Thinking About Using a Travel Agent in 2026? Read This First!

In 2026, you might be wondering if it’s even worth using a travel agent.

I mean, there are tons of travel planning websites now. And honestly… ChatGPT can plan a whole vacation for you in seconds.

So, should you even bother using an agent anymore?

I’m guessing that if you landed here, you’re trying to figure out if people even still use travel agents these days.

Now look, I am a travel agent with Fora. But before you roll your eyes and think this is going to be some sales pitch… It’s not.

Because the truth is, there are absolutely people who should not use a travel agent.

But there are also people who benefit from one more than they probably realize.

And that’s what we’re getting into.

I want to help you figure out which type of traveler you are. The one who should just DIY everything using booking sites and AI… or the one who actually makes their life a whole lot easier by using an agent.

Who should NOT use a travel agent?

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Budget travelers

I think this is the biggest misconception out there.

A lot of people assume a travel agent is going to get them the best deal. Like, somehow we have access to secret discounted rates that no one else can find.

That’s not really how it works. We have access to upgrades and certain perks depending on the property, but that’s not why you should use an agent.

If your main goal is to spend as little as possible, you are usually better off booking things yourself and hunting for deals online.

And honestly, if you’re someone who enjoys comparing prices, checking five different sites, and piecing together the cheapest option… you probably don’t need an agent.

Also, for anyone thinking about becoming a travel agent because you think you’ll have access to better prices… you won’t. Not in the way you’re probably imagining.

The only time you might see better rates is with group trips or larger bookings, where you can negotiate directly with hotels or suppliers. That’s a completely different situation.

But for something like a honeymoon or a regular trip? Being a travel agent doesn’t magically mean you can get a cheaper price than what’s already out there.

Someone who wants to be fully involved in planning

This one might surprise people.

If you’re the type of traveler who wants to plan everything yourself… you probably shouldn’t use a travel agent.

And I don’t just mean having opinions or preferences. Of course, you should. It’s your trip.

I mean the kind of person who wants to research every hotel, compare every option, build the itinerary step by step, and be involved in every single decision.

Because at that point, you’re basically doing the job of the travel agent.

A good agent is there to take that off your plate. To research, filter, and present you with options that actually make sense for your trip.

Now also, just being honest here… using an agent for ideas and then going off and booking everything yourself is not really how this is meant to work.

Agents don’t get paid for brainstorming or sending lists you don’t book through them.

So if you love the planning process and want full control, you’ll probably enjoy doing it yourself way more.

But if you’re hiring someone, you have to be willing to let them actually do their job.

People who only care about price

This is a little different than being on a budget.

You might actually have the money to spend… you just don’t want to spend it.

If your main goal is to always find the absolute lowest price, no matter what, a travel agent is probably not for you.

Because a good agent isn’t just sorting by cheapest.

They’re looking at the overall experience. The hotel quality, the location, the service, how everything fits together.

And sometimes that means recommending something that isn’t the cheapest option on the internet.

So if you’re the kind of traveler who is always going to choose the lowest price, even if it means sacrificing comfort, location, or experience… you’re probably going to feel like an agent isn’t worth it.

But if you care about getting the right experience for your trip, not just the cheapest one… that’s where an agent actually becomes valuable.

Last-minute, figure-it-out-as-you-go travelers

If you are the kind of traveler who books things a few days before… or likes to just show up and see what happens… a travel agent is probably not for you.

A lot of what makes working with an agent valuable is planning ahead.

We’re securing the right hotels, locking in experiences, making sure everything flows well. That takes a little bit of time.

So when someone comes in last minute wanting everything pulled together quickly, there are usually fewer options, higher prices, and less flexibility.

Also, if you enjoy the spontaneity of just figuring things out as you go, you might actually feel boxed in by having things pre-planned.

Some people love that style of travel.

But it doesn’t really align with how working with an agent works.

Who should DEFINITELY use a travel agent?

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Travelers who want an actual experience

This is where a travel agent really makes a difference.

If you’re someone who doesn’t just want a trip… you want an experience… you will probably love working with an agent.

And I’ll just say it honestly.

I can plan a better trip to the Greek islands than you or ChatGPT.

Not because I’m magic, but because I’ve done it. I know the islands, I know the hotels, and I know what actually looks good online versus what it feels like in real life.

Those hotel photos? They can be very misleading.

And what one person thinks is “amazing” might not be your standard at all.

That’s where an agent comes in.

It’s not just about booking a hotel and a few activities. It’s about understanding your vibe. What you actually enjoy. How you like to travel. What you care about and what you don’t.

And no, you don’t have to be a luxury traveler for this to make sense.

You just have to be realistic.

If you want mid-range hotels and more modest experiences, that’s exactly what you’ll get… just done well, in the right locations, with less guesswork.

It’s about making sure your trip feels right for you… not just something you threw together after reading 10 blog posts and hoping for the best.

Travelers planning multi-destination trips

If you’re trying to visit multiple places in one trip… this is where a travel agent can save you from a very stressful vacation.

I can’t tell you how many times someone has said to me, “I have 5 days and want to do Rome, Paris, and maybe somewhere in Spain.”

And I get it. You want to see everything.

But this is exactly where things start to fall apart.

A good agent is going to bring you back to reality a little and show you what a good itinerary actually looks like. One that flows well, doesn’t exhaust you, and still lets you enjoy where you are.

Because cramming too much in usually turns into trains, airports, packing, unpacking… and not actually experiencing anything.

Now if your goal is to do a whirlwind, Amazing Race style trip… an agent is probably going to push back on that.

Not to be difficult, but because we know how that usually ends.

Where an agent really helps is finding smarter ways to build your trip.

Maybe instead of changing hotels three times, you stay in one place and take incredible day trips. Places you might not have even thought of.

Like using Nuremberg as a base and exploring nearby towns instead of constantly moving.

It’s those kinds of decisions that make a trip feel easy instead of chaotic.

Group trips, reunions, and big events

If you’re planning a trip with multiple people… this is where using a travel agent is honestly such a flex.

Think family reunions, milestone birthdays, girls trips, even destination weddings.

Because the second you’re dealing with a group, everything gets more complicated.

Different budgets, different expectations, coordinating rooms, payments, schedules… it’s a lot.

And this is where an agent really shines.

We can work directly with hotels and local vendors, and a lot of them only partner with agents. So you’re not just getting help organizing everything… you’re often getting access to better setups, smoother logistics, and sometimes even better pricing than you’d find on your own.

It’s also about having one person manage it all.

Instead of 10 people asking 10 different questions and nothing getting booked, everything runs through one point of contact.

It just makes the whole experience feel way more put together and way less chaotic.

First-time international travelers

If this is your first time traveling abroad… using an agent can make a huge difference.

There are just so many little things you don’t know until you’ve done it.

How to get from the airport. What neighborhoods to stay in. How trains actually work. What’s worth booking ahead and what’s not.

It’s not just about planning a trip… it’s about avoiding mistakes that can easily ruin part of it.

Busy people who don’t have time

If you could plan your own trip, but realistically… you’re not going to sit there for 10 hours comparing hotels…

That’s where an agent makes sense.

Because yes, you can do it yourself.

But do you want to?

Some people would rather just say, “here’s what I’m looking for,” and have someone else handle the rest.

Solo travelers who want ease (especially women)

You don’t need a travel agent to travel solo.

But it can make things feel a lot easier and less overwhelming.

Having someone help you choose the right area, the right hotel, and the right experiences… especially in a new country… just removes a layer of stress.

And for a lot of women, that peace of mind is worth it.

Travelers booking once-in-a-lifetime trips

Honeymoons. Big milestone birthdays. That dream Europe trip you’ve been thinking about forever.

If it’s a trip that really matters to you… this is not the one you want to piece together and hope for the best.

That’s when having someone who knows what they’re doing actually matters.

How much does it cost to work with a travel agent?

Anyone who has ever planned a trip knows… it’s basically a full-time job.

And that’s because it kind of is.

There are so many moving parts. Hotels, logistics, timing, locations, bookings. It’s a lot more than just picking a place and hitting “reserve.”

Now, every travel agent runs their business a little differently.

Some charge planning fees. Some don’t and make commission. Some do a mix of both.

So it really depends.

In my case, every trip starts with a free 15-minute consultation.

From there, if we decide to move forward, I charge a planning fee to get started.

My fee is €50 per day of the trip. So for a 7-day trip, that would be €350.

That includes all the research, booking, and a full digital itinerary you can access on your phone while you’re traveling.

So you’re not just getting a few hotel links… you’re getting a fully thought-out trip that actually makes sense.

FAQ: Is using a travel agent worth it?

Want me to plan your trip?

I’m not here to convince you to work with me.

In fact, I’m not going to try to sell you anything.

After reading this, you should already know whether you fall into the category of someone who would actually benefit from working with a travel agent.

If you’re someone who values your time, wants a well-planned trip, and doesn’t want to deal with all the moving parts… then working with a pro will probably make your life a lot easier.

If not, that’s totally fine too.

But if you are my kind of traveler, I specialize in planning Europe trips that are thoughtful, well-paced, and actually enjoyable while you’re on them.

Think boutique hotels, great locations, food and wine experiences, and itineraries that flow without feeling rushed.

I start with a free 15-minute consultation, and from there I handle the research, bookings, and your full itinerary.

So if you’re in that “I just want this done right” mindset… you’ll probably love working with me.

Book time to discuss your trip here!