Does it cost more to book through a travel agent?

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. She did say they sometimes charge a fee if it’s for a major complex trip with extensive planning.

Why are travel agents expensive?

The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and oftentimes they won’t charge you at all. Much of their money comes from the hotels and wholesalers they do business with. Before you consult an agent, be sure you first inquire about fees. If you won’t miss the amount, go ahead and proceed.

Is it cheaper to book hotels through an online travel agent?

A Piper Jaffray study reported by Skift notes that 13\% of hotel bookings (not including loyalty member rates) were offered at a lower price to those who booked directly, while 21\% were cheaper when booked through an online travel agent, and 66\% were the same price when booked by either.

Should you book your own flights or use a travel agent?

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.

Are travel agents worth the cost?

Travel agents also can make phone calls and have direct communication with resorts and hotels to bargain for better deals. But doesn’t the cost of using an agent invalidate the savings? Not at all! The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and oftentimes they won’t charge you at all.

Is direct booking the cheapest way to book a trip?

In conclusion, taking planning out of the equation, we’ve found that direct booking tends to be the cheapest option more often than not. While online travel agents do a fine job of sifting through airfare and hotel options, other cost-cutting measures like vacation rentals and Airbnb are still a rarity on most booking sites.