits – as well as the downsides – of using a travel agent, so you can confidently decide whether or not a travel agent is worth it for your next trip.
The Pros of Using a Travel Agent
Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks.
"In some cases, you'll actually get a better deal by working with a travel agent," says Jackie Steele, travel expert at MagicGuides . "This could be in the form of a cruise onboard credit (free spending money to use on the ship), access to special agency/group rates, or even just learning about a discount you qualify for but weren't aware of." The best agents will even keep an eye on new discounts as they're announced and apply them to your trip even after you've booked, he notes.
Travel agents handle all the details
Hotel room? Booked. Dinner reservations? Made. Tour tickets? Ready to go. A travel agent handles every detail of your vacation itinerary. "The traveler still gets to be involved in the fun part of dreaming up ideas and providing their travel wishes, while we take and perfect them," says Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer .
Molly McShea, owner and travel advisor at McShea Travel , points out that travel agents can also help with timing logistics. "Travel agents know how many days should be spent in each destination, which tours go together, and how many things you should do in a day," she says, adding that crafting an itinerary can be challenging if it's not something you regularly do. Additionally, travel agents can help you choose the best time to visit your preferred destination(s) based on seasonality and your budget, and sift through travel insurance policies to find the best option for your needs.
Travel agents can provide local expertise
"A travel advisor's industry connections and relationships provide added value to their clients," says Valerie Edman, a luxury travel advisor and agency owner at Cultured Travel LLC. She says when working with a travel agent, travelers gain access to a global network of connections including:
- In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about
- Exclusive experiences not available to the general public
You'll avoid surprise fees
When deciding if a travel agent is worth it for you, remember this: A reputable agent can guarantee you won't encounter any surprise fees on accommodations and activities once your trip is booked.
You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues
A travel advisor is essentially your personal vacation concierge. "Because they've been around for so long, agents really know what to look for," says Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and journalist. "Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays , making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away."
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The Cons of Using a Travel Agent
It might not be your cheapest option.
There are some instances when it makes more sense to plan your own trip. "If you're planning a quick flight from New York City to Los Angeles, it's easy enough to book it yourself online directly or through a third-party booking site," says Elliott. "If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or bucket list honeymoon , that's when you call the experts."
You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary
The upside of working with a travel agent is having someone plan an epic vacation for you based on industry knowledge and local expertise. But this can also be a downside in the event you discover an activity you'd like to do or a restaurant you'd like to try that isn't on your pre-planned itinerary. If you alter your plans, you risk losing money; plus, the time it takes for you and your travel agent to coordinate your change of plans may not be worth the hassle.
You still have to do some research
It's important to find an agent you can trust, which means you still have to do some of the vacation planning. For this part, Parker recommends picking up the phone. "Lots of people avoid or don't pick up the phone as much anymore," she says. "That's where you get the high-touch service, tone of voice, excitement or concerns to manage." She advises to look for the following red flags:
- No fees: " Travel advisors are charging planning fees more now or increasing them, so the client knows more confidently than ever, we work for them, not the suppliers with the best commissions," Parker explains. "There are a lot of things that are non-commissionable and the advisor's time and expertise shouldn't be given away for free, either. That's the best way to show an advisor takes their business seriously."
- Limited options: If you work with someone who is inexperienced or has an incentive to book you with a certain supplier, they may not be prioritizing your best interests. "It's important to check if they are with a larger consortia, accreditations and network, typically listed on their website and signatures," says Parker. "That level of mindshare doesn't come with a lone advisor unless they have many, many years of experience."
- Slow response times: If communication is delayed, that's a sign they may be too busy to plan your trip – but again, this is something you can avoid by having the right conversations early on.
Edman suggestes starting your search with the American Society of Travel Advisors . "ASTA-verified travel advisors are committed to the highest industry standards and have verifiable industry knowledge so consumers can feel confident in working with them," she says.
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Are travel agents worth it? Pros, cons and alternatives
August 13, 2024 | 5 min read
Travel agents, also known as travel advisers, plan trips for individuals and groups. Their services can include everything from booking flights, rental cars, hotels, restaurants and tours to purchasing travel insurance, obtaining necessary visas for international travel and more. Generally speaking, travel agents take on the research and logistics of trip planning so you can focus on the trip itself.
But are their services worth it? That might depend on many factors, like the cost of their services, the complexity of your trip, your own preferences and your comfort level with booking travel yourself. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of using a travel agent.
What you’ll learn:
Travel agents can plan your trips for you, from booking hotels to making sure you have the right documents for traveling.
The costs associated with working with a travel agent could range from nothing at all to hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Travel agents may help you access upgrades and benefits that you may not find on your own, but finding the right travel agent could take time.
Many travel credit cards come with access to online reservation portals that make booking your own travel easy and rewarding.
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How much does a travel agent cost.
Travel agents may charge service fees, flat-rate trip fees or consultation fees. For example, you might pay a flat rate of between $100 and $500 for a travel agent. Some travel agents operate at no cost to customers and instead receive commissions on the flights and accommodations they book. Others may offer more high-end, customized travel experiences at premium rates in the thousands.
Do you save any money using a travel agent?
Travel agents may help you save money by using their know-how to find the best price on your airline tickets or hotel room—or even secure upgrades. However, with so many online booking resources available, finding inexpensive flights and booking all your own travel is easier than it used to be. And doing so might outweigh the price of a travel agent.
Pros and cons of using a travel agent
Deciding whether a travel agent is worth it to you will depend on your financial situation, your personal preferences and the type of trip you’re planning. Whether you want to leave the travel planning to someone else or plan your next trip yourself , it can be helpful to consider all the factors.
Advantages of using a travel agent
A travel agent could offer the following advantages:
Handing off the research and booking to a travel expert can save time in the trip-planning process.
Travel agents could assist in cases of emergencies, flight cancellations and other travel complications.
An agent’s travel industry knowledge can help in finding benefits that may not be accessible to you, from flight deals and upgrades to extra credits to use aboard cruise lines.
Travel agents could plan more exclusive activities for you away from the crowds and find you more unique experiences tailored to your interests.
Many travel agents offer the option of an all-inclusive fee up front, so you likely won’t have to worry about additional costs once you’ve booked the trip.
Disadvantages of using a travel agent
There are also some potential disadvantages to using a travel agent to consider:
You may prefer booking your own trip if you have specific tastes and like to handpick each stop along your journey.
Depending on the trip you have in mind, you might save more money by organizing it yourself rather than through a travel agent, especially if you opt for an affordable vacation spot or want to leverage budget-friendly travel tips .
While a travel agent can save you research time for your trip, you’ll still need to spend time finding the right agent in order to stick to your budget and needs.
If you’re the spontaneous type, booking an itinerary may feel restrictive. Doing things your own way can offer greater flexibility.
If you have a travel rewards credit card, you may not reap its full benefits if you book through a travel agent. For instance, you may earn more rewards by booking your trip through your credit card issuer’s travel portal—something your travel agent may not be able to do.
A travel agent alternative: Using a travel rewards credit card
Travel agents can take some of the hassle out of travel planning, but if you’re the type of person who wants control over your itinerary, reservations and other aspects of your trip, opening a travel rewards credit card may be a better option.
Travel rewards credit cards can come with benefits that travel agents may not be able to offer. For example, with a Capital One travel rewards credit card, you could enjoy access to exclusive features like Capital One Travel , a TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry credit , Priority Pass™ and more.* You’ll also earn rewards on every dollar you spend, even if it’s not related to travel. And you can use those rewards toward airfare and hotel stays.
Keep in mind that you’re free to open a travel rewards credit card and use a travel agent. And if you use your card to pay for their services and the reservations they make, you might earn rewards for those purchases too.
Key takeaways: Are travel agents worth it?
Travel agents can be worth it if you prefer to leave the legwork of planning a trip to someone else or if you enjoy getting upgrades and visiting off-the-beaten-track destinations. They might even save you money on your trip.
But it all comes down to how you prefer to travel. If you’re looking for a simple way to earn rewards that you can use toward your airline tickets, hotel stays, rental cars and other travel-related costs, you might want to consider a travel rewards credit card from Capital One .
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Should You Get a Travel Agent to Book Your Vacation? Here Are the Pros and Cons
Find out when using an agent is helpful and when it's not worth it.
Erica is a personal finance writer and travel expert with a decade of experience. She contributes to USA TODAY, Forbes, CNBC, and many other top-tier media outlets. Erica writes about travel tips, destinations, reward credit cards, and ways to save money on travel. Highlights: * Regular contributor to USA TODAY, covering destinations, trends, and how to save money on travel * Travel insurance expert for Forbes, contributing 50+ articles on travelers' insurance * Freelance writer covering health, real estate, business, and parenting with work published in Oprah Magazine, Reader's Digest, U.S. News & World Report, Parents, and NBC News
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- Travel Agent Pros
- Travel Agent Cons
- How Much Does it Cost?
- Do Commissions Play a Role?
- How to Find an Agent
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If you’re getting ready to travel you may be considering using a travel agent to help plan your itinerary and book for your trip. Although there are scenarios and occasions where a travel agent could be a great asset in your trip-planning pursuits, you may not always need professional assistance. So, we’ve consulted with travel experts to break down all the pros and cons of using travel agents.
Pros of hiring a travel agent
There are several great benefits of partnering with a travel agent. Here are a few of the standout advantages:
You get expert advice
Travel agents, after all, are experts in travel planning, and they often have inside information about a number of different destinations. “The best travel agents are experts in the place you’re traveling to, and will likely have experienced the trip they’re helping you book themselves,” says Sally French, travel expert at NerdWallet. “Given that, they can make personal recommendations and give advice specific to you, such as activities that fit your travel style or restaurants that fit your preferences.”
You have a go-to helper if anything goes wrong
Travel advisors can be a great resource to ensure you’re comfortable and have a smooth trip, and if something does go wrong, they’re also there to help you out, such as handling getting you rebooked in a different hotel room should something go awry, says French. “You might need support for a variety of possible disruptions, say a snowstorm delaying flights or an illness or injury to someone in your travel group,” French adds. “A travel agent is there to ensure you actually go on the trip, which means they’ll help make modifications to your itinerary in those events.”
You may get access to better deals or perks
Chris Gray Faust , executive editor of Cruise Critic, shares that travel agents have access to a treasure trove of travel deals, and can often offer special pricing that you wouldn’t have access to without working with them. “Beyond discounted pricing, they can also provide ways to save in other areas or [ways to] take full advantage of offerings available to you—bringing not just cost savings, but delivering an even greater overall value,” Gray Faust says.
You get expert assistance with logistics, especially abroad
For many, the time and research it takes to manage the logistics of traveling, especially internationally, can be overwhelming, says Melissa DaSilva , president of Trafalgar, North America. “Advisors will step in to manage all of the logistics of in-destination transportation, score hard-to-get reservations at the best restaurants and deal with any hiccups, like flight delays or cancellations,” she explains. Travel advisors are also well-versed in the destination’s top accommodations to guide travelers towards exactly what they are looking for within their budget, says DaSilva. “Advisors can help travelers save money by keeping a pulse on the latest offers, special fares and deals, and book bucket list experiences that you may not have even known about if you hadn’t spoken to an advisor,” she says.
Cons of hiring a travel agent
There could be instances when utilizing a travel agent may not make sense. Here are some reasons you may want to skip using one.
The added layer of communication may be unnecessary
Travel agents can be helpful in making and changing reservations, French says, but sometimes they can end up being an unnecessary middleman. “If you need to change your hotel reservation, often it’s easier to just call the hotel yourself, rather than wait for the travel agent to do it,” she acknowledges.
The enjoyment of planning your own travels could be missed
Sure, there is the convenience factor of outsourcing your trip-planning duties, but surrendering all those tasks could leave you with some vacation remorse. “If you let the agent do all the planning, then that might rob you of some of the joy that comes from travel—which is the very act of planning the trip,” cautions French.
The travel agent may not possess the expertise you need
Gray Faust says, just like any other professional industry, the depth of travel agent knowledge and expertise varies from agent to agent, and not all agents are built the same. “When you’re looking for a travel agent, be sure to ask about their experience, their affiliations, any ongoing education and any specialties,” Gray Faust continues. “Many agents specialize in certain travel types, so their knowledge of those particular trips is even more expansive than a more generic agent.”
How much does it cost to use a travel agent?
Cost for travel agents can vary. “It depends,” says French with NerdWallet. “Sometimes, travel agents won’t cost you anything if their paychecks come from commissions paid by the suppliers who you end up booking with.”
Other travel agencies charge fees for individual services like research, bookings and changes, in which case they might charge either by time or by service provided, French says.
Be sure to ask that question upfront, Gray Faust says, so you don’t have any unexpected charges tacked on to your bill.
Are travel agents swayed by hospitality providers who offer higher commissions?
While it’s impossible to say definitively, as it varies by agent, French says to consider that “those who work on commission are incentivized to book you on trips that pay them out.”
Gray Faust offers a differing outlook. “A good travel agent will not be swayed by commissions, as it’s in their best interest to deliver a quality service to their clients to turn them into returning customers,” she states.
How can you find a suitable travel agent?
Spread the news that you’re planning a trip. “Word-of-mouth is a great way to find a travel advisor—ask your family and friends to connect you with someone they worked with and loved,” DaSilva suggests.
She also recommends searching for an advisor that’s certified or credentialed and use resources such as the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). “Good travel advisors will respond in a timely manner and ask a lot of questions about what you want from your next vacation to fully understand your needs so they can match you with your perfect travel experiences,” adds DaSilva.
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The Pros and Cons of Booking Through Online Travel Agencies
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You’re likely already familiar with online travel agencies, even if you don’t travel often. These companies — such as Priceline , Expedia and Orbitz — act as intermediaries between you and a travel provider.
Booking your travel through an OTA can be a good idea in some circumstances, but you’ll want to be wary of its pitfalls. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of online travel agencies, so you’ll know what to use to book your next vacation.
Pros of booking through online travel agencies
There are certainly advantages booking through online travel agencies, though you’ll find different experiences whether you’re using public OTAs — such as Kayak — or private ones like those offered by your card issuer, such as the Chase's travel portal .
✅ It may be cheaper
When searching for flights online, you may see different prices for the same routes that vary across websites. Although it may be a result of fare type — for example, some search results may not clarify that a fare is basic economy rather than main cabin or economy — other times, the difference comes down to competition for your business.
Online travel services will often offer slightly lower prices on flights in an effort to entice you as a customer. This is true for both hotels and airlines.
» Learn more: Best credit cards for online travel-booking websites
✅ It can earn you more rewards
Have you ever heard of shopping portals ? By logging into a shopping portal, you can earn rewards for purchases made with many online merchants. Some hotel chains, such as Hilton , Marriott and IHG , can be accessed through shopping portals while still booking directly on the hotel website. In this way, you can earn rewards with the hotel directly as well as with the shopping portal.
The same isn’t true for shopping portals and most airline sites. However, many public online travel agencies are accessible through shopping portals, which can then earn you rewards for airfare bookings. By opting to book in this way, you’ll be able to earn points or cash-back rewards through the shopping portal that you’d otherwise miss.
Some card issuers will also reward you heavily when using their online travel services. Clear examples of this can be seen with Capital One and Chase. With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , for example, you’ll get 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel .
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is similar. With this card, you can get 10 Ultimate Rewards® points per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase's portal.
While these numbers are high, it’s important to remember that there are trade-offs when booking through an OTA rather than directly with a hotel or airline. We’ll get into that a little later.
Online travel agencies offered by your card issuer may not feature the same prices as booking directly; you’ll want to compare these before committing to a purchase.
Some card issuers will go so far as to give your points more value when redeeming through their online travel agencies.
This is true with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . When redeeming points on Chase's travel portal, you’ll get 1.25 cents in value per point rather than 1 cent elsewhere.
» Learn more: How much are your airline miles and hotel points worth this year?
Cons of booking through online travel agencies
There are several downsides when it comes to using online travel services for booking travel. It mainly comes down to the fact that travel providers prefer that you book directly with them — and offer more perks to woo your business.
❌ It can be harder to change a booking
Ever needed to change a flight after it's booked? No matter the reason, attempting to alter or otherwise cancel a flight can be a hassle — especially if you’ve booked through a third party.
Generally speaking, rather than offering you direct assistance, both hotels and airlines will recommend you contact the online travel agency you’ve booked with in order to make any changes.
While you may be able to make changes or get refunds with the travel agency, airlines and hotels can — and will — offer much more flexibility when you’ve booked with them directly. You may also be subject to additional fees charged by the online travel agency, which can erase any savings you’ve received.
❌ You may not receive elite benefits
This is the real kicker for anyone wanting elite status. Although airlines will almost always recognize your elite status and allow you to earn miles even for bookings made through an online travel agency, hotels and rental car companies will not.
This is especially important for hotel chains. Earning elite status with hotels generally relies on elite night credits. Although these can be earned in a variety of ways — including having complimentary status by holding certain credit cards — the main method of acquiring elite night credits is by spending nights in hotels. Rooms booked through an online travel agency do not count toward elite status as elite night credits.
Additionally, you will not receive any of the benefits of your existing elite status if your booking is through a third party. This can mean the loss of perks such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfast and even free Wi-Fi.
» Learn more: The best airline and hotel rewards loyalty programs this year
❌ It may be more expensive
Did you know that many hotel chains have best price guarantees? Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott and IHG all have a guarantee that’ll give you either points or a discount if you find a better rate elsewhere.
These guarantees are generous; Hilton, for example, will match the rate and then discount it by a further 25%.
Although you’ll need to file claims for these guarantees and they face limitations — such as a 24-hour window from when you made the booking — you can save a lot of money on your stay if your request is approved.
Online travel agencies can be hit or miss
There are two sides to every coin and this is no different, as there are several benefits and limitations of online travel services. Depending on your needs and loyalty program status, you’ll want to choose whether to book directly with a travel provider or rely on OTAs to do the job for you.
Booking travel through credit card portals from issuers like Chase and Capital One can earn you big rewards. But if you anticipate altering your travel plans or aim to earn elite status instead, booking directly is the way to go.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
![travel agents cost more Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card](https://www.nerdwallet.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1800,quality=85/cdn/images/marketplace/credit_cards/7dce19da-5d96-4502-9fd2-70ff9655f13a/3f8b79d90932c89dcb16ddad07861bbc7d0c804366870949527ae9b89e1df384.png)
on Chase's website
1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.
60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
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1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
![travel agents cost more Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card](https://www.nerdwallet.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1800,quality=85/cdn/images/marketplace/credit_cards/1fc99a80-1508-4e14-83d7-eb5d5da65d97/cd15b21ff19fead76cc100208b8d0ee6e6ea10fe4d2a5f58fa1aae2b1facd468.jpg)
on Capital One's website
2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
75,000 Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.
![travel agents cost more](https://www.nerdwallet.com/assets/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/email-verification-320x318.png)
Understanding Travel Agent Costs: What You Need to Know
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In an era dominated by online booking platforms, many travelers are curious about the costs associated with using a travel agent. While it might seem like an unnecessary expense, travel agents can often provide significant value through their expertise, exclusive deals, and personalized service. This article explores the costs of using a travel agent, the potential savings, and when it makes sense to invest in a Travel Advisor .
Understanding Travel Agent Fees
Service fees and flat-rate charges.
Travel agents typically charge fees in a few different ways. You might encounter service fees, flat-rate trip fees, or consultation fees. For instance, you might pay a flat rate ranging from $100 to $500 for a travel agent’s services. This fee covers the time and expertise the agent invests in planning and booking your trip. Some high-end travel agents might charge premium rates, especially for complex or Luxury Travel arrangements.
Commission-Based Agents
Many travel agents, such as The Adept Traveler, operate on a commission basis, meaning they earn a percentage of the bookings they make, such as flights and accommodations. This can be beneficial for travelers because these agents might not charge an upfront fee, making their services accessible without immediate out-of-pocket costs. The commission is usually paid by the travel suppliers, such as airlines and hotels, not the traveler.
Is It More Expensive to Use a Travel Agent?
Comparing costs and benefits.
The cost-effectiveness of using a travel agent depends on various factors, including the complexity of your trip and the deals the agent can secure. Travel agents often have access to exclusive discounts, upgrades, and bundled packages that might not be available to the general public. These perks can offset the fees charged by the agent, making the overall cost comparable to or even less than booking independently.
Potential Savings
Travel agents can also help you avoid costly mistakes by providing valuable advice and insights. For example, they might recommend the best times to travel, help you navigate visa requirements, or find alternative routes that save money. Additionally, their support during travel disruptions can save you both time and stress, which is invaluable for many travelers.
When to Use a Travel Agent
Complex itineraries and special occasions.
Using a travel agent is particularly beneficial for complex itineraries involving multiple destinations, various modes of transportation, or special requirements. Agents can coordinate all aspects of such trips, ensuring a seamless experience. They are also invaluable for planning special occasions like honeymoons, anniversaries, or family reunions, where personalized service and attention to detail are crucial.
Time-Saving and Stress Reduction
For travelers who lack the time or expertise to plan a detailed trip, a travel agent can take on the research and booking responsibilities. This is especially useful for last-minute travel, where finding the best options quickly is essential. The time saved and the peace of mind provided by a travel agent can make their services worth the cost.
Final Thoughts
The cost of using a travel agent varies, but the value they provide can make them a worthwhile investment. Whether through service fees, commission-based models, or premium charges for high-end services, travel agents offer expertise, exclusive deals, and personalized support that can enhance your travel experience. For complex trips, special occasions, or when you simply want to save time and reduce stress, a travel agent can be a valuable partner in planning your next adventure.
As a Travel Advisor , my goal is to provide you with the best possible travel experience, tailored to your needs and preferences. Whether you’re planning a simple getaway or an elaborate journey, consider the benefits of using a travel agent to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Do I still need a travel agent?
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If you’ve planned a vacation before, you know firsthand how stressful the planning process can be. Between booking hotels, flights and excursions, planning a vacation can feel like a full-time job. American travelers spent an average of 8 hours and 44 minutes reviewing travel content and resources ahead of their trips and read up to a whopping 277 pages of information on average, according to a 2023 survey from Expedia Group and Luth Research .
The time commitment behind planning a vacation could be one of the factors driving the 14 percent year-over-year increase in travelers who are likely to use a travel advisor, as reported by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) . Working with a travel agent could save you time and money when planning a complex vacation, but alternatives like online travel agencies, and credit card concierge services could be more affordable. So which option is better — doing your own legwork and booking trips online or hiring a travel agent?
What travel agents do
Travel agents help plan and book travel for vacations, special events or group trips, but their jobs have evolved over the years, particularly in the post-pandemic world.
“In the past, travel agents were very transactional — able to book your flights, hotels, and tours. While that is still a service we provide, in a post-pandemic world, travelers are looking for more,” says Annie Jones, travel advisor and owner of Telos Travel , “They want to think less, have options personalized to their interests, and experience destinations in a more authentic way.”
These days, travel agents advise on multiple aspects of a trip to create a bespoke travel experience. Their role can include:
- Regional tours and experiences
- Cultural etiquette
- Developing a custom itinerary
- Finding exclusive deals, amenities and offerings
- Handling emergencies and changes
- Organizing travel insurance
- Booking transportation (airfare and ground transportation)
- Making restaurant reservations
- Booking hotels, cruises and excursions
- Arranging necessary travel documents and visas
To reflect the expansions on a travel agent’s role, the American Society of Travel Advisors officially transitioned the title to “travel advisor” in 2018. Some of the best travel advisors even earn certifications and attend trainings to continue their education and stay on top of industry changes.
Do you have to pay a travel agent?
The cost of using a travel agent varies wildly, since there are different types of travel agents and travel advisors. In the past, many travel agents’ services were free, as they earned a commission off the trips they booked paid out by the airlines and hotels. Some still are.
However, after the pandemic, when many businesses in the travel industry struggled to recover (along with the changing landscape of travel agents in general) kickbacks from these vendors became less common. According to a survey by Travel Weekly , 71 percent of travel agencies in 2023 charged some form of service fee for working with them. These days, there are three main ways travel agents get paid:
- Flat rate fee
- Hourly rate
Travel agents may charge a percentage ranging from five percent to 15 percent of the trip’s cost. Others may charge a flat rate, anywhere from $100-$500 on average. Some advisors charge an hourly rate to research, plan or arrange your trip. Agents may also ask for a deposit that’s returned once you take your trip or goes towards the total cost.
Although hiring a travel advisor might seem expensive, it could potentially save you money. Paying a travel agent $200 to save you $400 on airfare or obtain a cruise upgrade worth $600 means you’re still coming out on top.
“I think one of the biggest misconceptions out there is that it’s more expensive to book through a travel advisor,” Jones shares. “While most advisors do charge professional service fees, just like you would to a financial planner or lawyer, the actual cost of your trip is no different than if you were to book it on your own.”
To better understand the cost of working with a travel agent, ask about their fee structure to determine if their price feels fair for your budget.
Are travel agents influenced by commissions?
That depends on how your travel agent gets paid. Even though it’s declined in recent years, many travel agents still collect at least part of their earnings from commissions paid by hotels and other travel products.
When there’s a commision tied to each travel booking, travel agents benefit monetarily from what you buy which makes it hard to be unbiased. As such, those commissions will likely influence which vacation packages and options you’re provided. However, that’s not to say that there aren’t travel agents who put your preferences and must-sees at the forefront of their planning process.
Money tip: You may find less of a hard sell on certain travel packages if your travel agent charges a flat fee or a percentage of your total trip. But this could mean a higher out-of-pocket cost. Consider their fee structure and how your agent approaches travel planning as you decide who to work with.
Can a credit card concierge replace a travel agent?
The short answer is… sort of. Many of the best travel credit cards offer concierge services that help cardholders organize travel, accommodations and tours, and they even help when emergencies or travel problems arise. But not to the extent a travel agent might go to.
“Many of my clients are surprised I offer 24/7 support while they are traveling,” says Jones. “If they face an unexpected challenge, I’m there to help resolve the problem or answer their question so they can just focus on enjoying their vacation.”
Complimentary concierge services can take the place of a travel agent on some aspects of your trip. While concierges can help you cross small items off your to-do list, they typically won’t plan a full trip itinerary for you.
- For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers Platinum Card Concierge , through which their agents help you purchase event tickets, make dining or spa reservations and handle general travel inquiries.
- Cardholders of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card now have free access to PRIOR , a program providing insider destination advice and curated experiences.
- Those with Chase Sapphire Reserve® can use the Visa Infinite Concierge, which can help reserve sports events, dining or even Broadway tickets.
In some cases, concierge benefits seem vague, so it’s worth calling or emailing to ask if they can help with your specific issue or need. However, in most circumstances, they probably won’t be able to plan and book an entire curated vacation for you.
If you’re booking travel on your own and simply want to lighten the load, then concierge services might be the way to go. However, if you want a fully customized itinerary without the legwork and within budget then a travel agent is your best bet.
Should you use a travel agent?
The decision to use a travel agent depends on a few factors and is closely intertwined with your preferences, budget and type of trip.
Travel advisors are particularly helpful when planning complex travel. Their connections and expertise come in handy for corporate, group, luxury or special-occasion travel, which could make it worth their fee. Advisors are also helpful when you’re not experienced with vacation planning or have time commitments preventing you from planning. In those cases, having a travel advisor could be a win.
Ask yourself a few questions to determine if it’s the right choice for you.
- Does this trip require a lot of planning (i.e. corporate, group, anniversary or highly-specific travel)?
- Are you looking for unique experiences, tours or upgrades?
- Are you experienced in booking your own travel or designing your own vacation itinerary?
- Do you have the time to dedicate to travel planning?
- Are you visiting a location and culture you feel comfortable navigating on your own?
For less complex travel where you’re on a tight budget, you might consider using resources already at your disposal like the credit card concierge service on an existing credit card or booking through an online travel agency (OTA) like Expedia or Kayak.
Travel advisors offer their experience, expertise and connections to take the stress out of planning a vacation. When you want to spend less time planning, get access to exclusive experiences, or need someone to create a vacation you couldn’t imagine planning on your own, a travel agent could save the day.
Pros of using a travel agent
Still not sure whether a travel agent would be worth the cost? Some additional advantages of using a travel agent as opposed to planning your trip yourself include:
- Saving money . According to a survey by Condor Ferries, travel agencies can save customers an average of $452 per trip through promotions and deals from suppliers that average travelers don’t have access to.
- Expert planning on important trips. Whether it’s corporate travel, a honeymoon or a 50th anniversary trip, you’ll want it to be impeccably planned.
- Help with trip disruptions. Many travel agents offer 24/7 support before, during and after your trip to help with any challenges or changes that arise.
- Upgrades, benefits and extras . Travel agents have connections the general public doesn’t. Their connections and partnerships may get you hotel upgrades, VIP treatment, connecting rooms, free breakfast or other perks.
- Curated experiences . A destination expert might find you experiences you never have discovered on your own, like an insider, after-hours visit to Cambodian ruins or a vintage car rental in Italy.
- Extensive vacations . You need expert destination knowledge to plan a cruise to Antarctica, a hiking trip to Bhutan or a two-month-long Galapagos expedition. If you want all the bells and whistles and money is no object, a travel agent may be able to get you into the most coveted hotels, tours and spots.
- You’re a beginner or don’t have time . Beginners planning a DIY vacation can easily get overwhelmed. The time it takes to plan a trip can also take time away from your other responsibilities. Travel agents make the process easy.
Using a travel agent doesn’t mean you’ll get a vacation that’s just like everyone else’s. Travel agents use the details of your personal preferences, budget and needs to customize your experience. Some of them even specialize in particular destinations or have relationships with hotels and tour guides which could help you get room upgrades, better rates or VIP experiences.
“These relationships not only allow for special treatment, but upgrades are nice, right? After all, you can’t VIP yourself! In addition to perks, these relationships also allow us to have high-level contacts in the event something should go wrong or a client needs assistance… These are things you are not going to get if you DIY.” — Mandy Pullin Luxury travel advisor of six years with DPP Travel
Some travel advisors have even developed specific travel niches.
“I’m seeing advisors specialize more than they did in the past,” explains Adeline Kuroki, a travel advisor and owner of Savor & Soak Travel Co. “I think this is great for travelers… For example, some advisors will specialize in luxury travel, and make it their mission to visit and understand the pros and cons of luxury resorts all over the world.”
When you have an advisor who’s an expert on one location, you get more curated experiences too. Kuroki specializes in travel to Japan and helps clients navigate the complexities of booking in such a popular destination.
“I can quickly tell them which experiences need to be booked well in advance to avoid missing out, and which can be decided on closer to their travel dates. And as Japan becomes an increasingly popular tourist destination, I’m able to recommend and book more off-the-beaten-path locations that offer a lot of the same sights and experiences as more well-known places.”.
So even with developments in online bookings and credit card concierge services, travel advisors are irreplaceable when it comes to designing a personalized itinerary in a destination with which you’re unfamiliar.
Cons of using a travel agent
While there are many benefits to using a travel agent, there are also disadvantages to consider. Some of those include:
- Not redeeming points or miles. If you have credit card points or airline miles to cash in, a travel agent might not be the best fit since they typically can’t help you redeem them for the trips they plan. However, niche advisors can best advise you on booking using your points and miles or use your stash to book for you.
- Less flexibility to make updates. Once your travel agent locks in reservations, it can be difficult to change things since you may have put down a deposit.
- Added layer of communication. For your travel agent to plan a vacation you’ll enjoy, you have to clue them in on your likes and dislikes, budget, preferences, needs and more. And when you need to make adjustments, you’ll have to go through them.
- Missing out on planning your own trip. Planning your own trip is exciting for some folks. Plus, you can build the exact type of experience you want at a price point that’s comfortable for you.
- Fees and price. Travel agents can save you money sometimes, but it comes at a cost that might not fit into your budget. Some agents charge high fees or percentages of the total vacation cost.
- Finding the right agent. It can take time to find the right travel agent, advisor or expert. If it takes too long, DIY travel might be more convenient.
Do you earn rewards on travel booked by an agent?
You might be hard-pressed to find a travel advisor where you earn rewards by booking through them as opposed to your credit card’s travel portal . However, it’s worth noting that the merchant code for travel agents is often “travel”, which means the travel agent fees you pay through a qualifying rewards credit card could be eligible for bonus points if your card offers boosted rewards on the travel category.
Certain travel benefits still work for you even if a travel agent books your trip. For example, you’ll get lounge access if your credit card offers it regardless of who booked your airfare, which airline or class you’re flying. As long as you use the appropriate card to pay for the trip, it shouldn’t matter if you or the travel agent physically made the purchase.
You might also earn frequent flyer miles through an airline’s loyalty program if your travel agent can include your frequent flyer number on your reservation. You’ll also still have your airline elite status recognized if a travel agent booked your airfare for you, but you may or may not get hotel loyalty brand points. The same goes for recognition of your hotel elite status . It’s best to discuss this directly with your agent or call the hotel to confirm, as each case may be different.
Keep in mind: American Airlines announced in February 2024 it plans to limit which tickets purchased via third parties are eligible to earn AAdvantage frequent flyer miles. The details were still vague at the time of publishing, but it could mean that your ticket purchased by a travel agent would still earn miles – assuming they purchase through a qualifying site or directly on American’s site – but if you go the DIY route for your trip and purchase online through a third-party site, you may not earn miles at all.
The bottom line
Choosing to use a travel agent or book vacations online ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget and the type of trip you’re planning. Opting for online booking might be quicker and more cost-effective, but the personal touch and stress-free approach provided by a travel agent can’t be overlooked.
The days where travel agents just booked your flight and hotel are long gone. Today, they offer bespoke itineraries tailored to your interests and budget while specializing in certain destinations or forms of travel. Taking the time to find and build a relationship with a reliable travel agent could save you money on your next trip even if there’s a fee involved. But it’s still important to weigh the pros and cons to know if hiring a travel agent is right for you.
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Article sources
We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.
Expedia Group: The Path To Purchase . Expedia Group. Accessed on Feb. 5, 2024
ASTA’s 2023 March Consumer Research Headlines . ASTA. Accessed on Feb. 5, 2024
Fees By The Numbers. Travel Weekly. Accessed Feb. 13, 2024
Travel Agency Statistics 2023 . Condor Ferries. Accessed Feb. 5, 2024
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Should I book 2023 travel now?
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A hot travel trend – the “hush” getaway: Expert tips ahead of holiday travel
4 scenarios when you should use a travel agent
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Editor's Note
If you're a points-and-miles-wielding expert traveler, you may not immediately think of using a travel agent to book your getaways . However, there are times and situations when using these services can be of great benefit.
A good travel agent can be a game-changer when it comes to helping you book your ideal trip and receive the best services once you arrive at your destination. Travel agents can also be of great assistance when things go wrong, especially during this summer of excessive flight delays and cancellations .
Agents can often secure the best room in a hotel or the top cabin on a cruise ship. Sometimes they can even secure complimentary upgrades, breakfast benefits or food and beverage credits, and free spa treatments during your stay.
When it comes to making the right decisions about when to travel, what sights to see and which guides to hire, agents can act as advisors. An excellent travel agent can be the difference between an OK experience and the trip of a lifetime.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .
Here are four times when you may want to use a travel agent:
Booking a hotel with extras
Your travel agent can become a trusted friend over time. Before you're ready to turn over all your travel planning to a travel adviser, test the waters by collaborating on a simple trip request. You'll want to see how the agent operates, communicates and arranges extra perks and deals. Avoid a complex or elaborate request on the first go-round.
Start by having a travel agency book your hotel arrangements with a few specific requests for extras baked in, such as airport transfers or spa services .
![travel agents cost more](https://thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net/us/originals/2018/03/The-Ritz-Carlton-Berlin-Executive-Suite.jpg?width=3840)
Start with an agent who is part of a major travel consortium such as Virtuoso, Travel Leaders Network, Ensemble Travel Group or Signature Travel Network. Each of these networks provides a suite of benefits to travelers who book with them. If you're familiar with the perks of the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program or the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection , you'll know what we mean. Extra benefits for booking can include space-available upgrades, free breakfast, additional food and beverage credit, a free spa treatment or a round of golf.
Related: This new travel company will pair you with local experts
You can work with a travel agency that fits your style. This may be someone from a large company based in a major city with dozens of agents, or it may be someone from a more boutique option such as the family-owned and operated Ourisman Travel. (Ourisman Travel is a travel consultancy affiliated with Brownell Travel, one of the oldest travel agencies in the U.S., and also a member of the Virtuoso network.)
What's nice about Ourisman and any Virtuoso agency is that you can have your travel agent do all the work. You can also use the Virtuoso booking tool to make quick, easy reservations. Once your reservation is in the system, your agent swings into action to let the hotel know a VIP is on the way and arranges for any extras, whether it's a Virtuoso perk or one from a credit card program.
It's also possible to stack benefits. If you book your trip with The Platinum Card® from American Express , your agent can secure your Amex FHR benefits; you may also be entitled to additional perks from the agency, its travel consortium or the hotel, cruise line or tour company.
When you're short on time
Not everyone has weeks to spend crafting the ultimate itinerary and keeping watch on every flight deal (although TPG can help you here) . Fortunately, you can rely on a savvy travel agent to step in and plan your vacation when your time is crunched . Otherwise, you might not be able to pull off the travel arrangements on your own, or you might end up spending more for your trip than you should.
When facing a planning time crunch, look for an agent who specializes in the type of trip and destination you have in mind. If you're looking for a beach villa on a Caribbean island , find a travel advisor who has experience booking this sort of trip.
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One example is Villas of Distinction, which has been around for more than 25 years and has a vast network of properties. Your travel advisor there can offer advice on which properties are best suited to your needs, what's available and how to book the villa. You can also use your American Express Membership Rewards points to book a villa through the agency, an added benefit to finding a good application of points.
Agents specializing in villa rentals usually have strong networks on the ground, so they can assist with chores such as stocking the villa with groceries, booking a chef or securing the best masseuse on the island for poolside treatments.
Related: Everything you need to know about Homes and Villas by Marriott
When your travel plans are specific and complex
The more complex and specific your travel goals are, the more experts in that destination or trip style can help you.
For example, every year, travel guru Wendy Perrin puts together a WOW List that features experts in the travel-booking field. The agents, advisors and destination specialists on Perrin's list aren't booking budget cruises and all-inclusive vacations for people as a side hustle. The agents on the WOW List are the real deal with plenty of expertise in their subject areas.
Say you want to explore Africa and go on a safari, but you don't know where to begin. Consult the WOW List and you'll see she recommends individuals with an encyclopedic knowledge of the continent.
![travel agents cost more](https://thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net/us/originals/2020/01/GettyImages-1126918703.jpg?width=3840)
The WOW List features advisors who can create custom safaris in East, Central and South Africa as well as niche destinations like Madagascar. The website provides a synopsis of the agents' expertise as well as links to reviews and insider guides written by Perrin and her team.
This is an excellent resource for learning about the best attractions, cutting-edge travel trends or finding out-of-the-ordinary experiences, and shows how contact with local agents, rather than anonymous trip reviews, can be a great advantage in planning a trip.
Related: Everything you need to know about going on safari in Africa
When you're looking for value
Travel agents often have access to room rates and cruise fares not available to the general public. This is especially true of agents who specialize in specific cruise lines. When a cruise line needs to fill a sailing, it may reach out to its top agents to extend special fares for their clients. You'll only hear about these offers if you have a top agent who sells cruises on the lines you love.
Related: Why now might be the cheapest time to plan a cruise
For example, Keene Luxury Travel, a member of the Signature Travel Network, has relationships with all the top luxury cruise lines, especially Regent Seven Seas. As a result, your agent can offer shipboard credits, special fares for solo travelers, deals for families traveling with children and more. The agency also has its own KLT Rewards program. With KLT Rewards, you'll get cash back on every sailing, about 10 days before you set sail. Plus, if you book a trip hosted by the agency's owners, you'll get a bump in the amount of your reward for booking with them.
![travel agents cost more](https://thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net/us/originals/2022/08/keene-luxury-travel-deal.png?width=3840)
The best part about working with specialty agents like those at Keene Luxury Travel? You can stack deals. For example, you can book a hosted trip to get the usual 5% KLT booking reward, plus an enhanced reward for booking a group trip. On top of that, you could also receive the onboard credit that's a Signature Travel Network perk.
Bottom line
Whether you're booking a weekend getaway in a U.S. city or planning an around-the-world extravaganza that includes an African safari , Antarctica cruise and a stay in an igloo hotel , consider using a travel agent. An agent can help get you on the right trip, at the right time for the right price.
They can help find the best rooms, book services you didn't even know existed and tie all the pieces together on a complicated itinerary.
A travel agent can be particularly beneficial if you don't have the time to do all the research yourself, or if you're looking for help in getting the best deal. It's also helpful to use an agent if your trip targets destinations or itineraries that can benefit from local experts,
If there's ever a problem during a vacation — which seems to happen more often than not these days — it's great to have a problem-solver who is just one phone call or email away.
Additional reporting by Bill Fink
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How Much Does a Travel Agent Cost?
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Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, a travel agent can come in handy when planning activities, lodging, and flights. If you’re looking to hire a travel agent to arrange your next trip, it’s important to know how much you’ll be paying for these services. This is especially true if your trip is on the more expensive side or if you’re on a tight budget.
In this post, we’ll explore how to pick a travel agent based on your needs and their cost. Of course, this shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when selecting an agent, but it’s important for many travelers!
How Much Can I Expect to Spend?
When you hire a travel agent on Guru, you pay an hourly rate. If they’re booking your travel and excursions for you, you’ll also have to pay for those. Most travel agents charge around $100 to plan a trip, not including the cost of the trip itself. With this in mind, be sure to ask for an estimate from your chosen freelancer before beginning your project. If they’re booking your travel for you, communicate your budget so they don’t book a trip you can’t afford.
How Do Travel Agents Make Money?
Most of a travel agent’s income does not come from their clients. Instead, they make commissions from hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, and other partner businesses through which they book reservations. Agents may offer you certain options based on your budget and how much they’ll earn.
Travel agents may also charge you a fee for the effort they spend planning your journey and vacation. This could be a flat rate or a percentage of the total cost of the trip. On Guru, many freelance travel planners charge by the hour for the work they put into your itinerary. Simply pay them through our website and the freelancer will choose how they’d like to receive their funds!
What to Consider When Selecting an Agent
Travel agency affiliates.
Anyone can offer travel services on Guru, opening you to partnerships you might not otherwise have access to. When choosing someone to work with, ask them if they are an official travel agent affiliate with a host agency or if they’re a travel planner using the same tools you have access to on your own.
Those working with host agencies have access to industry training, deals with travel vendors, tools like cruise deck plans, and travel-specific software. There’s nothing wrong with working with someone who doesn’t belong to an agency, but know that in that case, you’re paying them for their time–not necessarily their resources.
Destination Familiarity
You’ll want to find out how familiar the agent is with the area you’ll be traveling to. Did they just read a few articles about it, or have they visited or lived in that area? It’s worth paying more for a destination expert as opposed to a travel generalist.
Some host travel agencies offer familiarity trips to help agents get to know the places they’ll be representing and selling travel to. Other times, a freelancer will have to visit destinations on their own time to better understand them. Either way, it’s a good idea to vet your freelancer based on their experience.
Prioritizing Collaboration
Lastly, it’s usually worthwhile to pay extra for a travel agent who will take your wants and needs into consideration instead of simply putting together their ideal trip. Communicate with the freelancer before you hire them to see if they’ll work with your list of must-haves. if you don’t have one ready, you should put one together!
Why Book Through Guru?
Working with a travel agent can alleviate a lot of stress when it comes to trip planning. When hiring a freelancer from Guru, you can review the testimonies from other satisfied clients so you won’t be going into your business partnership blind.
You’ll also be able to pay for their advice through a secure platform. If you’re not already registered as an employer, sign up on Guru today to find a qualified and reputable travel planner!
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How to Pick a Travel Agent
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Are Travel Agents Necessary?
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Travel agent vs do it yourself
With so many websites offering discount holiday bookings, do you even need a travel agent.
We wanted to compare travel agents with DIY travel bookings to see which option saved the most money and uncovered the best holiday deals.
So we set up three hypothetical trips to one of the most popular holiday destinations for Australians – Bali – and approached travel agents as would-be travellers looking for prices.
Our three types of hypothetical holiday-maker are:
- a couple wanting a luxury romantic escape
- a solo traveller seeking adventure
- parents with young children needing some time out.
As well as reaching our own verdict, we also checked in with the travel agents to get their take on people arranging their own trips.
On this page:
Our verdict
Scenario 1: luxury romantic escape, scenario 2: solo traveller, scenario 3: family holiday, what the travel agents say, your rights and travel agents.
It may take more time to DIY your holiday, depending on how computer savvy you are, but it can lead to huge savings.
Doing it yourself
Booking holidays ourselves worked out cheaper than using an agent in all three scenarios. The DIY booking for the luxury holiday saved a massive $2451, more than a third less than the agent's price.
In most cases it was pretty quick and easy to make bookings online, although this was because we knew exactly what we were looking for and the itineraries were fairly simple.
Using a travel agent
If you didn't know what to look for, travel agents' suggestions and advice could save hours of research by quickly narrowing down the endless options of hotels and tour packages available in Bali.
Each agent was knowledgeable about the destination and happy to tweak the itinerary according to our preferences.
Booking holidays ourselves worked out cheaper than using an agent in all three scenarios
Booking through an agent also came with a comforting certainty that all the details were correct, whereas when booking online we had to keep double checking that dates and details all lined up. This would become even more laborious with more complex itineraries.
Combined approach
If you want the best of both worlds, you can always get an itinerary and quote from an agent, do your own search for the cheapest prices online, and then ask the agent to match or beat the prices you've found (although not all offer a 'price beat' guarantee). At the very least, it's worthwhile quickly checking the hotel's and airline's own websites in case they're offering a significantly lower price than the agent.
It's also worth looking at flights with other airlines. Although this introduces many more variables, changing airlines can result in big savings. But make sure you're aware of the airline's safety record and track record for delays and cancellations.
What about hotel comparison sites?
We checked at least one hotel price comparison website for each itinerary, but their price always came in higher than both the agent's quote and the hotel's own website.
Booking a romantic luxury escape ourselves rather than through an agent saved us the most out of the three scenarios. Credit: themulia.com
7 nights' accommodation at The Mulia in a Baron Garden View Suite, including breakfast, flights and airport transfers.
We presented as a couple wanting to stay somewhere luxurious on a total budget of $7000.
Travel agent
The travel agent responded to our online enquiry within a couple of hours, suggesting two resorts: Anantara Uluwatu and The Mulia.
We chose The Mulia in Nusa Dua and the agent quickly sent through a package quote just under budget at $6887.
The package included seven nights' accommodation with breakfast, airport transfers and return Qantas flights, as well as an add-on product ($49 per person) giving extra benefits and services such as price-drop protection.
We asked for the add-on product to be removed and for a price breakdown. The agent sent through a revised quote for $6789, but said a price breakdown wasn't possible.
- Seven nights in The Baron Garden View Suite at The Mulia including breakfast, airport transfers and Qantas flights
- Total: $6789
The Mulia's own website offers hotel and flight packages, so we checked this option first.
A package including the same room (with breakfast, but no airport transfers) and return flights with Garuda Indonesia airline cost $6113 – significantly less than the agent's quote. We emailed the hotel about adding transfers to this package and were told it would cost $84 return (800,000 in Indonesian rupiah, or IDR), taking the total price of the package to $6197.
We then looked at booking the room and flights separately. The Mulia website offered seven nights' accommodation in the Baron Garden View Suite including breakfast and transfers for $3045 (IDR 29,148,000).
We then found the same return Qantas flights for $1293 using a price comparison site. Combined with the accommodation and transfers booked directly through The Mulia website, the flights took the total DIY package cost to just $4338, saving a whopping $2451 on the travel agent's quote.
- Seven nights in The Baron Garden View Suite at The Mulia including breakfast and transfers – $3045
- Qantas flights – $1293
- Total: $4338
Result: DIY is $2451 (36%) cheaper
Booking a solo trip with adventure activities was straightforward without the help of a travel agent.
9-day Intro Travel Bali Intro tour with activities, accommodation and flights, plus one extra night's stay in Bali and airport transfer.
The second enquiry was for a solo traveller who had a budget of $3000. We asked for adventure activities and the chance to meet other solo travellers.
The agent asked some questions about what kind of activities and experiences we were looking for before talking us through three different tour packages.
We chose the Bali Intro tour and the agent sent through a quote several hours later for $2204, which included the tour (eight nights' accommodation, one-way airport transfer, eight meals and activities), return flights with Virgin, two nights' stay in a hotel before the tour and one night after it.
After some discussion about the extra accommodation, we decided to remove the two-night stay before the tour but keep the post-tour stay, as the agent recommended allowing plenty of time to return to the main island for the flight the next day.
The revised quote was well under budget at $1984. A $2 charity donation was added to the bill, which the agent hadn't mentioned.
- Bali Intro tour – $1099
- Flights – $797
- Departure transfer – $35
- Post-tour hotel – $51
- Charity donation – $2
- Total: $1984
Booking the same holiday online was straightforward. We booked the Bali Intro tour directly through the company's website for the same price ($1099). Using Virgin's own site, we found the same flights for $777. The Virgin flights were also available on a flight comparison site for $723. Flying with Jetstar on the same dates would have cost $629, including 20kg of luggage, entertainment and meals.
The post-tour hotel (with breakfast) was available on Agoda for $54, $3 more than quoted by the agent. We emailed the hotel and were told an airport transfer would cost $21 (IDR 200,000).
Overall, it cost $181 more to book through the agent. And although some people use agents for the perceived convenience, all the emails back and forth actually ended up taking up more time than the DIY option.
- Flights – $629 (Jetstar)
- Departure transfer – $21
- Post-tour hotel – $54
- Total: $1803
Result: DIY is $181 (9%) cheaper
We saved $585 by booking a Bali family holiday ourselves. Credit: booking.com
9 nights at Bali Mandira Beach Resort and Spa including breakfast, flights and transfers.
The third enquiry was for a family of four (two adults, a five year-old and a three year-old) with a budget of $7000. We said we wanted a family-friendly resort that had child-minding or kids' club facilities.
The travel agent responded to our online enquiry with two flight options and detailed information on three resorts, along with pricing for each package.
We chose the Bali Mandira Beach Resort and Spa and flights on Malindo Air, which the agent said was $350 cheaper than flying with Garuda.
The agent sent through a package including return Malindo Air flights (with 20kg baggage per person but no meals), nine nights at the Bali Mandira in a Superior Room with breakfast, and two-way airport transfers – all for a total of $6570.
The accommodation came with a number of extras or 'value adds', including a 10% discount at an on-site restaurant, a half-price kids' meal at a buffet and theme dinner, free meals for kids when dining with their parents from the à la carte menu at the main restaurant, and $11 spa credit for each adult. The agent said they weren't able to break down the package pricing.
- Nine nights at Bali Mandira Beach Resort and Spa including breakfast, flights and transfers
- Total $6570
We found the same room on the hotel's website including breakfast and return airport transfers for $3349. This room also came with some value adds: 10% discount at an on-site restaurant, 15% discount at the main restaurant, 10% spa discount for one treatment, and 20% discount for pre-booked signature spa treatments.
The flights on Malindo Air's website cost $3481, which, combined with the accommodation found on the Bali Mandira's website, would take the total package to $6830 – higher than the agent's quote. But flights on the same dates with Jetstar (with 20kgs luggage, no meals) cost $2636, although the outbound flight arrived in Bali at 9pm rather than 4.50pm, which might be less convenient for people with young children. The total for the DIY package with Jetstar flights was $5985.
- Nine nights at Bali Mandira Beach Resort and Spa including buffet breakfast and transfers – $3349
- Return flights – $2636 (Jetstar)
- Total: $5985
Result: DIY is $585 (9%) cheaper
A professional travel agent can make your entire experience hassle free.
The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) says booking with an ATAS (AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme) accredited travel agent has many benefits.
Professional and personal travel specialists
A professional travel agent is trained to make your entire experience – from start to end – hassle free. They also tailor the itinerary to suit specific requests and find packages and products that suit your unique wants and needs.
Customer advocacy
If you experience a problem while travelling, your agent will act on your behalf, and is there to rectify any travel-related issues you encounter.
Expert guidance
Agents are trained destination and product experts and know how to sort through the myriad of travel information available. Their knowledge and network means they also have access to the best deals.
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Time saving
An agent has a world of travel information at their fingertips, saving you countless hours of online searching and frustration.
Convenience
Travel agents are a 'one-stop shop' that can handle every aspect of your travel – from booking airline tickets, ground transfers, tours and activities to arranging travel insurance.
A personal touch
A travel agent will ensure the accuracy of your booking details, advise with visa applications, assist with travel documentation, and provide valuable travel hints and tips.
In 2014 the Australian travel industry became deregulated as the Travel Compensation Fund (TCF) was abolished, backed by industry and government.
The TFC had ensured consumers were compensated when travel agents went broke, but under new rules travel agents no longer have to be licensed. It means you could be left stranded and out of pocket if a travel agent goes bust (although if you act fast, you can ask your bank for a credit card chargeback .)
There's now only the voluntary Australian Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS), run by the peak body Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), which vets travel agents to make sure they meet certain standards such as being reliable and properly trained.
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
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How Much Does a Travel Agent Cost?
Travel agents and travel agencies partner with airlines, cruise lines, hotels and resorts to provide travelers with the best deals possible. If you don’t know where to look when it comes to booking a vacation or you simply don’t have the time, a travel agent can put together the itinerary you’re envisioning for a low cost.
![Airplane by andrewmalone, on Flickr Airplane by andrewmalone, on Flickr](https://www.howmuchisit.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/travel-agent-cost.jpg)
How much does a travel agent cost?
On average, plan on spending around $30 to $50 per person for a travel agent to help you book a ticket for an airline, train or cruise. However, if the travel agent has to put together a customized vacation package for your family, the costs can be between $150 and $350, depending on the complexity of the vacation and the number of people they are booking for. There are also many other extra fees that you should be prepared to pay if you were to change anything in the future.
Researching a vacation can cost $25 to $100 per hour if you didn’t know exactly what you wanted yet.
Many travel agents charge flat rates per ticket or for custom trip packages, similar to the quotes specified in our table below, while others may charge a certain percentage of the trip’s value. When there are changes or cancellations, travel agents may charge a second fee on top of the fee already charged. Additionally, travel agents may charge customers for booking fees, hotel fees, car rental fees, change fees, and cancellation fees, among others.
We researched the average prices a travel agent often charges and included our findings inside the table below:
NOTE: This is just an average and the costs can vary from one travel agent to the next.
Virtuoso, a popular luxury travel advisor, for example, supposedly charges around $150 per person .
According to a CNN.com article , travel agents charge an average flat fee of $35 to purchase an airline ticket or a “plan to go” fee of $250 to prepare an individualized travel package. More experienced agents charge an hourly fee for tailored packages, while some agents charge an annual retainer to customers who want services delivered at their disposal.
An article at DailyFinance.com, states the average travel agent charges around $35 for airline services.
Tips to know:
A travel agent can do anything from booking an airline ticket on a specific date to planning an entire vacation, from the hotel to the daily activities. Essentially, a travel agent is a paid planner who makes your vacation become a reality without the hassles of doing it on your own.
Travel agent fees generally depend on the agent. You can always ask an agent up front what his or her fees are and what they will cover. As long as you know what you want, they should be able to provide you with an estimate. It is important to be aware early on what the potential costs will be, and it doesn’t hurt to get it in writing.
While travel agents have access to the same outlets that consumers use when booking trips, some agents have access to exclusive pricing and package deals that are not always available to the public. Agents also have more clout in sorting out situations such as hotels that claim to be fully booked, when in fact, they have rooms available for travel agent reservations. It never hurts to talk to a travel agent, even though it may seem “old fashioned.”
Travel agents are ideal for those who do not know where they are traveling, booking large groups or going overseas.
TravelSense.org has a helpful search engine that allows you to find a travel agent who’s a member of the ASTA and adheres to a strict Code of Ethics. Here, you can search by areas of expertise, specialties, languages and so much more.
A lot of travel agents work on commission, so, unfortunately, they may only recommend the hotels or airlines they receive a kickback from.
How can I save money?
When only booking a flight, it is not necessary to hire the services of a travel agent. Discount flight sites are easily available and you book a flight yourself at about the same price. For example, many find that it is cheaper to book through major sites such as Expedia.com .
A travel agent won’t always find you the best price. If you’re simply booking a hotel or car, use a comparison price tool, but don’t book just yet; instead, book directly to save the most money with the lowest price you found on the comparison website. Most of the time, if you were to use a travel agent, the only time it makes sense is when you’re booking for a group or a long vacation where you require the car, hotel, airfare and activities.
If you have a travel credit card, be sure to use it when booking your vacation to maximize your reward points.
If you are a member of AAA, they provide free travel services you can take advantage of.
Staying flexible with your future vacation can help cut the costs.
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Average Reported Cost: $0
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How much did you spend?
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I actually just went on a cruise, and sure, while you can find the information online, I was able to have a much easier time with my local travel agent. She didn’t charge me and by the looks of it, she saved me up to $100 per person. So for those who are contemplating if they should use one, I say DO IT!
I just used a local travel agent to book my family to Punta Cana. She helped work through all the resorts so we found exactly what we were looking for. Her service was completely free and the price was lower than on online company. She also said that now days travel agents can match the prices of any online company!
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Is it cheaper to hire a travel agent or book on your own? We looked into it
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How much time do you spend researching your next vacation? According to Expedia , Americans visit 140 travel websites before booking their next vacation. Could you be saving time and money using a travel agent?
"Really truly what we work on is value, you're getting someone with knowledge and experience on your side, so you don't have to do all of the work," said Crystal Seaton with Road to Relaxation Travel .
Seaton says booking through a travel agent typically won't cost you more. She says while some agents will charge you a nominal planning fee, many agencies like hers do not charge anything extra for their services.
"We get paid a commission on the back end from the vendor, so that's how we make our income," she said.
She did say they sometimes charge a fee if it's for a major complex trip with extensive planning.
When it comes to getting the same deals offered online, Seaton says, "99 percent of the time we can get the same deals."
"What I caution people," she said, "is to look beyond price to value because sometimes those digital deals come with a lot of small print that you don't notice upfront."
You need to make sure the advertised price is the final cost, and there are no extra taxes and fees added on after booking.
Seaton gave examples of when travel agents can save their clients' money on trips to Disney.
"We monitor promotions," she said. "Disney had a fall promotion that's come out recently. Our agents were up through the night waiting for it to drop based on what we're hearing, and then we go through the reservations that are booked for us and see who qualifies for it and apply it."
She says agents do the same thing when it comes to cruises and all-inclusive trips.
When you book on your own, you could be locked in on the price. The biggest difference is time.
According to Expedia, Americans spend nearly 23 hours on travel websites six weeks prior to booking a vacation. Those are hours that you could save for other things and let a travel agent do the work for you.
If you prefer booking your trip on your own online, Rob Stern, with RobPlansYourTrip.com says consider this: " Travel agents offer many things that the Internet does not, including personal knowledge of destinations and our recent travel experiences, knowing the quality of different travel suppliers, and providing a live resource for help during your trip. We have access to some industry only booking engines for travel packages as well."
If you book through an agent, they can also help when problems arise on your trip.
"Travel agents can help with troubleshooting when suppliers don't come through, in cases of bad weather, labor strikes, lost luggage, flight delays and cancellations," he said. "If there's an issue at a hotel or with a car rental when can often resolve it. We can explain what types of travel protection plans are the best for your type of trip."
Whether you are booking on your own or with an agent, Seaton says, "My best advice is to plan early. Your better deals are almost always early."
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Russia is open for international travelers regardless their citizenship/country of residence. Tourist visas are being issued in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, EU, Japan, and worldwide. Electronic visas (up to 16 days of stay, single entry) are available for the following nationals: Austria, Andorra, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Croatia, Cyprus, China, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Myanmar, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Philippines, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, Vatican, Vietnam.
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Trans-Siberian travels can fly in/out Vladivostok via Beijing (China), Harbin (China), Bangkok (Thailand), Tashkent (Uzbekistan).
Trans-Siberians taking off in Irkutsk/Lake Baikal, fly to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Dushanbe (Tadjikistan), Namangan (Uzbekistan), Osh (Uzbekistan), Beijing Daxing (China), Bangkok (Thailand), Ulaaanbaatar (Mongolia).
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- What is travel insurance?
- Average cost
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- Average cost by age
- What does travel insurance cover?
Travel Insurance Cost: Average Travel Insurance Prices in 2024
Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate travel insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.
- The average travel insurance premium this week is $297.42, down about 0.38% compared to last week.
- For travel in the United States, the average premium is $175 to $350.
- Travel insurance protects against delayed baggage, trip cancellation, and more.
The average cost of travel insurance fluctuates throughout the year, based on demand and whether or not school's in session. Also keep in mind that where you're traveling and how many people are taking the trip will affect your exact premium.
Understanding Travel Insurance
Travel insurance plans can cover both domestic and international travel. It could protect against something as familiar as delayed baggage (experts estimate 85% of lost luggage is returned to its owner within 48 hours) or as complicated as trip cancellation.
The benefits and limitations of travel insurance vary based on the company and plan. Above all else, this insurance coverage offers peace of mind.
Some credit cards offer a limited amount of travel insurance annually. If you need clarification on what your credit card offers, contact your provider to verify. These plans are great for cancellations and interruptions but may not cover more costly losses associated with unexpected medical expenses or emergency evacuations.
Individual travel insurance plans include this and much more. Travel insurance protects travelers from the unexpected when away from home.
Average Cost of Travel Insurance by Destination
Some countries are naturally more expensive travel destinations due to higher flight and lodging costs, which could increase travel insurance costs. Travel insurance will generally cost 5% to 10% of your total trip price, according to SquareMouth travel insurance .
Here's how the prices stack up:
Source: SquareMouth
How Far in Advance to Purchase Travel Insurance
According to an AAA travel survey , 88% of travelers say that reimbursement after a trip cancellation is the most valuable benefit of trip insurance.
According to data gathered by SquareMouth in the last six months, travelers tend to purchase trip cancellation travel insurance 53 days before their trip. Meanwhile, travelers without trip cancellation insurance will buy a policy approximately 16 days before their trip. Regardless of when you buy, cancellation protection can kick in to protect you against the unexpected.
Average Cost of Travel Insurance by Age
A traveler's age is a significant factor in determining the cost of travel insurance. The older a traveler is, the higher travel insurance premiums are. For instance, a senior traveler may need more insurance for health-related emergencies than a millennial.
When calculating your travel insurance premium, travel insurance providers consider the likelihood of a medical emergency.
Get your free travel insurance quote with SquareMouth »
Travel Insurance Rate Tips
Travel insurance rates through most providers fall between 4% and 8% of the total trip cost. Like the cost of flights, cruises, etc., rates may vary substantially based on the season, your original location, your destination, and other factors. This week, the average cost of a policy was close to $300.
To save money on travel insurance, tailor your policy to your specific needs and avoid unnecessary extras. You should also shop around to compare quotes from multiple insurers. Opting for an annual plan if you're a frequent traveler, checking existing coverages from other insurance policies or credit card benefits, and choosing a policy with a higher deductible can significantly lower your premiums. Always read the fine print to understand your coverage fully, ensuring you don't pay for redundant or irrelevant features.
To find affordable travel insurance, consider using online comparison websites like SquareMouth or InsureMyTrip to see rates from various providers. Other ways to save include purchasing directly from insurance companies, exploring package deals from travel agencies or airlines, utilizing included coverage from credit card benefits, and checking for discounts through membership organizations such as AAA or AARP.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .
Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
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International travelers are very attracted to russian travel opportunities but there are many concerns and hesitations due to the complicated visa issues, the language barrier, the confusing cultural differences, and methods and means of travel confusions., our small family business eliminates all of your concerns. we offer personal solutions to all of those problems as well as rare and extraordinary tours with a highly personal touch., we will make your russian travel enjoyable and unforgettable.
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Express to Russia - Russian Tours
Tours by express to russia.
Let Express to Russia, the world’s best Russia tour website help you plan your trip to Russia, one of Europe’s most colorful and interesting countries. For well over 15 years, Express to Russia has helped thousands of travelers from all over the globe organize their Russian trips. We are a Western owned and managed company with local offices in both St. Petersburg and Moscow. With a great and experienced staff of local tourism managers, Express to Russia is in a unique position to give our clients the best of both worlds; high quality services at local prices. Hear what past guests have to say about our Russian tours by browsing the traveler review section of our website. Express to Russia is a full member of ASTA (ID 900214747 and 900175313) ensuring our commitment to the highest quality services and our guests full satisfaction.
Russia Tours to Fit Any Budget
Our tours can be fully customized to meet any budget. Whether you would like a fully catered luxury tour with stays at 5 star hotels and VIP passes to the sites or a more modest tour with stays in a bed and breakfast or 3 star hotel, we can create a tour that will fit your needs and budget. Regardless of which of our Russian tours that you pick, we also guarantee the highest level of quality and customer service. Please, browse our tour page to choose your destination and see our offerings for 2022!
High Quality Tours You Can Count On
At Express to Russia, we pride ourselves on our customer service and on our attention to all the details of your trip – both large and small. Express to Russia is a full member of ASTA (ID 900214747 and 900175313) ensuring our commitment to the highest quality services and our guests full satisfaction. Express to Russia has a 5 star rating from TripAdvisor for our Russian tours and has been recommended in the following travel guides.
Our Tours to Russia
Visit St. Petersburg , the magnificent, Imperial capital of Russia with it palaces, fountains, canals and the Hermitage Museum or Moscow , the political capital, home to Red Square , the Kremlin , Gorky Park and more. Express to Russia offers tours to Moscow and St. Petersburg as well as packages to the Golden Ring , a group of medieval cities in Russia’s ancient heartland. We also specialize in train tours along the Trans Siberian Railway , the world’s longest and offer high quality, all-inclusive Russian River Cruises on the Volga River, the Black Sea and between Moscow and St. Petersburg. We can customize any Russia tour to fit our guest’s need and we offer both private and group tours.
We Show You Much More
Our main goal at Express to Russia is to make your time with us unforgettable and leave you with fantastic memories to last a lifetime. Each one of our tours explores the beauty, culture and historical significance of the Russian cities and towns that you will visit. Not only are our tours longer, more in depth and more fun than what other travel firms offer we also offer specialized excursions and tour packages that explore Russian culture in greater depth . We have Russian ballet and classical music packages, tours concentrating on Russian literature, the Jewish experience in Russia, Russian cooking classes and cuisine tours and much more.
Our Russian Tourism Experts
Each one of our mangers is the best in his or her field. Our staff is made up of people with a great love of Russian culture and history. Everyone at Express to Russia also loves to travel, meet new people and receives great satisfaction from showing our guests what Russia has to offer. A great way to learn a bit more about us is by visiting the about us section of our website or the meet our guides section. You can also fit the names with faces before you arrive.
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Each tour and cruise sale helps to fund our charity program
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The Best Christmas Markets in Moscow in 2021-2022
Experience a magical Russian Christmas in Moscow. The festive atmosphere warms the snow-dusted city, thousands of lights are strung across the city’s wide boulevards, and Christmas attractions are set up on the historical squares. From traditional fairs with souvenirs and carousels, to unique festivals run by the Orthodox church, fairs of handmade goods, and markets selling products from France all the way to the Far East, anyone visiting Moscow during the festive season will be spoilt for choice.
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Voyage Venture Vacations is a SCAM! They don't offer a trial period because they know when you go home after their presentation you can find better deals yourself just by going to your local travel agent. You will NEVER get your money back and their is NO GUARANTEES. After you pay $10,000.00 Plan for 10 years, or their $6,000.00 Plan for 6 years with a $300.00 per year maintenance Fee you will LOSE! I went home and booked a $4,400.00 Cruise and that did not include air fare, and VVV offered to pay me only $129 discount for being a member. I would have to go on two major vacations a year and send at least $10,000.00 just to break even with their $300.00 maintenance fee. WARNING*WARNING* WARNING* They will Disguise the Truth and Deceive You. For more info about this SCAM Company "Voyage Venture Vacations" send me a email. [email protected]
![travel agents cost more Photo of Vickie M.](https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/assets/public/default_user_avatar_64x64_v2.yji-19e0a8ff85b15f4bbd79.png)
Went to a presentation and was promised $100 in restaurant gift cards and a free cruise. Had to PAY to access the restaurant gift cards and turned out to be glorified coupons......not even going to try to redeem the 'free' cruise. Saying goes...nothing is free and how true. Only positive is we didn't join this club! Caution to anyone---company over promises and doesn't deliver on the promotion to listen to their presentation so blessed we dodged a big money pit by not signing up for membership with this travel scam. Can't post this without at least giving one star....would do a minus star if possible.
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Best Travel Insurance Companies of August 2024
- The best travel insurance company is Faye, according to our comprehensive analysis of over 49 policies.
- Travel insurance policies offer reimbursement if your trip gets canceled for a covered reason, you incur emergency medical bills, and for other situations such as missed flights or baggage delays.
- According to our survey of 1,000 travel insurance policyholders, 97% of respondents claim travel insurance is worth the cost.
![travel agents cost more](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/alexcarverheadshot-scaled.jpg)
Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.
![travel agents cost more](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tori-Addison-scaled-e1682090598500.jpg)
Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.
![travel agents cost more Mark Friedlander](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Friedlander-Hi-Res.jpg)
Mark Friedlander is a property/casualty insurance industry expert and a national media spokesperson on home, auto, business and life insurance matters. He is also an expert on hurricane insurance coverage and Florida insurance matters.
Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies
![travel agents cost more Faye Logo](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Faye_logo-removebg-preview.png)
The Best Travel Insurance of 2024
After reviewing dozens of travel insurance providers operating throughout the U.S., the following are our top recommendations:
- Faye: Our top pick
- Travelex Insurance : Best for budget travelers
- Nationwide Travel Insurance : Best for baggage coverage
- Tin Leg Travel Insurance : Best for customizable coverage
- Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection : Best for luxury travelers
- Seven Corners Travel Insurance: Best for visitors to the USA
- AIG Travel Guard: Best for families
- Trawick International: Best for student travel insurance
- Generali Global Assistance: Best for trip interruption coverage
- Travel Insured International: Best for evacuation coverage
Faye earned 4.6 out of 5 stars and the top spot as the best travel insurance company of 2024 because of its fast and simple sign-up process, direct deposit reimbursement option, and unique compensation for baggage delays.
![travel agents cost more Faye](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Faye_logo-removebg-preview.png)
Why We Picked Faye Travel Insurance
As a platform that prioritizes a digital, entirely online experience, Faye is worth considering if you’re shopping for last-minute coverage, according to our research. You can s imply answer a few questions about your upcoming trip, adjust your coverage limit and buy a comprehensive travel insurance plan in just a few minutes. In addition, Faye can send reimbursement directly to your phone’s digital wallet if you file a claim and it’s approved, which means you won’t need to wait for reimbursement by a check in the mail. While Faye offers only one plan choice, its general coverage inclusions may fit vacationers seeking quick coverage and a digital experience.
Pros and Cons
Our ratings, coverage overview.
Faye offers one plan with several optional add-on options.
Optional Add-Ons
- Cancel for any reason (CFAR)
- Rental car damage or theft
- Adventure and extreme sports protection
- Vacation rental damage protection
*Coverage limits and availability may vary by state of residence.
We obtained premium costs for seven trips as outlined in our review methodology, and Faye’s average trip cost is $297.87.
![travel agents cost more Travelex](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/travelex-logo-colour-rgb-768x202.png)
Why We Picked Travelex
Travelex is our top choice for travelers taking budget vacations and trying to prioritize policy price over other factors, according to our research. Travelex’s plans can be low-cost for some — depending on your vacation’s value, you could qualify for flat-rate coverage of $60 per traveler, which is less than half of the average cost of travel insurance. It also offers a flat-rate Travel America plan for domestic trips. While Travelex’s Travel Basic plan provides affordable international coverage, note that optional adventure sports, additional medical protection and CFAR insurance are not available with this plan.
Travelex’s base plan, the Travel Basic coverage, includes 100% protection for both trip cancellation and interruption. It also includes $15,000 worth of emergency medical coverage, $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage and $500 for lost baggage. Travelex’s Travel Select plan extends additional coverage, such as sporting equipment delay benefits of $200 and you can include kids with your policy.
Travelex offers the following add-ons for the Travel Select policy:
- CFAR coverage (50% reimbursement)
- Medical expense extension (extends coverage to $50,000)
- Adventure sports waiver for medical expenses coverage
- Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) extension (extends coverage to $25,000)
*Higher medical and evacuation coverage limits are available on other policies. Contact the company to learn more.
We obtained premium costs for seven trips as outlined in our review methodology, and Travelex’s average trip cost is $242.
Nationwide Travel Insurance
![travel agents cost more Nationwide Travel Insurance](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/download-1-300x117.png)
Why We Picked Nationwide
Our choice for the maximum coverage reimbursed was Nationwide travel insurance. Depending on your plan choice, it provides 100% trip cancellation coverage and up to 200% trip interruption protection. If you plan to go on a cruise in Europe, unlike most other providers, Nationwide offers two levels of coverage specifically tailored to cruises. The majority of travel insurance companies often do not cover mechanical failures and terrorism in the cities of destination, but these cruise policies do.
![travel agents cost more Tin Leg](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/6500bc7f1afe8f0019e9008c-Photoroom.png)
Why We Picked Tin Leg
Tin Leg is a travel insurance provider that offers eight individual policy options. With a different level of coverage included in each plan, Tin Leg can make it easy to choose a policy that only includes the protections most important to you. You can tailor your policy to your needs even further with up to 10 add-on options, securing Tin Leg’s spot on our list as the travel insurance provider with the best customization options.
With eight travel insurance policies, Tin Leg’s medical insurance benefits range from $20,000 to $500,000, and its trip interruption coverage ranges from 100% to 150%. Most policies also include unique extra coverages not found with some other providers — like sports equipment loss and missed connections. The table below summarizes the key coverage included with three of Tin Leg’s most popular plans.
You can also upgrade your plan with the following add-on options — though available choices will vary depending on your base policy selection.
- CFAR coverage
- Financial defaults
- Cancel for work reasons
- Terrorism disruption
- Employment layoff
- Missed connections
- Sports and activities coverage
- Identity theft
- Rental car damage
*Higher evacuation coverage limits are available on other policies. Contact the company to learn more.
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
![travel agents cost more Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bhtplogo_desktop_660_x115.png)
Why We Picked Berkshire Hathaway
If you’re planning a luxury vacation, you may have trouble finding an insurance provider to insure your trip’s total value. Berkshire Hathaway’s LuxuryCare travel insurance plans cover 100% of your trip costs up to $100,000, which is why we’ve named the provider our pick for luxury travelers. We like that it provides high coverage limits for lost luggage — a perk if you’re traveling with high-end items that would result in expensive replacement costs if lost or stolen. It also offers a series of specialized standard travel plans, including an AdrenalineCare policy specifically for sports travelers and WaveCare for cruises.
Berkshire Hathaway offers three general plans and more specialized coverage options. You’ll find a series of nine total plan options in most parts of the country, but we recommend the all-inclusive LuxuryCare and ExactCare Extra plans for high-value vacations.
The table below summarizes the inclusions found on some of Berkshire Hathaway’s most popular travel insurance plans.
Berkshire Hathaway allows you to add the following add-on options to your plan:
- CFAR upgrade (up to 50% trip reimbursement)
- Rental car collision damage
- Pre-existing conditions waiver
Seven Corners Travel Insurance
![travel agents cost more Seven Corners Travel Insurance](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/sevencornerplan2-300x83.png)
Why We Picked Seven Corners
For Seven Corners, buying an annual plan rather than several single-trip plans might be more cost-effective if you go to Europe frequently or are abroad on a student visa. Instead of purchasing new insurance every time, you can pay a single fee to cover several travels in a year. An annual plan comes with up to $500,000 in emergency medical coverage, $250,000 in travel medical coverage, and other benefits. All plans come with 24/7 travel help that is available worldwide. We think this plan is cost-effective for frequent travelers even though it lacks quality delay insurance.
AIG Travel Guard
![travel agents cost more AIG Travel Guard](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/aig-travel-guard-logo-300x118.png)
Why We Picked AIG
When shopping for travel insurance as a group or family, high combined premiums might deter some customers from purchasing coverage. We chose AIG Travel Guard as the best travel insurance provider for families because select plans — like the Deluxe policy — include one child under the age of 17 with the purchase of adult coverage. AIG also offers generous discounts on group travel coverage, which you can purchase with just a few clicks online. This can make AIG a solid choice for anyone looking for last-minute trip cancellation insurance, especially if you’re traveling with multiple people and prefer the ease of purchasing one policy instead of several.
AIG’s primary travel insurance product is its international travel plans, which provide 100% trip cancellation insurance, up to $1,000 in trip delay coverage, up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage and other benefits commonly found with competitors. It also offers two unique policy options: the quick approval Pack-N-Go plan and an annual plan for frequent flyers.
AIG offers three travel insurance plans, all of which include family coverage:
It also offers the following add-ons:
- CFAR coverage (up to 50% reimbursement)
- Vendor financial default coverage
- Missed connection benefit ($150)
*Higher medical and evacuation coverage limits are available on other policies. Contact the company to learn more.
Trawick International
![travel agents cost more Trawick International](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Trawick_Logo-300x157.jpeg)
Why We Picked Trawick International
Trawick is our pick for student travel insurance. While it offers more than 20 individual travel insurance policies with standard inclusions, Trawick is most notable for its unique options for students studying abroad, which can make the process of obtaining required insurance easier. The International Student and Scholar Medical Evacuation plan is an affordable option that meets the requirements of multiple international visas stipulating evacuation insurance. It also offers annual trip cancellation plans and coverage formatted for other types of international visa requirements. However, this plan only provides medical evacuation coverage and not general emergency medical protection, making it less than ideal for travelers concerned with comprehensive medical coverage.
With more than 20 individual plan options, Trawick offers a range of coverage selections. We suggest reviewing each plan option to verify it has the coverage you need, especially if you are traveling on a visa. Compare a few of the company’s most popular policies using the table below.
Add-On Options
Coverage add-ons are not available on Collegiate Care plans.
Generali Global Assistance
![travel agents cost more Generali Global Assistance](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/logo-3.png)
Why We Picked Generali Global Assistance
We chose Generali Global Assistance as our pick for emergency assistance coverage because it offers 24/7, concierge-level service to help travelers in various situations. Generali’s travel professionals are multilingual, which can benefit you if you travel to an area where you cannot speak the primary language. In addition, Generali’s higher coverage tiers include protections such as rental car and sports equipment coverage, which other providers usually offer as add-ons.
Generali offers three plan tiers: Standard, Preferred and Premium. The Standard Plan includes a variety of benefits, including 125% trip interruption coverage, $150 per day toward delay-related expenses, $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage, $50,000 worth of medical coverage and more. Preferred and Premium plans extend benefits included with the Standard Plan and add some extras — like sports equipment coverage and rental car collision insurance.
Generali offers the following add-on options:
- CFAR coverage (up to 60% reimbursement)
Travel Insured International
![travel agents cost more Travel Insured International](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/travel-insured-logo.png)
Why We Picked Travel Insured International
We named Travel Insured International as our pick for well-rounded coverage. It offers coverage with various optional add-ons such as event ticket registration fee protection, interruption for any reason (IFAR) and CFAR coverage. The provider even offers optional pet kennel coverage, which could offer peace of mind travelers with furry friends at home. It also provides 24/7 emergency assistance services and extra perks such as concierge services, medical and legal aid and passport replacement help.
How To Choose the Best Travel Insurance
Knowing what to look for when comparing travel insurance providers can help you pick the best plan for your needs. We encourage you to compare brand pricing and policies between multiple providers to help narrow down your available coverage options.
Compare The Best Travel Insurance For International Trips
Comparing the costs of coverage offered by different providers can help you find the most affordable option for your travel insurance needs. See the table below for a direct cost comparison between the companies we’ve chosen as our top picks, as well as Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings and notable coverage limits.
Asking yourself a few key questions can help further simplify your search for travel insurance. Considering the total cost of your trip, your destination, method of travel and any health concerns can help you better understand the type of policy that suits your needs best.
Was This an Important or Pricey Trip?
The value and price of your trip play a major role in travel insurance pricing. If you’re insuring a higher-value vacation, you may want to look for policies with higher overall coverage limits and travel interruption reimbursements. If you’re taking a budget vacation, you might see more value in an insurer that specializes in low-cost, affordable policies.
Where Are You Headed?
It is also good practice to consider the available amenities and your trip itinerary when shopping for coverage. For example, if you’re traveling to a remote area with a less robust medical system than a city with many options, there could be a higher chance of needing emergency medical evacuation if you end up seriously injured. In this case, we recommend a policy with higher coverage limits on medical evacuation services.
“I recommend that every traveler gets a strong medical evacuation policy. When the worst-case scenario happens, you can get to a hospital of your choice at home. I really push this coverage for folks traveling in Mexico because it’s a short trip to a home hospital.”
![travel agents cost more Zach Lazzari headshot image](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/64138-20191201_172816.jpg)
How Are You Getting to Your Destination?
If you’re taking a cruise, consider getting a quote from a travel insurance provider that offers cruise-specific coverage, such as Nationwide. While most travel insurance providers design policies to cover the basic risks associated with flying — such as lost luggage, missed connections, etc. — it is worth comparing options that include coverage specific to your trip. For example, those traveling for work may prefer Allianz Global for its business-centered plans.
Do You Have Any Health Concerns?
When thinking about your travel plans, consider if you could need medical services based on your health history and travel itinerary. If you’re older, have a pre-existing health condition , or plan to participate in physical activities or sports, consider a plan with higher medical expense limits. In addition, companies often include COVID-19 treatment under a policy’s standard emergency medical coverage, but it is best to read through coverage terms and conditions to confirm.
Angela Borden, a product marketing specialist at Seven Corners , offered the following advice for travelers:
“Contact your insurance provider to be sure you fully understand the pre-existing conditions coverage for the plan you choose,” she said. “Being prepared and having the information before you need it in an emergency makes a huge difference.”
Is Travel Insurance Required?
In most cases, travel insurance is not required. However, some countries require visitors to have travel insurance due to visa requirements or diplomatic unrest. These countries typically only require proof that your policy covers emergency medical expenses. You can extend your coverage to also protect you against baggage loss, trip delays and cancellations.
Even if your destination does not mandate travel insurance, the U.S. Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens traveling overseas purchase a policy that covers unexpected medical bills while abroad.
When To Skip Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may only be worth it in some scenarios. For instance, if you booked your trip using a credit card that also offers travel insurance protection, you may not need coverage through an additional provider. We encourage you to check the details of your credit card coverage, if applicable, to ensure it aligns with your needs. If so, you can likely skip buying a separate travel insurance policy.
In addition, if you’ve booked your trip with flexible airline tickets or with a hotel that offers a flexible change or cancellation policy, you may not need a travel insurance policy. Also, travelers booking excursions or activities with refundable policies will likely not benefit from a travel insurance plan.
Finally, note that if you’re a U.S. citizen traveling within the country and have insurance through a domestic provider, you likely will need travel insurance with medical coverage. However, your coverage may not extend abroad, notably if you have a government-issued plan. But if you have private insurance that covers emergency medical expenses abroad, you may not need to purchase a travel insurance plan.
Generally, we encourage you to consider your trip, the overall cost and the flexibility surrounding your reservations when deciding whether or not to skip purchasing a travel insurance policy.
Ask an Expert
“You don’t need to insure trip expenses if they’re already covered by someone else or if you are comfortable losing the money you paid for your trip if you must cancel or interrupt it.”
![travel agents cost more Angela Borden headshot image](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1667592132491.jpg)
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
The specifics of what is covered under your travel insurance policy will vary depending on the provider you select. The following are some of the most common types of coverage you are likely to find as you get quotes from the best travel insurance providers.
Trip Cancellation Protection
Trip cancellation coverage compensates you for nonrefundable expenses, such as your flight and lodging, if your trip gets canceled due to certain unforeseen circumstances. This could include unexpected weather events, a death in the family or the diagnosis of a major illness. You can check your travel insurance policy for specific coverages and exclusions. Most travel insurance companies provide 100% cancellation coverage for nonrefundable expenses when offering this type of protection.
Trip Interruption Protection
Baggage delay or loss coverage is another component of travel insurance that offers financial protection if your checked luggage is delayed or lost during your trip. If an airline temporarily misplaces your belongings, this coverage can help ease the inconvenience by reimbursing you for essential items, such as toiletries and lost clothing. The average amount a travel insurance provider offers will vary, and some companies have a timeline for how long you must wait after a delay before you can claim this coverage.
Emergency Medical Expenses and Evacuation
Medical expense coverage is a component of travel insurance that helps you cover medical bills you incur if you get hurt or sick on a trip. Depending on the health insurance you have in the U.S., your coverage may not extend to hospital bills to treat injuries and illnesses sustained outside of the country, making this type of coverage potentially valuable in the event of a medical emergency.
Emergency medical coverage does not usually include transportation or evacuation due to an illness or injury, but concerned travelers can purchase medical evacuation insurance as an add-on. For this reason, medical evacuation protection will typically have a separate coverage limit. We recommend considering higher evacuation coverage limits if traveling to a remote area without immediate hospital access.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage entitles you to partial or full reimbursement of nonrefundable trip expenses if you cancel your trip for reasons not listed in your policy.
“CFAR gives you greater flexibility to alter your plans and still get some money back on your trip expenses, regardless of why you decided to cancel your trip,” said Borden. “[It] was especially popular immediately after COVID-19 because it allowed people to cancel even if they simply changed their minds about traveling.”
She goes on to note that while travelers are generally less concerned about COVID-19’s impact on travel, CFAR coverage is still a valuable benefit.
“You never know what could happen at home or at your destination that would cause you to rethink your travel plans,” she added.
Collision Coverage
If you’re renting a vehicle on vacation, you may choose to add collision coverage. Similar to the collision coverage found on your domestic auto insurance policy, it compensates you for damage to a rental vehicle if you’re involved in an accident. This coverage is usually not legally required to drive in another country. Still, it may help cover repairs passed onto you by the rental car company if you’re involved in an accident.
Rental Car Coverage
Rental car agencies usually offer optional insurance coverage when you rent a vehicle. However, you could choose to opt for rental car coverage through a travel insurance plan instead. Typically offered as an add-on, it can reimburse you if a collision, theft, vandalism, natural disaster or other events damage your rental car. In some cases, you may also find it cheaper than what a rental car agency offers for protection.
What Is Not Covered by Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance will not cover everything associated with your trip. Exclusions vary from provider to provider, but companies typically omit common events and circumstances from coverage. Some examples of common exclusions include medical tourism, named hurricanes and tropical storms, and voluntary cancellation without CFAR coverage. Other standard exclusions include fear of flying, injuries resulting from participation in extreme sports and travel to particularly high-risk destinations.
Some travel insurance companies offer add-on protection plans that cover some typically excluded events. For example, CFAR coverage can partially cover cancellations not covered by your standard travel insurance policy. Extreme sports coverages or waivers can offer financial protection in the event of an injury from participation in excluded sports or activities. Regardless, we suggest thoroughly reading the fine print in your contract and asking your provider questions about any exclusions you’re unsure of.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
In our comprehensive review of the travel insurance market, our team found the average cost of travel insurance was about 3% to 5% of a trip’s total value. Based on the quotes our team gathered from providers, the average cost across seven different traveler profiles came out to $221 , with the average traveler paying between $70 and $300 for most trips.
To further understand the average travel insurance cost in relation to total trip value, we gathered multiple quotes from various providers for a 30-year-old traveler taking a week-long trip to France. See the table below for the average travel insurance cost based on the total cost of trips ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
Remember that your travel insurance costs will vary based on various factors. We encourage you to get a quote from at least three travel insurance providers before purchasing coverage to ensure you get the best price for your coverage needs.
The following chart outlines the average insurance cost for our top 10 companies from least to most expensive:
![travel agents cost more travel agents cost more](https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hYeqV/full.png)
How We Found Our Cost Data
We calculated the average costs for each provider in our review using seven unique traveler profiles to gain an understanding of costs for different people and scenarios, which we break down in our travel insurance methodology .
After using each profile to gather quotes for different plans, we calculated the average cost of each provider and individual policy. Our top recommended plans in the table above may cost you more or less than our averages listed depending on factors unique to your travel needs. The best way to know how much a travel insurance policy will cost is to request quotes from multiple providers for your trip.
What Impacts the Cost of Trip Insurance?
Several factors can determine how much your travel insurance will cost — and while cost matters when it comes to a travel insurance policy, the cheapest option is not always the best. If you’ve booked an expensive trip and prefer a budget travel insurance plan, it might be good to ensure the coverage is enough to protect your investment.
As you shop, keep in mind that the following factors can affect how much you pay for a travel insurance policy:
- Your age: Some travel insurance companies increase costs with traveler’s age. Based on our research, prices are the same for travelers up to age 50 and then increase from there.
- Trip cost: The more expensive the trip, the more it will cost the travel insurance company to reimburse you, according to our research. As such, your travel insurance premium will likely be higher for more expensive trips.
- Plan type: There are many different types of travel insurance policies. The more protection you have, the more expensive your travel insurance rate.
- Add-on coverages: Most plans will allow you to add certain features without upgrading your entire plan. However, add-ons will increase your overall cost. For example, you might buy basic flight insurance for $30 and add CFAR coverage for an additional $30.
- Number of travelers: While you can buy a single policy for multiple travelers, each traveler will have their own premium, increasing the total cost. However, many travel insurance companies offer group discounts.
- Destination: Your travel insurance provider will take the risk factor of your trip destination into consideration when determining the cost of insurance.
- Trip length: The longer your trip is, the more you’ll likely pay a higher premium for a travel insurance policy. Not only are longer trips more expensive, but the duration increases the chances of something going wrong and causing you to file a claim.
How To Buy Travel Insurance
The travel insurance providers on our list offer online quote systems that allow you to view pricing and policy options after entering some information about yourself and your trip. Alternatively, you can typically purchase coverage over the phone by getting in touch with a representative using the company’s customer service line.
As you prepare to purchase travel insurance, you want to keep a few details about your vacation handy, including:
- The ages and names of everyone in your party
- Your travel destination(s)
- The dates you are traveling
- Your total trip value, including flights, accommodations, baggage and other items you need to cover
- The date of your initial trip payment
Each of these factors will play a role in the price you will pay for travel insurance coverage.
Who Needs Travel Insurance?
While most people can benefit from some level of travel insurance coverage, consider a policy if you are planning any of the following:
International trips: Traveling internationally can expose you to unfamiliar healthcare systems, unpredictable events, and potential trip interruptions. Travel insurance offers financial protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unexpected expenses that may arise in foreign destinations.
Regular vacations: If you frequently travel for business or leisure, an annual travel insurance policy can be a cost-effective solution. This policy provides continuous coverage for multiple trips, saving you time purchasing separate policies.
Senior travelers: If you are a senior traveler with Medicare, your health insurance excludes most medical care outside of the country. Travel insurance with medical expenses and evacuation coverage can financially protect you if you need care while away from home.
Adventure sports: Adventure enthusiasts planning to engage in activities like hiking, skiing or scuba diving may find travel insurance with adventure sports coverage beneficial. These policies can cover potential injuries and equipment losses, which you may be more likely to run into due to your itinerary. However, not all standard travel medical insurance covers injuries related to adventure sports.
If you are considering travel insurance, we suggest getting a few sample quotes to compare coverage. Getting a quote is free, takes only a few minutes and can provide more personalized insights into the cost of your upcoming travel plan.
As the world continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitality industry is slowly seeing a return to pre-pandemic levels. According to research from the U.S. Travel Association , domestic leisure travel is expected to fully return to pre-pandemic levels throughout 2024. Some of the factors contributing to travelers’ return to airports across the globe include:
- Easing international visa and travel restrictions
- Vaccine distribution and effectiveness
- Increased demand for travel following COVID-19 lockdowns
As the demand for travel increases, so has the sale of travel insurance. The travel insurance market size is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5% between 2022 and 2028 . Highly publicized stories of flight delays and cancellations occurring across the country are also contributing to public demand for travel insurance.
Top Travel Destinations of 2024
To learn more about the top travel destinations of 2024 and the average price travelers paid for coverage, our team conducted a Pollfish survey in February 2024 consisting of 1,000 U.S.-based respondents.
Of those respondents, 46% said the last time they purchased travel insurance was for a domestic trip within the U.S. The remainder of our survey participants purchased a travel policy for an international vacation, with the following countries ranking among the most popular destinations:
Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
While travel insurance is not required to enter countries in most parts of the world, it can be worth the cost to purchase some level of coverage. In our review, we found the average cost of travel insurance is less than 7% of what you can expect to pay for your vacation — but may provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in reimbursements if you experience an unexpected cancellation or delay. The medical expense coverage included with travel insurance is also an invaluable protection, as many health insurance policies exclude care provided outside of the U.S.
Survey Majority Say Travel Insurance Is Worth It
Over half of our survey respondents paid between $50 to $200 for their most recent travel insurance policy, with $200 to $300 being the second most commonly selected price range. In addition, 40% of respondents said they purchased travel insurance mainly to protect the cost of their trip. Trip cancellation coverage and medical were the next most popular reasons for buying a policy.
If you plan to travel in 2024, our team recommends purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Over 60% of survey participants agree with our sentiments, endorsing a policy that includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage and more.
“Like any insurance policy, it's a lost cost until you really need it. Travel insurance offers narrow or broad range coverages that can really help when things don't go as planned. From Medical Evacuations to trip cancellation, it's worth investing in a policy ," said Lazzari.
ASK THE EXPERTS
What is most important to consider when evaluating travel insurance options?
"It's essential the plans are well-defined including specific activities and regions a traveler will visit. For instance, a vacation spent relaxing at a nearby resort requires different insurance coverage compared to a trip involving various activities across multiple countries. Insurance premiums are inherently linked to the level of risk involved, so it's wise for budget travelers to tailor their insurance based on their detailed travel plans. Moreover, the inherent risks of the destination must be considered. Higher-risk areas naturally have a greater likelihood of issues arising, and appropriate insurance should be in place to manage these risks. When assessing the risk factors of a destination, it's crucial to go beyond common knowledge and actively seek out information to accurately gauge the safety level of the destination."
![travel agents cost more wookjae heo headshot](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/wookjae-heo.jpg)
"It’s important to understand what is not covered by a travel insurance policy. Most policies will not cover man-made disasters if your trip is canceled or interrupted. Other exclusions may include acts of war, participating in dangerous activities such as extreme sports, self-harm and foreseeable events. Read the policy carefully. One alternative to standard travel insurance is cancel-for-any-reason coverage. However, the cancellation typically must occur within a preset number of days before the trip is to begin and is more expensive."
![travel agents cost more Tim Query headshot](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Tim-Query.jpeg)
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance
Does travel insurance get more expensive closer to the trip.
Unlike most other types of insurance, you won’t be penalized for buying your travel insurance closer to the dates you might use it. However, many travel insurance companies require that you purchase coverage within a limited time after booking your trip. Luckily, travel insurance prices do not increase as you get closer to your departure date. That being said, some options (like CFAR coverage) may only be available for a limited time before you travel.
When does travel insurance expire?
Your travel insurance policy will expire on the date you indicate when you purchase the plan. For most travelers, this will be the final day of your vacation. Frequent travelers might also have the option to buy annual travel insurance that protects them for a year.
What does international travel insurance cover?
International travel insurance provides you with a reimbursement for nonrefundable travel expenses if you’re forced to cancel your trip or leave your destination early. In addition, it may reimburse you for travel expenses like airfare and hotel costs if you cannot claim a refund from your vendors directly.
Does insurance still cover trips if you cancel right before your departure date?
That depends. Most travel insurance companies require canceling anywhere from 24 hours to a week or more before departure in order to be eligible for reimbursement.
Travel insurance premiums often increase as your departure date approaches, since the likelihood of last-minute interruptions or cancellations increases closer to your flight. It’s generally advisable to purchase travel insurance in advance to get access to the most favorable rates.
What is the most common type of travel insurance?
The most common type of travel insurance is trip cancellation and interruption coverage, which reimburses you if you’re forced to cancel your trip or go home early. These coverages are included on almost every travel insurance policy, except medical-only plans.
Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies
- A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
- A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
- A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
- A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
- A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
- A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
- A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
- Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
- Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
- Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
- Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.
A.M. Best Disclaimer
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .
![travel agents cost more luxury travel, romantic beach getaway holidays for honeymoon cou](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/rsz_adobestock_270048422.jpg)
MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page. The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.
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Should you need to cancel a trip booked through a travel agent, you may also need to pay them a cancellation fee, on top of any fees charged by the airline or accommodation. Walker from Flight ...
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On the more positive side, using a travel agent can score upgrades and amenities for free. As I said, hotels want to please guests of travel agents so that travel agents continue booking their hotels. \Your travel agent wants to please you so that you keep booking with them. It's one major difference to booking online.
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Travel agent prices compared. Our mystery shoppers also tried to haggle with high street travel agents to see if they would be willing to beat or match online prices - with mixed results. Two weeks in the Dominican Republic. Hays knocked £319 off a Dominican Republic holiday, making it just £50 more expensive than online instead of £369 more.
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January 15, 2024. The cost of using a travel agent can vary based on several factors, including the type of services they provide, the complexity of your travel plans, their level of expertise in trip planning, and the agency's fee structure. Here are some common ways travel agents may charge for their services:
Hourly rate. Travel agents may charge a percentage ranging from five percent to 15 percent of the trip's cost. Others may charge a flat rate, anywhere from $100-$500 on average. Some advisors ...
An excellent travel agent can be the difference between an OK experience and the trip of a lifetime. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. Here are four times when you may want to use a travel agent: Booking a hotel with extras. Your travel agent can become a trusted friend over time.
When you hire a travel agent on Guru, you pay an hourly rate. If they're booking your travel and excursions for you, you'll also have to pay for those. Most travel agents charge around $100 to plan a trip, not including the cost of the trip itself. With this in mind, be sure to ask for an estimate from your chosen freelancer before ...
We emailed the hotel and were told an airport transfer would cost $21 (IDR 200,000). Overall, it cost $181 more to book through the agent. And although some people use agents for the perceived convenience, all the emails back and forth actually ended up taking up more time than the DIY option. Bali Intro tour - $1099.
On average, plan on spending around $30 to $50 per person for a travel agent to help you book a ticket for an airline, train or cruise. However, if the travel agent has to put together a customized vacation package for your family, the costs can be between $150 and $350, depending on the complexity of the vacation and the number of people they ...
While buying travel insurance makes every trip cost slightly more than it otherwise would, this coverage can also lead to considerable financial savings. ... reach out to an experienced travel agent for help. For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Topics From This Article to Explore
Seaton says booking through a travel agent typically won't cost you more. She says while some agents will charge you a nominal planning fee, many agencies like hers do not charge anything extra ...
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Cost (10%): To determine a baseline average travel insurance cost, we gathered quotes from each travel insurance company based on different traveler profiles. Travel insurance companies at or ...