Is A Travel Planner A Travel Agent?

Shorts & Shots
Feb 13, 2021
3 min read

Now, this is a question we get asked A LOT: “Aren’t you guys just travel agents?” Though we do understand why it’s hard to understand the difference, the answer to that question is

You see, travel agents are associated with certain agencies. They help you with buying travel-related services like flights, tours, accommodation and other things. They are basically intermediaries; doing the “booking” part of the trip for you. Though a travel agent will be able to take care of the labour for you, they won’t be able to give you the trip that you dream of.

Yes, you can plan your own trip and have a travel agent book the specific places you want. But planning can take a lot of time and can be very stressful if you’re a beginner!

This is where travel planners are different.

Here’s how:

1. Active researchers Travel planners actively research every single destination they plan for. Be it by experiencing the destination themselves, and/or extensively collecting data from reliable sources, travel planners are always aware of what’s happening in the travel world. Travel agents? Not as extensively.

2. More versatile Have you ever looked at certain deals and packages and thought, “I want to do that and that too!” But couldn’t get the same thing in the same package?

Travel planners deal more with experiential travel- their services go beyond just deals and bundles. Travel agents have fixed itineraries- everyone gets the same trip. Unlike travel agents who just book your trip based on the same, cookie-cutter trips and tours, travel planners make sure you are aware of everything you can do in that destination via research. Trip planners provide more flexible itineraries, which can be changed at your convenience. With the help of their own experiences and research, they help you mix and match and choose the right things for you to do on your trip. Trip planners, on the other hand, plan itineraries that include things you may want to try out on your trip. Travel agents do not do this.

3. Focus solely on you Travel planners design personalised packages for you that fit your needs and your budget! This goes beyond just the sights you want to see and the activities you want to do; it covers everything!

Depending on the kind of experience you want, travel planners will help you plan and find the best places to stay at, the best restaurants, and where important landmarks are. They help with map logistics and provide local recommendations as well!

4. Can help with booking too Travel agencies focus only on providing you pre-packaged deals and booking. Travel advisors can even help you with the booking if you need it! In other words, travel planners are just travel agents who have evolved into giving you a travel experience like no other.

5. Get paid differently The biggest difference between a travel planner and agent is what they get paid. Travel agents get paid based on commission and bonuses that they earn from the company. Travel planners however get paid for planning your trip, which is clear cut and transparent.

As travel planners, we would love to plan your trip out for you! Just tell us your destination and we will make your dreams come true. We love travelling. In fact, most of our itineraries are planned based on our personal experiences! Whatever it may be, we have got you covered from start to finish.

Don’t waste any more time now! Let's get in touch and plan the ultimate trip!