DOES IT COST MORE TO BOOK WITH A TRAVEL AGENT THAN IT WOULD TO BOOK ON MY OWN VIA THE INTERNET?

Yes & No! Let us explain. While travel agents are paid a commission by hotels, the commission that they may receive is based on published prices and fares. This means the price that you pay for your vacation is the same whether you book it yourself online or you use the services of a travel agent or travel advisor.

Travel agents have partnerships in the travel industry all around the world that allow them to open many doors, offering you different experiences, reservations, activities, upgrades, and amenities that you might not even know exist. This will allow you to stretch your vacation dollars more than you could by planning your vacation on your own.

Just like any seasoned professional, a travel agent may charge a modest service fee, reflecting the time, expertise, and personalized care that goes into planning your perfect vacation. Think of it as an investment in peace of mind. From saving you countless hours of research to providing insider knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering support if the unexpected travel crisis arises, your travel agent is your dedicated advocate from beginning to end. For many savvy travelers, this small fee is not just justified, it’s one of the smartest travel decisions you can make.

Also, keep in mind that travel agents may receive commissions on some things, but they may not receive commissions on a la carte services, such as booking airline tickets, tee-times, hard-to-get restaurant reservations, boutique or smaller independent hotels, or if you cancel your vacation or cruise. A nominal professional service fee guarantees your travel agent that they will still get paid for all the time and effort that they put into planning your amazing vacation.

*Craving Amazing Travel does charge professional research and service fees. These fees will be discussed during your free consultation.