Are Travel Agents Still a Thing?

Kelsey Dziedzic
27.09.25 10:48 AM - Comment(s)

Are Travel Agents Still a Thing? Spoiler: Yes—And You’ll Be Glad They Are

If you’ve ever caught yourself mid-scroll on Google with 37 open tabs, desperately trying to figure out whether that “beachfront suite” is actually beachfront—or if it overlooks the parking lot—you’ve probably wondered: do travel agents even exist anymore?

Short answer: yep. Long answer: they’re more important than ever.

Here’s the deal. The internet made it easy for anyone to book a flight or hotel with a few clicks. But it also turned trip planning into a stressful part-time job. With millions of options, ever-changing policies, and fine print lurking everywhere, DIY-ing your vacation can feel less like “vacation planning” and more like “corporate project management.”


That’s where travel advisors (the modern-day upgrade of “travel agent”) come in.


So… what do travel advisors actually do?

Think of us as your personal matchmaker between you and your dream trip. Our job is to:

  • Cut through the noise. You don’t need 200 hotel tabs open—we’ll narrow it down to the ones that fit your style, budget, and vibe.

  • Unlock perks you won’t find online. From room upgrades to spa credits to private transfers, advisors often have access to extras that Google can’t get you.

  • Save you time and stress. Instead of spending hours researching flights and resorts, you get to daydream about the actual vacation.

  • Advocate for you. Flights canceled? Room not as promised? You don’t have to fight with customer service—we’ve got your back.


Aren’t travel agents old-school?

Not anymore. Today’s travel advisors are less “brochure pushers” and more like travel designers. We use tech, insider connections, and destination expertise to curate trips that actually fit you. Think of us like the difference between ordering a mystery outfit off Amazon versus having a personal stylist put together a look that slays.


Why not just book online?

Sure, you can book online. You can also cut your own hair, fix your own plumbing, and bake a wedding cake from scratch. But sometimes… it’s better to call in an expert. Especially when it’s something as important as your honeymoon, bucket-list adventure, or that “finally taking time off” trip you’ve been dreaming about for years.


FAQs: What People Really Want to Know


Do travel advisors cost extra?
I do charge a concierge fee with the price depending on the complexity of the trip. But, here's an example of how we can save you money. I recently had a client send me their ChatGPT itinerary. I knew the hotels on there were great, but I also knew there were over double his budget. I was able to take the vibes of those resorts and find something that better fit his budget. 

Can’t I just find deals online?
Maybe—but you won’t always know if it’s actually a good deal. Advisors know when “too good to be true” actually is too good to be true. Plus, we often get exclusive offers and upgrades that aren’t publicly advertised.

Do I really need one if I like planning?
Even if you love planning, having an advisor in your corner is like having a safety net. You can still share your vision, wishlist, and Pinterest boards—we’ll just help turn that into a seamless, stress-free reality (with a few surprise perks sprinkled in).


The bottom line

Travel advisors aren’t a relic of the past—we’re the secret ingredient to stress-free, unforgettable travel. So the next time you find yourself drowning in Google tabs, remember: you don’t have to DIY your dream vacation. You just need someone who knows the shortcuts, the upgrades, and the secret spots worth knowing about.

Kelsey Dziedzic