Why This Question Is Harder Than It Sounds
If you’ve ever searched “how to find a travel agent“, you’ve likely seen just how many results come up. It’s never been easier to call yourself a travel agent, which makes it even more important to understand what you, the client, are actually getting when you choose to work with a travel professional.
While the term “travel agent” is still widely used, many of us in the industry now refer to ourselves as travel advisors. That shift reflects how the role has evolved. Years ago, an agent’s job was largely transactional, booking flights or hotels based on what a client requested. Today, the work is far more collaborative and consultative.
The reality is that not every travel agent offers the same level of service. Some focus primarily on booking. Others take a more hands-on approach, offering planning, insight, and ongoing guidance throughout the process.
I personally take the latter approach, which is why I use the term “travel advisor.” My role is to help shape the trip from the beginning. I guide decisions, talk through tradeoffs, and design an experience based on how you like to travel, not just where you want to go.
Understanding the difference between an agent and an advisor early on can make it much easier to find the right fit for you.
Start With the Basics: Professional Standards Matter for Finding A Travel Agent
If you’re trying to figure out how to find a travel agent you can actually trust, understanding professional standards is important. You want a travel advisor who is:
1) Licensed, Insured, and Operating Legitimately
A travel agency is a business, and it should be operating as one. That means being properly registered, licensed where required, and insured to protect both the client and the advisor.
At Three Times Journeys, I operate as a registered LLC in the state of Georgia and am licensed to do business in my home county. I carry both Errors & Omissions and Cyber Liability insurance, which are designed to protect client investments and personal information.
Professional standards also include clear documentation. A client agreement and terms and conditions should outline what you can expect from your advisor, as well as what’s required from you, so the planning process feels organized and transparent from the start.
This isn’t about going above and beyond. It’s about meeting the baseline standards any professional travel business should have in place.
2) Committed to Ongoing Training, Industry Standards, and Ethics
Beyond basic licensing and insurance, ongoing education and professional accountability matter. Travel is constantly evolving, and a serious advisor stays current through continued training, industry relationships, and ethical guidelines.
Three Times Journeys is a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), and I follow its Code of Ethics for travel professionals. This reflects a commitment to transparency, professionalism, and client-first planning.
I’m also an independent affiliate of Andavo Travel, a Virtuoso member agency. Being part of a larger professional network provides access to ongoing education, vetted partners, and trusted relationships around the world, all of which support the planning process behind the scenes.
For travelers, these affiliations aren’t about logos or labels. They’re simply additional signals that the person you’re working with takes this work seriously and treats travel planning as a profession, not a hobby.
Understand How Your Travel Advisor Works
Why Does Your Travel Advisor Charge A Planning Fee?
A travel agent who doesn’t charge a planning fee earns their income solely through commissions paid by hotels, tour operators, and other suppliers. In practice, that can limit which partners they work with and how much time they’re able to devote to each trip.
A travel advisor who charges a professional planning fee is compensated for their time and expertise, not just the bookings they place. That fee supports the work that happens behind the scenes: researching options, designing an itinerary, coordinating details, and guiding decisions along the way.
More importantly, it allows the advisor to recommend what’s best for you, regardless of whether a particular hotel, route, or experience is commissionable. The advisor’s incentives are aligned with your experience, not a supplier’s payout.
Does Your Advisor Have Clear Planning Process and Communication Style?
A clear planning process is one of the most overlooked, and most important, signs of a professional travel advisor.
When an advisor charges a planning fee, they’re able to limit how many trips they’re actively designing at one time. That focus makes room for organization, thoughtful pacing, and proactive communication throughout the planning process.
A strong advisor should be able to explain what happens next, what decisions are needed and when, and how information will be shared along the way. You shouldn’t be wondering who is responsible for what, or whether something has slipped through the cracks.
Clarity doesn’t mean rigidity. It means having a structured approach that keeps planning on track, while still leaving room to adjust as ideas evolve. For clients, that structure often translates into a smoother, less stressful experience from start to finish.
What To Expect From A True Travel Advisor
When people ask how to find a travel agent, what they’re often really asking is how to find someone they can rely on throughout the planning process. Here are some key considerations
Guides Decisions Instead of Simply Executing Requests
A true travel advisor isn’t just there to execute requests. They’re there to help you make informed decisions, even when that means slowing things down or rethinking an initial idea.
This might look like pointing out when an itinerary feels too rushed, suggesting an alternative that better matches your travel style, or helping you prioritize what will matter most to you on this trip. The goal isn’t to say yes to everything. It’s to guide you toward choices that lead to a better experience overall.
This kind of guidance is especially valuable when planning trips that carry emotional weight, like honeymoons, milestone celebrations, or multi-generational adventures. A good advisor helps bring clarity when there are a lot of options and opinions competing for attention.
Offers Current Destination Knowledge and Trusted Partnerships
Their recommendations are shaped by firsthand experience, ongoing education, and trusted relationships with people on the ground.
A strong advisor understands that destinations change. Hotels evolve, logistics shift, and what worked a few years ago may no longer be the best fit. That’s where current destination knowledge and reliable local partners come into play. At Three Times Journeys, we dedicate time each month to undergo destination training, meet with travel partners, and share best practices with our industry colleagues.
Behind the scenes, these relationships enable us to design trips that are realistic, well-paced, and thoughtfully supported. For travelers, that often means smoother logistics, better-informed recommendations, and access to experiences that aren’t always obvious when planning on your own.
Provides Support and Advocacy When Plans Shift
Even the most carefully planned trips don’t always unfold exactly as expected. Weather shifts, transportation disruptions, or unexpected changes can happen.
One of the biggest differences between planning on your own and working with a travel advisor is having someone who knows how to step in when adjustments are needed. An advisor understands who to contact, how to navigate changes, and how to advocate for their client when plans need to be reworked.
Works With You as a True Planning Partner
At its best, working with a travel advisor should feel collaborative and supportive. You should feel heard, not rushed. Guided, not overwhelmed.
The right advisor takes the time to understand how you like to travel, communicates clearly, and respects both your time and your investment. They help you feel confident in your decisions and comfortable throughout the planning process.
Ultimately, finding the right travel advisor isn’t about credentials alone. It’s about finding someone whose approach aligns with the way you want to experience the world.
Knowing how to find a travel agent who aligns with your travel style can completely change how the planning process feels. When you work with the right advisor, the process itself can feel just as thoughtful and rewarding as the trip you’re planning.
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