We’re Fora, the modern travel agency. If you’ve never used a travel agent — also known as a travel advisor — consider this your sign. Travel agents make your life easier, and far more fun. Below, we break down what travel agents do, from making reservations to planning itineraries and more, and how you can benefit from enlisting one to plan and book your next trip.
First and foremost, travel agents book trips
Travel agents help people get the most out of their travel experience, be it a vacation, work trip, honeymoon, staycation or safari.
“I find working as a travel advisor to be the most exciting job in the industry,” said Fora Advisor Alli Widman. “I love the client interactions, building personal connections and tailoring unique experiences for them.”
Travel agents book all sorts of travel arrangements for their clients. This can be as simple as booking a hotel room for a romantic getaway or as complex as reserving rooms, tours and other accommodations for multi-generational groups, perhaps for a corporate retreat or family reunion.
For some clients, having a travel agent make reservations is purely a matter of convenience. For others, it’s about taking advantage of the complimentary VIP perks travel agents can offer. For example, Fora travel advisors can score room upgrades, complimentary meals and other extras for their clients through our travel partnerships.
“As a travel advisor, my daily routine involves researching destinations, booking travel arrangements and communicating with clients to tailor their perfect trips,” explained Fora Advisor Chanda Daly.
But travel agents can book far more than just hotels. They can arrange tours, cruises, tastings, rental cars, chauffeur services, personalized shopping, rounds of golf, yacht charters and more.
Travel agents also help plan trips
Image courtesy of Modernhaus Soho
Travel advisors act as expert consultants. From crafting personalized itineraries to suggesting the best restaurants, sights and hidden gems, travel agents highlight attractions and experiences that fit their clients’ travel preferences and budget.
Fora Advisors, in particular, work with an incredible network of fellow advisors, hotels, cruises and other partners and leverage their own travel knowledge and expertise to bring travelers the best value possible.
Travel agents are your secret weapon for better travel. Booking through a Fora Advisor is a surefire way to get the most out of your trips, whether for business or leisure.
Related article: Take it from Our Advisors: 8 Reasons to Become a Fora Advisor
What does a travel agent do: FAQs
Here are a few answers to some of the most common questions about what travel agents do.
What’s the point of using a travel agent to book reservations? Aren’t travel agents a thing of the past?
Travel agents provide a value that’s rarely matched by booking with an online travel agency, such as Booking.com or Priceline. By unlocking VIP perks and personalized service, travel advisors sweeten the deal for clients while also delivering a degree of convenience (a critical component of the service a corporate travel agent provides).
Travel agents being “a thing of the past is one of the most oft-repeated myths about becoming a travel advisor. More people than ever are seeking the sort of experiences that forgo tourist traps in favor of authenticity and immersion — which Fora Advisors excel at delivering. Personalization is the new luxury.
Do travel agents get you better deals? Do you pay more for booking through a travel agent?
Image courtesy of Palihotel San Francisco
The role of the travel agent is to match a client to the right vacation and experience while maximizing its value. Travel advisors often have access to exclusive offers and promotions that help deliver such value.
On top of that, you’re benefiting from the agent’s experience and insider knowledge — they’re opening doors to things you may not have found otherwise.
In most cases, the only time you pay more by going through a travel agent is if you’re paying for planning services.
Are there different types of travel agents?
Yes. And while all types of travel agents still cover the same two basic functions — bookings and planning — the answer to “What does a travel agent do?” does change slightly. Our guide to travel agent jobs provides an in-depth look at the differences.
Are there any requirements to become a travel agent?
Some travel agent host agencies have specific requirements, like attending a travel agent school or completing a degree. Fora Advisors undergo extensive travel agent training led by industry experts. They have insider access to industry partners that allows them to continuously learn about various destinations. Fora Advisors never stop learning. They’re always looking for ways to augment their clients’ trips.
More world travel inspiration
Check out a few destinations around the world to spur your wanderlust (and don’t forget: a travel agent will help you get the most out of your trip):