Travel agents can save you money sometimes, but it comes at a cost that might not fit into your budget. Some agents charge high fees or percentages of the total vacation cost. Finding the right agent. It can take time to find the right travel agent, advisor or expert.

How much does a travel agent cost? Travel agents may charge service fees, flat-rate trip fees or consultation fees. For example, you might pay a flat rate of between $100 and $500 for a travel agent.

Booking with a travel agent can sometimes be cheaper than booking directly with airlines or hotels. Travel agents often have access to special deals, packages, and discounts that may not be available to the general public.

Booking directly with the airline often provides better customer service, more flexibility with changes or upgrades, and sometimes exclusive deals or rewards. Additionally, direct bookings can offer more transparency regarding fare breakdowns and policies.