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Is a travel agent worth it the pros and cons.

Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner.

The Pros & Cons of Using a Travel Agent

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Need to pivot your trip plans but don't want to deal with the extra time, money and hassle of rebooking flights and accommodations on your own? That's just one area where a knowledgeable travel agent (also commonly known as a travel advisor) can help.

Read on to discover the other benefits – as well as the downsides – of using a travel agent, so you can confidently decide whether or not a travel agent is worth it for your next trip.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks.

"In some cases, you'll actually get a better  deal by working with a travel agent," says Jackie Steele, travel expert at MagicGuides . "This could be in the form of a cruise onboard credit (free spending money to use on the ship), access to special agency/group rates, or even just learning about a discount you qualify for but weren't aware of." The best agents will even keep an eye on new discounts as they're announced and apply them to your trip even after you've booked, he notes.

Travel agents handle all the details

Hotel room? Booked. Dinner reservations? Made. Tour tickets? Ready to go. A travel agent handles every detail of your vacation itinerary. "The traveler still gets to be involved in the fun part of dreaming up ideas and providing their travel wishes, while we take and perfect them," says Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer .

Molly McShea, owner and travel advisor at McShea Travel , points out that travel agents can also help with timing logistics. "Travel agents know how many days should be spent in each destination, which tours go together, and how many things you should do in a day," she says, adding that crafting an itinerary can be challenging if it's not something you regularly do. Additionally, travel agents can help you choose the best time to visit your preferred destination(s) based on seasonality and your budget, and sift through travel insurance policies to find the best option for your needs.

Travel agents can provide local expertise

"A travel advisor's industry connections and relationships provide added value to their clients," says Valerie Edman, a luxury travel advisor and agency owner at Cultured Travel LLC. She says when working with a travel agent, travelers gain access to a global network of connections including:

• In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about
• Exclusive experiences not available to the general public

You'll avoid surprise fees

When deciding if a travel agent is worth it for you, remember this: A reputable agent can guarantee you won't encounter any surprise fees on accommodations and activities once your trip is booked.

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

A travel advisor is essentially your personal vacation concierge. "Because they've been around for so long, agents really know what to look for," says Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and journalist. "Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays , making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away." 

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The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

It might not be your cheapest option.

There are some instances when it makes more sense to plan your own trip. "If you're planning a quick flight from New York City to Los Angeles, it's easy enough to book it yourself online directly or through a third-party booking site," says Elliott. "If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or bucket list honeymoon , that's when you call the experts."

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

The upside of working with a travel agent is having someone plan an epic vacation for you based on industry knowledge and local expertise. But this can also be a downside in the event you discover an activity you'd like to do or a restaurant you'd like to try that isn't on your pre-planned itinerary. If you alter your plans, you risk losing money; plus, the time it takes for you and your travel agent to coordinate your change of plans may not be worth the hassle.

You still have to do some research

It's important to find an agent you can trust, which means you still have to do some of the vacation planning. For this part, Parker recommends picking up the phone. "Lots of people avoid or don't pick up the phone as much anymore," she says. "That's where you get the high-touch service, tone of voice, excitement or concerns to manage." She advises to look for the following red flags:

• No fees: " Travel advisors are charging planning fees more now or increasing them, so the client knows more confidently than ever, we work for them, not the suppliers with the best commissions," Parker explains. "There are a lot of things that are non-commissionable and the advisor's time and expertise shouldn't be given away for free, either. That's the best way to show an advisor takes their business seriously."
• Limited options: If you work with someone who is inexperienced or has an incentive to book you with a certain supplier, they may not be prioritizing your best interests. "It's important to check if they are with a larger consortia, accreditations and network, typically listed on their website and signatures," says Parker. "That level of mindshare doesn't come with a lone advisor unless they have many, many years of experience."
• Slow response times: If communication is delayed, that's a sign they may be too busy to plan your trip – but again, this is something you can avoid by having the right conversations early on.

Edman suggestes starting your search with the American Society of Travel Advisors . "ASTA-verified travel advisors are committed to the highest industry standards and have verifiable industry knowledge so consumers can feel confident in working with them," she says.

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4 scenarios when you should use a travel agent

Editor's Note

If you're a points-and-miles-wielding expert traveler, you may not immediately think of using a travel agent to book your getaways . However, there are times and situations when using these services can be of great benefit.

A good travel agent can be a game-changer when it comes to helping you book your ideal trip and receive the best services once you arrive at your destination. Travel agents can also be of great assistance when things go wrong, especially during this summer of excessive flight delays and cancellations .

Agents can often secure the best room in a hotel or the top cabin on a cruise ship. Sometimes they can even secure complimentary upgrades, breakfast benefits or food and beverage credits, and free spa treatments during your stay.

When it comes to making the right decisions about when to travel, what sights to see and which guides to hire, agents can act as advisors. An excellent travel agent can be the difference between an OK experience and the trip of a lifetime.

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Here are four times when you may want to use a travel agent:

Booking a hotel with extras

Your travel agent can become a trusted friend over time. Before you're ready to turn over all your travel planning to a travel adviser, test the waters by collaborating on a simple trip request. You'll want to see how the agent operates, communicates and arranges extra perks and deals. Avoid a complex or elaborate request on the first go-round.

Start by having a travel agency book your hotel arrangements with a few specific requests for extras baked in, such as airport transfers or spa services .

Start with an agent who is part of a major travel consortium such as Virtuoso, Travel Leaders Network, Ensemble Travel Group or Signature Travel Network. Each of these networks provides a suite of benefits to travelers who book with them. If you're familiar with the perks of the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program or the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection , you'll know what we mean. Extra benefits for booking can include space-available upgrades, free breakfast, additional food and beverage credit, a free spa treatment or a round of golf.

Related: This new travel company will pair you with local experts

You can work with a travel agency that fits your style. This may be someone from a large company based in a major city with dozens of agents, or it may be someone from a more boutique option such as the family-owned and operated Ourisman Travel. (Ourisman Travel is a travel consultancy affiliated with Brownell Travel, one of the oldest travel agencies in the U.S., and also a member of the Virtuoso network.)

What's nice about Ourisman and any Virtuoso agency is that you can have your travel agent do all the work. You can also use the Virtuoso booking tool to make quick, easy reservations. Once your reservation is in the system, your agent swings into action to let the hotel know a VIP is on the way and arranges for any extras, whether it's a Virtuoso perk or one from a credit card program.

It's also possible to stack benefits. If you book your trip with The Platinum Card® from American Express , your agent can secure your Amex FHR benefits; you may also be entitled to additional perks from the agency, its travel consortium or the hotel, cruise line or tour company.

When you're short on time

Not everyone has weeks to spend crafting the ultimate itinerary and keeping watch on every flight deal (although TPG can help you here) . Fortunately, you can rely on a savvy travel agent to step in and plan your vacation when your time is crunched . Otherwise, you might not be able to pull off the travel arrangements on your own, or you might end up spending more for your trip than you should.

When facing a planning time crunch, look for an agent who specializes in the type of trip and destination you have in mind. If you're looking for a beach villa on a Caribbean island , find a travel advisor who has experience booking this sort of trip.

One example is Villas of Distinction, which has been around for more than 25 years and has a vast network of properties. Your travel advisor there can offer advice on which properties are best suited to your needs, what's available and how to book the villa. You can also use your American Express Membership Rewards points to book a villa through the agency, an added benefit to finding a good application of points.

Agents specializing in villa rentals usually have strong networks on the ground, so they can assist with chores such as stocking the villa with groceries, booking a chef or securing the best masseuse on the island for poolside treatments.

Related: Everything you need to know about Homes and Villas by Marriott

When your travel plans are specific and complex

The more complex and specific your travel goals are, the more experts in that destination or trip style can help you.

For example, every year, travel guru Wendy Perrin puts together a WOW List that features experts in the travel-booking field. The agents, advisors and destination specialists on Perrin's list aren't booking budget cruises and all-inclusive vacations for people as a side hustle. The agents on the WOW List are the real deal with plenty of expertise in their subject areas.

Say you want to explore Africa and go on a safari, but you don't know where to begin. Consult the WOW List and you'll see she recommends individuals with an encyclopedic knowledge of the continent.

The WOW List features advisors who can create custom safaris in East, Central and South Africa as well as niche destinations like Madagascar. The website provides a synopsis of the agents' expertise as well as links to reviews and insider guides written by Perrin and her team.

This is an excellent resource for learning about the best attractions, cutting-edge travel trends or finding out-of-the-ordinary experiences, and shows how contact with local agents, rather than anonymous trip reviews, can be a great advantage in planning a trip.

Related: Everything you need to know about going on safari in Africa

When you're looking for value

Travel agents often have access to room rates and cruise fares not available to the general public. This is especially true of agents who specialize in specific cruise lines. When a cruise line needs to fill a sailing, it may reach out to its top agents to extend special fares for their clients. You'll only hear about these offers if you have a top agent who sells cruises on the lines you love.

Related: Why now might be the cheapest time to plan a cruise

For example, Keene Luxury Travel, a member of the Signature Travel Network, has relationships with all the top luxury cruise lines, especially Regent Seven Seas. As a result, your agent can offer shipboard credits, special fares for solo travelers, deals for families traveling with children and more. The agency also has its own KLT Rewards program. With KLT Rewards, you'll get cash back on every sailing, about 10 days before you set sail. Plus, if you book a trip hosted by the agency's owners, you'll get a bump in the amount of your reward for booking with them.

The best part about working with specialty agents like those at Keene Luxury Travel? You can stack deals. For example, you can book a hosted trip to get the usual 5% KLT booking reward, plus an enhanced reward for booking a group trip. On top of that, you could also receive the onboard credit that's a Signature Travel Network perk.

Bottom line

Whether you're booking a weekend getaway in a U.S. city or planning an around-the-world extravaganza that includes an African safari , Antarctica cruise and a stay in an igloo hotel , consider using a travel agent. An agent can help get you on the right trip, at the right time for the right price.

They can help find the best rooms, book services you didn't even know existed and tie all the pieces together on a complicated itinerary.

A travel agent can be particularly beneficial if you don't have the time to do all the research yourself, or if you're looking for help in getting the best deal. It's also helpful to use an agent if your trip targets destinations or itineraries that can benefit from local experts,

If there's ever a problem during a vacation — which seems to happen more often than not these days — it's great to have a problem-solver who is just one phone call or email away.

Additional reporting by Bill Fink

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Best Online Travel Agencies

Booking.com is our top choice for making your trip arrangements

Ligaya Malones is an editor, blogger, and freelance writer specializing in food and travel. Ligaya's work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet and BRIDES.

Planning a trip can be easier through an online travel agency than if you handle each aspect of the planning separately. You can book hotels, air travel, rental cars, and more through a single site, and booking everything together sometimes results in discounts. By inputting a destination, a range of dates, and other preferences, you will see a list of options for each aspect of travel.

The best online travel agencies offer options from the largest number of airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and more. Look for sites that offer discounts for combining reservations for different aspects of your trip. For example, the best sites will have lower rates if you book both plane tickets and a hotel through their services. The best sites also provide reviews from customers who actually have booked through the service. These are our top picks.

• Best Overall: Booking.com
• Best Budget: Skyscanner
• Best Price Predictor: Hopper
• Most Innovative: Kiwi.com
• Best for Eco-Conscious: Kind Traveler
• Best for Social Impact: I Like Local
• Best for Design-Forward Homestays: Plum Guide
• Our Top Picks
• Booking.com

Kind Traveler

I Like Local

• See More (4)

Final Verdict

Frequently asked questions, methodology, best overall : booking.com.

 Booking.com

This industry leader offers one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms on the Internet.

Lots of options to choose from

Interface is easy to use

Numerous filters to customize your search

Tricky to tell whether changes/cancellations can be made with Booking.com or the vendor directly

Booking.com was founded in 1996 and has grown into an industry leader that stands out for being one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms out there. From one website, you can compare and book accommodations, flights (including one-way and multi-city flights), sightseeing activities, and even airport taxis. The website lists more than 28 million accommodation options, from hotels, hostels, and B&Bs to vacation homes and luxury resorts—you can browse more choices per destination on Booking.com than other online travel agencies. The website also performs well on cost and typically returns lower-than-average prices for flights and hotels. 

Booking.com's interface is also easy to use. On the home page, search for a hotel by entering your chosen destination and dates. Then, use the extensive list of filters—such as price range and distance from the city center—to narrow the results down and find the best fit. You can also search for a specific hotel, or seek inspiration by clicking through options grouped by destination or property type or by topic such as the country’s best Michelin-starred hotel restaurants or the top cities for vegan travelers. The flights, car rental, and other tabs are just as intuitive. 

Best Budget : Skyscanner

 Skyscanner

You can compare prices across airlines, hotels, and car rentals.

Simple interface

Option to toggle searches between specific dates or by monthly calendars

Search Everywhere button is great for spontaneous planners

Extra clicks are required to make a final purchase

Must read fine print for changes/cancellations—may need to deal directly with the vendor

Ads on the sidebar can be distracting

Find deals on airfare, hotels, and car rentals with an aggregator site like Skyscanner , which uses a metasearch engine to compare prices from all online travel agencies and the airline, hotel, or car rental company in question. Run searches with fixed dates, opt to compare airfare prices month to month, or click “Cheapest Month.” Searches also include options for nearby airports or non-stop flights only. With hotel searches, you can choose to select only from properties with free cancellation, a cleanliness rating of 4.5/5 or higher, or 3- or 4-starred hotels only. Car rental searches include an option to select “return car to different location.”

Once you’ve found the best rate, click on the link to be redirected to the third-party site to make your booking. Feeling spontaneous? The Search Everywhere button on the homepage offers a list of the cheapest flight deals for destinations both locally and across the world—just plug in your departure airport first.

Best Price Predictor : Hopper

The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting when flights and hotel rates will be cheapest.

Color-coded system makes it easy to determine cheapest days to buy

App is easy to use

Option to track flights and receive alerts when the best time to buy arises

Some have mentioned the app functions better as a research tool than a booking tool

Unclear whether Hopper will price match if you find a cheaper flight elsewhere

Hopper is a travel app available on iOS and Android that aims to help travelers save on airfare by usng historical data and their own algorithm to predict when flights will be cheapest. Just type in where and when you’d like to fly and Hopper will present you with a color-coded pricing calendar indicating how much tickets are likely to cost. (Green is the least expensive, then yellow, orange, and red for most expensive.) Hopper will also recommend you either buy now or wait, or you can choose to watch a trip and receive notifications on the best time to buy. In addition, the app has expanded to offer hotel and car rental price predictions, too.

Some newer features since the app’s inception in 2009 include an option to freeze a price for a limited time—for an extra fee—as well as exclusive app-only discounts. Hopper is free to download, and you can choose to book directly through the app, though some users mentioned they use Hopper as more of a research tool before booking directly with the airline or hotel. The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting flight rates up to a year ahead.

Most Innovative : Kiwi.com

This metasearch engine scours the web to piece together the ideal itinerary using planes, trains, buses, and more.

Creative itineraries get you where you need to go, especially if you’ve got a multi-stop trip

Kiwi Guarantee offers rebooking or cancellation protections

Nomad option appeals to travelers with a lot of flexibility

Creative itineraries mean you may not fly out of the same airport you flew into

Kiwi Guarantee has an additional fee

Charges all-in-one fee for booking flights, trains, buses (though you can always purchase a la carte)

Travelers planning multi-city destinations and seeking a bargain, as well as those looking to take planes, trains, and automobiles to get there, might consider Kiwi . Kiwi is a metasearch engine that scours and pieces together itineraries from various airlines (even if they don’t have a codeshare agreement), considers multiple airports (even if your arrival airport is different from departure), and offers booking options, whether you’re looking at very specific dates or more general ones (up to 60 nights).

Some will find the ability to make multiple bookings for a particular trip more convenient than going at it manually several different times, though note that you must opt into the Kiwi Guarantee program to access rebooking and refund protections should your reservation change or be canceled. Kiwi’s Nomad option allows you to plug in a bunch of destinations you’d like to visit and the length of your intended stay, and the website will churn out the most affordable itineraries for review.

Best for Eco-Conscious : Kind Traveler

A give-and-get business model means booking accommodations with exclusive perks, a donation to environmental organizations, and more.

All participating hotels include a local give-back component

Exclusive savings and perks

Participating hotels are located in some of the most beautiful places in the world

Inventory is much smaller compared to other booking platforms

Some of the amenities mentioned are based on availability only

In 2022, Kind Traveler (an online trave agency focused on hotel bookings) announced an increase in environmentally and socially conscious hotels, charity donations, voluntourism opportunities, and additional perks like waived resort fees or a welcome amenity.

Unlock exclusive hotel rates and perks from participating Kind Traveler hotels with a minimum $10/night minimum donation to a local charity. For example, stay at the Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives and receive up to $33 off the nightly rate and perks such as a food and beverage credit and an Earth Lab or Alchemy Bar workshop when you make a donation to Manta Trust. The organization funds coastal research to protect the island nation’s large yet fragile population of reef mantas.

Select from more than 140 participating hotels from the Hawaiian Islands to Bozeman, Montana, and the Maldives. Charities include wildlife, human rights, arts, education, and environmental preservation organizations.

Best for Social Impact : I Like Local

Choose from a host of travel experiences with the peace of mind that 100 percent of the cost goes directly to local partners.

Social impact mission woven into organization’s business model

Immersive experiences led by local guides

Range of experiences offered

May not be best fit for those seeking upscale, luxury experiences and stays

Can’t sort experiences by a list of countries (though an interactive map is available)

No experiences outside of Africa and Asia

For an online travel agency with a booking platform designed to route dollars spent directly to the communities travelers intend to visit, consider I Like Local . Visit the website to browse a host of travel experiences in countries including Indonesia, Kenya, and Cambodia. Experiences include homestays and farmstays as well as wellness and culturally oriented experiences—from cooking and cycling tours to weaving classes.

To search for an experience, select from drop-down items like travel dates and experience categories, or view a global map and click on a country to view experiences that way.

The platform got its start in 2014 and has grown to 4,000 local hosts across nearly 20 countries. As a social impact organization, 100 percent of each booking fee goes to local hosts. To date, 16,000 travelers have booked with I Like Local.

Best for Design-Forward Homestays : Plum Guide

Browse and book seriously vetted, design-forward vacation homes.

Highly curated inventory of vacation rentals across the world

Design-forward

Thorough vetting process

Does not publish guest reviews

Other platforms have homes available across more destinations

When it comes to booking a vacation home, serviced apartment, or condo, travelers are spoiled for choice. Plum Guide is an online travel agency that specializes in accommodations—though not just any home makes its directory. The company claims that each potential home listed on its site must jump through 150 hoops to be included, from internet speed and mattress and pillow quality to the showers’ water pressure and the home’s proximity to dining, shopping, and attractions.

Search by a featured collection on the website such as “ pet-friendly homes ” or “one-of-a-kind homes in Palm Springs.” Scroll to the bottom of its homepage to view its top destinations, as well as a list of all destinations where Plum Guide homes are available, including Barbados, Mexico, Portugal, Switzerland, the U.S., and Turkey. Note: From the top right-hand corner of the site, use the dropdown menu to select currency of choice.

As long as you know what you value most out of your travel experience—such as affordability, social impact, or luxe accommodations—there’s an online travel agency to help plan your next trip. Be sure to read the fine print, as some agencies are third-party websites and not direct vendors. If you're not sure where to start, Booking.com is your best bet for a smooth user experience and hard-to-beat offers on flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements.

What Is the Biggest Travel Agency?

Our choice for best overall, Booking.com, is known as an industry leader with listings for all major hotels, airlines, car rental companies, and more. It boasts more choices for accommodations per destination than any other site, and we found its interface to be user-friendly.

Are Online Travel Agencies Worth It?

This depends on your needs and priorities. The best online travel agencies certainly can save time by booking everything all at once. However, if you're someone who is good at haggling and enjoys the details of planning a trip, you might be able to find better deals by reaching out to hotels or other destinations and speaking to someone personally.

Is It Cheaper to Book Online Than With a Travel Agent?

Not always. A travel agent you know and trust should have the experience and connections to find deals that can match or surpass what you'll find online. Additionally, if something goes wrong, travel agents provide you with an actual person you can use as an advocate to correct the problem . But if you don't have access to a good travel agent, online sites still provide plenty of ways to streamline planning and save money .

We considered dozens of online travel agencies and narrowed down the options based on user experience, volume and quality of inventory, unique offerings and specials, and customer reviews. We also assessed travel companies’ environmentally and socially conscious policies.

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

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TrustScore 5.0 | 48,164 reviews

Mabuhay Travel

TrustScore 5.0 | 5,370 reviews

Perfect Getaways

TrustScore 5.0 | 2,382 reviews

Mauritius Holidays Direct

TrustScore 5.0 | 1,830 reviews

Feel Free Travel - Group Trips

TrustScore 5.0 | 1,442 reviews

TrustScore 5.0 | 367 reviews

Safari Consultants

TrustScore 5.0 | 309 reviews

Hays Travel

TrustScore 4.9 | 167,891 reviews

Flight Centre UK

TrustScore 4.9 | 38,607 reviews

Barrhead Travel

TrustScore 4.9 | 34,213 reviews

TrustScore 4.9 | 8,521 reviews

Blue Bay Travel

TrustScore 4.9 | 8,149 reviews

Kenwood Travel

TrustScore 4.9 | 8,061 reviews

Bolsover Cruise Club

TrustScore 4.9 | 6,189 reviews

Holidays Please

TrustScore 4.9 | 5,995 reviews

OrlandoAttractions.com

TrustScore 4.9 | 4,620 reviews

Halo Travels & Tours UK

TrustScore 4.9 | 3,615 reviews

Purple Travel

TrustScore 4.9 | 3,563 reviews

Best At Travel

TrustScore 4.9 | 2,231 reviews

Affordable Luxury Travel

TrustScore 4.9 | 2,138 reviews

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Which travel host agency is best? 6 things to consider when choosing a host agency.

• February 23, 2023
• Pickles Travel Network

Are you considering a career as a travel agent and thinking about getting started with a host agency? Whether you’re just starting your search or you’re deep into the host agency reviews already, there are a few important things to think about when choosing the right host for you.

Keep in mind, choosing a host agency is a personal decision, and there’s no “best” agency out there for everyone. Selecting a host will ultimately depend on where you want to go in the industry, how much support you need, and what matters most to you.

If you’re not sure what a host agency for travel agents is or if you should consider signing up with one, consider reading our post, “What is a host agency for travel agents?” before reading on. Today we’ll explore the key factors that set host agencies apart and help you select the right host agency for you!

Note, this post is meant to be informative as you choose the right travel host for you. Under each tip, we’ve included a bit about Pickles Travel Network – that’s us! To learn more, see what’s included as a PTN agent . 

1. Consider whether or not you want to operate under your own brand name when choosing a host agency.

There are two main ways to start your travel business, depending on the type of host you choose. First, you can become an agent under an existing brand, which means you’ll use their name, logo, and company image as you build your clientele. Under certain host agencies, this is required, and you’ll pay a yearly fee to essentially create a franchise under the host’s brand.

The second option is to join a host agency that lets you operate under your own brand name. You’ll still get access to the suppliers, resources, and credentials of your host, but you’ll have complete creative control over your business name, your niche, and your marketing. If creating your own brand is important to you, it’s essential to ask potential host agencies if they require you to use any of their branding or stay within any creative guidelines.

At Pickles Travel Network, agents have 100% creative freedom to build their own brands. We do not require agents to use any of our branded materials or even mention us to clients. We are a true “white label” host agency. 

2. Get familiar with the commission splits a host agency offers, and determine any requirements for higher commissions.

Every host agency offers agents their own commission splits, and there’s a huge range within the travel industry. As a general rule of thumb, you should always aim for at least a 60% commission when operating under a host agency, which means you get to keep 60% of the commission you earn.

Not only do host agencies offer various commission splits, but the requirements to access each commission split can vary as well. The most common requirement is sales thresholds. For example, you might start at a 50% commission when you sign up, but if you reach $250,000 in sales that year, you’ll be eligible for a 60% commission the following year.

Other host agencies let you choose your commission split from the time you sign up, usually with an increased signup fee or recurring flat fee. These host agencies offer the most flexibility, as you can sell as little or as much as you want to without worrying about sales quotas or delay periods for increased commissions.

At Pickles Travel Network, agents can choose between 70%, 80%, and 90% commission when they sign up. There are no sales requirements or other conditions – only flat monthly or annual payments for unlimited commissions. Commission splits are eligible to be updated once per year on the anniversary of your signup. 

3. Decide on your focus, then choose a host agency that shares values, priorities, and areas of interest with you.

Host agencies come in all varieties: those that specialize in Disney, those that are strictly for seven-figure sales agents, those that have a little bit of everything, those that have a super-involved community, and those with little personalization at all.

With all the options out there, starting by exploring every available host agency can be more confusing than it is productive. Instead, choose what’s most important to you first, then look for host agencies that fit the mold. In general, here are a few things to consider:

• Bigger host agencies (3,000+ agents) tend to have the most supplier relationships and can have better commission deals, but might offer less in terms of personalization and community support.
• Host agencies geared towards new travel agents likely have lots of training, support, and resources, but if you plan to become a seven-figure agency within a few years, you could outgrow what they have to offer.
• If you do have a specific niche in mind (ex: Disney vacations, family travel, cruising) you might want to consider a host agency that specializes in this area to best support you.
• Don’t neglect personal values. Ultimately, host agencies are made up of people, and you want to find people you resonate with and are excited to grow alongside.

Pickles Travel Network is a woman-owned travel host agency that focuses on simple, modern solutions for travel agents. We provide our 300+ agents with the tools, resources, and training they need to succeed in the travel industry, and emphasize building a supportive community of agents. Our agency structure makes it easy for new or experienced agents to start their travel businesses and scale them as quickly and immensely as they’d like. 

4. Determine if a host agency allows subagents if you plan to grow your team.

If your plan is to stay a solo travel agent long-term, you can skip this one. But if you’re even considering growing a team of travel agents in the future, it’s important to choose a host agency that will let you add subagents. Some host agencies don’t permit subagent signups, meaning if you have another agent or two you want to partner with, they will have to pay the regular startup fee, recurring fees, and won’t be able to split their commissions with you by default.

If a host agency does allow subagents, they might offer a reduced payment to enroll your subagents and will group your subagents under you when it comes time to pay commissions. This means you would be able to set your own commission rates for yourself and your team, which is crucial when working under a host. Many travel agents just getting started think they’ll want to travel solo forever, but later decide they want to expand into an agency model. If you want the flexibility to decide later, or if you’ve always envisioned growing your team, double-check that your potential host allows subagents and has a system in place for them.

At Pickles Travel Network, subagents are permitted and pay a reduced monthly or annual fee of their choosing. Subagents don’t choose their commission splits when they sign up – you as the agency owner will determine your subagents’ commission splits. 

5. Find out who a host agency is affiliated with before making your decision.

Ultimately, the travel industry is about relationships. One of the biggest perks of signing up with a host agency is getting access to their relationships with suppliers, vendors, training programs, and other tools for travel agents. It’s important to get to know who a host agency has relationships with when making your selection.

Inquire about a host agency’s suppliers, partnerships, and affiliate programs when comparing your options. You can even approach things from the other direction, and ask travel experts whose opinions you trust which hosts they recommend. Choosing the least expensive host or the host who shows up first on Google might not always be the best choice. People know people best, and as an agent of a host agency, you’re stepping into their network of relationships and taking on a piece of their reputation. Your decision matters – give it the attention it deserves.

Pickles Travel Network has partnerships, and sometimes exclusive partnerships, with many of the industry’s best. In addition to our network of suppliers and resources, we offer our agents a list of preferred partners in every area from marketing to travel education. Many of our partners offer members-only deals to Pickles Travel Network agents. 

6. Understand what you’re actually paying for when deciding if a host agency is “affordable” or “expensive.”

In the world of host agencies, there’s a wide range of signup costs, annual fees, commission splits, and pay structures. Even if one host appears “more expensive” than another, it’s worth looking into what you’re actually paying for. Some things that might be included with the cost of signing up with a host agency that every travel agent needs are…

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
• Itinerary and planning software
• Errors & Omissions insurance
• Lead generation tools
• Travel agent training programs
• Membership with a travel consortia

All of these tools are essential for running a successful travel business. If they’re not included in the cost of your host agency membership, you must factor in the cost of them separately when choosing a host.

Pickles Travel Network membership includes the following tools and subscriptions for agents and subagents upon signup. 

• VacationCRM ($50/month value)
• Travefy itinerary management ($39/month value)
• Travel Leaders Network membership with lead generation (amount varies) 

Choosing the right host agency is a decision that only you can make, and can be one of the greatest decisions of your career!

The world of travel has so many incredible learning opportunities and great people to meet. We’re so excited for you to begin or further your career as a travel agent and wish you the very best of luck.

Meet Pickles Travel Network: The Host Agency That Makes It Easy to Start and Scale Your Travel Business

Whether you’ve just started your travel agent journey, or you’ve been on it… Pickles Travel Network has the tools and resources to help grow your business. Unlike other host agencies, we believe in letting our members choose what works best for their business. Pickles Travel Network allows you to choose your commission rate, along with whether or not you want to charge planning fees. As a member, you’ll receive instant access to our list of suppliers, several marketing platforms and monthly coaching/trainings. 

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Ptn iatan code: 45769253, ptn clia number: 00032299.

When you enroll with suppliers, you must use PTN’s codes to receive a commission from us. Want to sign up for your own CLIA or IATA numbers for exclusive travel benefits? See below.

Get your own IATA/IATAN ID Card:

The IATA/IATAN ID Card is the industry-standard credential to identify bona fide travel professionals. Key benefits include access to concessionary incentives from industry suppliers. The IATA MemberPerks program provides cardholders with daily savings at over 300,000 merchants across North America.

To be eligible, you must register with IATAN under PTN’s IATA number 45769253, work a minimum of 20 hours per week, and earn a minimum of $5,000 per annum in commissions. You’ll need to send PTN a support ticket asking for approval. Once approved, we will send you a PRIN # to allow you to register with IATAN and ask for an ID card.

Get your own CLIA EMBARK ID:

Obtain a CLIA EMBARC ID for travel discounts and FAM (Familiarization) trips. Join CLIA as an Individual Agent Member under Pickles Travel Network CLIA #00032299.

To be eligible, you must work at least 20 hours per week and earn a minimum of $5,000 per annum in commissions. Once you’ve registered, submit a support ticket to let us know, and we will approve your registration.

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The Pros and Cons of Booking Through Online Travel Agencies

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

You’re likely already familiar with online travel agencies, even if you don’t travel often. These companies — such as Priceline , Expedia and Orbitz — act as intermediaries between you and a travel provider.

Booking your travel through an OTA can be a good idea in some circumstances, but you’ll want to be wary of its pitfalls. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of online travel agencies, so you’ll know what to use to book your next vacation.

Pros of booking through online travel agencies

There are certainly advantages booking through online travel agencies, though you’ll find different experiences whether you’re using public OTAs — such as Kayak — or private ones like those offered by your card issuer, such as the Chase's travel portal .

✅ It may be cheaper

When searching for flights online, you may see different prices for the same routes that vary across websites. Although it may be a result of fare type — for example, some search results may not clarify that a fare is basic economy rather than main cabin or economy — other times, the difference comes down to competition for your business.

Online travel services will often offer slightly lower prices on flights in an effort to entice you as a customer. This is true for both hotels and airlines.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for online travel-booking websites

✅ It can earn you more rewards

Have you ever heard of shopping portals ? By logging into a shopping portal, you can earn rewards for purchases made with many online merchants. Some hotel chains, such as Hilton , Marriott and IHG , can be accessed through shopping portals while still booking directly on the hotel website. In this way, you can earn rewards with the hotel directly as well as with the shopping portal.

The same isn’t true for shopping portals and most airline sites. However, many public online travel agencies are accessible through shopping portals, which can then earn you rewards for airfare bookings. By opting to book in this way, you’ll be able to earn points or cash-back rewards through the shopping portal that you’d otherwise miss.

Some card issuers will also reward you heavily when using their online travel services. Clear examples of this can be seen with Capital One and Chase. With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , for example, you’ll get 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel .

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is similar. With this card, you can get 10 Ultimate Rewards® points per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase's portal.

While these numbers are high, it’s important to remember that there are trade-offs when booking through an OTA rather than directly with a hotel or airline. We’ll get into that a little later.

Online travel agencies offered by your card issuer may not feature the same prices as booking directly; you’ll want to compare these before committing to a purchase.

Some card issuers will go so far as to give your points more value when redeeming through their online travel agencies.

This is true with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . When redeeming points on Chase's travel portal, you’ll get 1.25 cents in value per point rather than 1 cent elsewhere.

» Learn more: How much are your airline miles and hotel points worth this year?

Cons of booking through online travel agencies

There are several downsides when it comes to using online travel services for booking travel. It mainly comes down to the fact that travel providers prefer that you book directly with them — and offer more perks to woo your business.

❌ It can be harder to change a booking

Ever needed to change a flight after it's booked? No matter the reason, attempting to alter or otherwise cancel a flight can be a hassle — especially if you’ve booked through a third party.

Generally speaking, rather than offering you direct assistance, both hotels and airlines will recommend you contact the online travel agency you’ve booked with in order to make any changes.

While you may be able to make changes or get refunds with the travel agency, airlines and hotels can — and will — offer much more flexibility when you’ve booked with them directly. You may also be subject to additional fees charged by the online travel agency, which can erase any savings you’ve received.

❌ You may not receive elite benefits

This is the real kicker for anyone wanting elite status. Although airlines will almost always recognize your elite status and allow you to earn miles even for bookings made through an online travel agency, hotels and rental car companies will not.

This is especially important for hotel chains. Earning elite status with hotels generally relies on elite night credits. Although these can be earned in a variety of ways — including having complimentary status by holding certain credit cards — the main method of acquiring elite night credits is by spending nights in hotels. Rooms booked through an online travel agency do not count toward elite status as elite night credits.

Additionally, you will not receive any of the benefits of your existing elite status if your booking is through a third party. This can mean the loss of perks such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfast and even free Wi-Fi.

» Learn more: The best airline and hotel rewards loyalty programs this year

❌ It may be more expensive

Did you know that many hotel chains have best price guarantees? Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott and IHG all have a guarantee that’ll give you either points or a discount if you find a better rate elsewhere.

These guarantees are generous; Hilton, for example, will match the rate and then discount it by a further 25%.

Although you’ll need to file claims for these guarantees and they face limitations — such as a 24-hour window from when you made the booking — you can save a lot of money on your stay if your request is approved.

Online travel agencies can be hit or miss

There are two sides to every coin and this is no different, as there are several benefits and limitations of online travel services. Depending on your needs and loyalty program status, you’ll want to choose whether to book directly with a travel provider or rely on OTAs to do the job for you.

Booking travel through credit card portals from issuers like Chase and Capital One can earn you big rewards. But if you anticipate altering your travel plans or aim to earn elite status instead, booking directly is the way to go.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options

75,000 Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.

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The 10 best online travel agencies in 2024

The top 10 online travel agencies.

• Booking.com
• Lastminute.com

Best online travel agencies for business travel

1. travelperk.

Main offerings and features:

• Industry-leading travel inventory
• Flexible booking with FlexiPerk
• Safety alerts with TravelCare
• Integrated travel policy & approval flows
• Centralized invoicing
• Easy & real-time expense reports
• Carbon offsetting with GreenPerk
• 24/7 fast customer support in target 15s
• VAT reclaim
• Integration with 3rd party tools , such as expense management or HR software like Expensify and BambooHR

Save time and money on your business travel with TravelPerk

2. sap concur.

• Works with some of the biggest brands
• Easy tracking and reporting of expenses for expense reports
• Many connected apps, such as Uber and Airbnb for cars and hotels
• One solution for a variety of business travel spending

Click below to compare both platforms’ features and benefits

• Ample integrations
• Award-winning mobile app
• Employee-centric travel management

Click below for a more detailed comparison between both platforms:

Best online travel agencies for leisure travel, 1. booking.com.

• Intuitive booking tool and website
• Flight + Hotel booking for easily planning trips with no cross-referencing travel websites
• Simple car rental options and taxi hire
• Available in over 40 different languages and offers over half a million properties across 207 countries
• You can book experiences in your destination city to entertain you on your travels
• Genius rewards program

• Simple interface and booking tool
• Deals when making more than one booking
• 38 different languages and offers a 24-hour, multilingual customer support service
• Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• Millions of reviews to help make your decision

3. Lastminute.com

• Filter hotels according to budgets, star ratings, guest ratings, board types, and more
• ATOL protection on flight + hotel bundles
• Flash sales for last-minute deals
• Payment plans to spread out the cost of travel
• Extra entertainment booking for your trips, like theatrical productions and day trips
• Gift cards for gifting travel

• Expedia rewards for hotels, cars, and more
• Experienced support
• Compare cruise lines
• Big savings when booking flights, hotels, and car rentals
• Operates in nearly 70 countries and in over 35 different languages
• Luxury travel options

• Book hotels, flights, cars, and bundles
• 24/7 support
• Lower prices on the app
• Great last-minute deals for spontaneous travel

6. Bookmundi

Best online travel agencies for flights

1. skyscanner.

• Super flexible booking filters
• Cheaper flights and hotels than other OTAs
• Price alerts for travel routes of interest
• Easy-to-use booking tool and UI
• Hundreds of location and currency options
• One-way, return, and multi-city travel options

2. Kiwi.com

• Simple flight booking tool
• Partnerships with Booking.com and Rentalcars.com
• Discover deals anywhere with the option to open up your search
• Easy-to-use app

How do online travel agencies work?

What are the advantages of booking through an online travel agency.

• Access to comparison tools
• Peer reviews to help you with your decisions
• Flexible cancellation policies
• All your travel in one place
• Local flights and deals

Rewards programs

Comparison tools, peer reviews, flexible cancellation.

Flexiperk: Cancel anytime, anywhere. Get a minimum of 80% of your money back.

One account for all of your travel needs, a local approach to global travel, wrapping up.

Make business travel simpler. Forever.

• See our platform in action . Trusted by thousands of companies worldwide, TravelPerk makes business travel simpler to manage with more flexibility, full control of spending with easy reporting, and options to offset your carbon footprint.
• Find hundreds of resources on all things business travel, from tips on traveling more sustainably, to advice on setting up a business travel policy, and managing your expenses. Our latest e-books and blog posts have you covered.
• Never miss another update. Stay in touch with us on social for the latest product releases, upcoming events, and articles fresh off the press.

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Trip to nepal, shubham choubey, shraddha nanivadekar, nukala ramakrishna, trip to thailand, sakshi gangwar, trip to madhya pradesh, alsabah khan.

Nagpur, a day ago

Aman Aggarwal

Vinod fowkar, trip to karnataka, senthil kumar eswaren.

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All Reviews

Experience: 6-10 years

Status: Currently with company

I’m a Texas agent. When I first began in 2014 I looked at HAR after reading how to become a travel advisor/agent. I decided on a host and joined. After 4 years of some changes in their business model, I went back to the HAR website and found a host in DFW - Nexion. I switched in 2019. I’m so happy I did. Nexion provides great support, training, connections with wonderful travel suppliers, monthly town hall (like a staff meeting) online meetings, local and regional events, yearly conference in a destination, and so much more. There is a one-time join fee that is reasonable. There is a great commission split that you can choose from. Nexion is part of the consortia Travel Leaders Network.

Hi Quinda, Wow, thank you so much for your review! We are so glad you found your community here at Nexion. Without a doubt we take pride in providing high quality support, tools, events and more to all of our advisors. See you at the next townhall meeting. Cheers to your success!

Experience: 1-5 years

I recommend Nexion. They have access to many resources and to great commissions. The phone is always timely answered and you will get help or guidance if you need it. I use many TO and DMC to offer many of my agency travel services but still I am able to provide many other services through Nexion. I also like they commision/ fee structures.

Hi Igor! Thank you so much for your review. Our member services top priority is to provide all members with support in a timely fashion. We're so glad to know they have taken care of your needs. Cheers to your accomplishments and many more to come!

Experience: > 11 years

Sales: $150k-$499k

We joined Nexion in 2016 after hopping around with several hosts and, for a short time, being independent.

If you are looking for a host or are just starting out as a travel advisor, you won't go wrong by becoming a member of the BEST host in the industry.

Joining Nexion Travel Group was the BEST decision in our 12 years in this industry. The staff, starting with Ms. Jackie Friedman and her team, provides unmatched host agency support, training, and tools.

Hi Ralph, thank you so much for your review! It's an honor for us here at Nexion to receive this acknowledgment from our members. Jackie and the rest of the team are so happy to be there for your success. It's the support from all levels that makes Nexion Travel Group the host that keeps on striving!

Experience: < 1 year

Sales: < $149,999

I just recently completed the 4-month-long Virtual Campus, immediately followed by an intensive week-long virtual training, known as Essentials. I would strongly recommend both as the Virtual Campus is more broad in scope and utilizes curriculum from The Travel Institute; whereas, Essentials is specific to Nexion systems, policies, and procedures. The instructors, Lisa and Arika (as well as my fellow students in each training), were always positive, upbeat, and encouraging. I am excited to get Majestic Sojourns off to a great start, thanks to the solid and firm foundation provided by Nexion.

Hi Christopher, Thank you for your kind words. It was an absolute pleasure getting to know you both in our NEXstart, virtual campus program and then as a student in our Agent Essentials class. We look forward to celebrating your success with Majestic Sojourns!

I looked into other options and Nexion seemed to have the best customer service and best commission split. I like NexionTown and all of the different groups that keep me up to date on vendors. Their training program was a great way to get me familiar with how a host agency works and what's required to set up a successful agency.

Hi Dionne, Thank you so much for your review! We are so glad you are taking advantage of our trainings and networking opportunities. We do our best to create an environment for our members to stay in the know with a constantly evolving industry. Cheers to your success!

I joined Nexion after meeting a Nexion affiliated agent on a seminar at sea. I like the interaction I can have with fellow Nexion agents on Nexion Town and events. Commissions are easy to monitor and paid shortly after they're received by Nexion. I hope to earn one of the Circle of Excellence trips!

Thank you for your review! It's amazing to know how much our members enjoy our communication tools and networking events. Oh and of course, we encourage for you to strive for that Circle of Excellence winner - Go BIG!!

I started out my travel agent journey with another agency. I knew I needed more from my Host, but didn't know where to start. I looked at Host Agency Reviews and narrowed down my options to 3. After interviewing them all, I decided on Nexion and it was the best decision I have ever made. The first time I logged in to the Nexion agent site, I knew I was where I wanted to be. The tools they provide their agents are everything you could want to be successful in your business and more. The trainings--both online and in-person, are some of the best I've been to in any industry. I've made wonderful connections with many other agents also with Nexion, and can say without a doubt, the people who work with Nexion and FOR Nexion, are some of the best anywhere. I highly recommend Nexion to anyone looking for a Host.

Adrianne, we are absolutely thrilled you found the right fit, and are enjoying our hosted trainings. Making connections with your fellow Nexion community is invaluable. Thank you so much for your review. We are here to support your success!

I am so glad that I found my Nexion family. Their commitment to training and helping all their agents succeed is absolutely amazing. The staff is always so friendly and helpful. They are truly invested in your success and I am just so excited to see how my business will grow! I love my Nexion family!

Aimee thank you so much for you review! We are so glad to have you a part of our family. We take pride in providing all the necessary tools and resources for agents just like you to be successful. You got this and we're here cheering you along the way!

When I joined Nexion just under a year ago I had no experience in the industry. I left corporate America over 10 years ago and was really nervous about starting my ‘second act’. From the minute I signed up with Nexion I’ve been blown away by the resources, training and support they provide. I joined the NEXstart Lite program which gave me access to extremely thorough training in Nexion University, which included online, self-paced modules on setting up your business, industry basics and Nexion-specific programs. What really gave me the confidence that I could succeed in this business was Essentials, the 5-day, live training. Even though I took the training Virtually, I left at the end of the week feeling like I had colleagues and I wasn’t doing this alone! I’ve also taken advantage of the invaluable bi-weekly, small group coaching sessions with Coach Martin. The Member Services team has always been prompt and friendly anytime I’ve needed to contact them, whether through email or by phone. Overall, I know I made the right choice in joining the Nexion family!

Hi Andrea, We are thrilled to have you as part of our Nexion family! I am so happy to hear that you have gotten so much out of our new agent training programs. We pride ourselves on our award-winning business development and education. We look forward to watching your success!

After speaking with 6-8 companies and using all the information that HAR provides, I decided to partner with Nexion. I have been with Nexion for a year and have been very happy with the support and all the online learning available. There are always more experienced agents available to speak to an willing to help!

Sean, We are so happy you made the decision to join Nexion! We have some of the most supportive staff, suppliers and members in the industry. I am glad to hear that you enjoy our Travel Weekly Gold Magellan award-winning, internal social networking forum. It is a great way to interact with your fellow Nexion advisors!

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2024 A-List Travel Advisors

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

USA, Canada, & Caribbean

Central america, mexico, & south america, africa & safaris, north africa and the middle east, australia, new zealand, and the south pacific, special interests, travel advisory board.

Want to tour the Louvre after hours? Tag rhinos in Rwanda? Get married on Mykonos? Throw a milestone birthday party on St. Barts? Or take a luxurious cruise to the Arctic? Our travel advisors have you covered. In our 22nd annual A-List, we present a directory of the most influential vacation specialists in the world, vetted by the editors at  Travel + Leisure .

Featured Advisor: Margie Hand 

Courtesy of Respective Travel Advisor

Hand knows how to dazzle travelers: she can arrange private sunset proposals, as well book multiple villas for family reunions. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things Caribbean; she has her eye on the 53-acre Montage Cay, a private-island resort set to open in the Bahamas this year.

Lighthouse Travel

Audley Travel

Diego Travel

Andavo Travel

Royal Travel & Tours

Azurine Travel

Entree Canada & Alaska

Premier Tours

JSB Journeys

Blue Parallel

Adventure Life

Costa Adventures

Sated Ventures

Knowmad Adventures

Absolute Belize

Journey Mexico

Jacada Travel

Almaz Journeys

Extraordinary Journeys

Amakuna Travel

Latin Excursions

Bravo Luxury Travel

French Side Travel

TempoVip Portugal & Spain

Tours For You

Fuoritinerario

Celebrated Experiences

Joyce Falcone The Italian Concierge

OvationNetwork

IC Bellagio

Madrid & Beyond

French Promise

Turkey At Its Best

Exeter International

Adams & Butler

LeCompte Travel

Royal Travel

Sofia's Travel

Immersa Global

Crafted Ireland

Authentic Explorations

Tasteful Croatian Journeys

Titanium Tours

Louisa White Travel

John Skelton Travels

Jim Strong Travel Services

Condado Travel

JayWay Travel

Travels with Tesa

Iberian Escapes

Wagner Bespoke Travel

Departure Lounge

River Oaks Travel

Hellenic Holidays

ABOUTAsia Travel

Greaves Tours

Asia Desk Ltd

InsideAsia Tours

JapanQuest Journeys

Remote Lands, Inc.

Rothschild Safaris

The Legacy Untold

Immersion Journeys

Micato Safaris

InsideJapan Tours

WildChina Travel

Travel Beyond

Explore Inc

Journeysmiths

TravelStore

Roar Africa

Travel Artistry Africa

Red Savannah

Premier Tours Inc.

Africa Endeavours

Anastasia's Africa

Journeys by Design

Mosaic Safaris

Piper & Heath Travel

Volcanoes Safaris

Alluring Africa

The Africa Adventure Company

Wander Africa

Hippo Creek Safaris

Stanley Safaris

Mango African Safaris

AfricanMecca Safaris

Travelous Corp

Global Patina

Cobblestone Private Travel

Stephanie Fisher Travel

Admiral Travel International

Travelicious

The Travel Box International

Tova Wald Redefining Travel Experiences

Touring Israel

Camelback Odyssey Travel

Wells Luxury Travel

Southern Crossings

Down Under Endeavours Inc

Ahipara Travel

Touring Treasures

New Zealand Travel Inc

Frosch Travel

Perolus Yachting

Q Cruise + Travel

Adventure Life Journeys

Goldring Travel

TopFlight Travels

Expedition Trips

Preferred Travel and Company

Betty Maclean Travel, Inc.

Valerie Wilson Travel

Jonathan's Travels/TravelStore

Protravel International

Bear & Bear Travel, Inc.

The Travel Siblings

Natural World Safaris

D.A.Luxury Travel & TravelLustre

International Travel Management

Embark Beyond

Fischer Travel

Culture Traveler

Runway Travel

Bell & Bly Travel

The Society of International Railway Travelers

The Local Foreigner

Mi Familia Internacional

Mini Mouse Counselors

LaVon Private Luxury

Renshaw Travel

Journeys With Purpose

Friend of a Friend Trip Design

Plaza Travel

Huffman Travel

KK Travels Worldwide

JetSet World Travel

DavidTravel

Affluent Luxury Travel

Susan Whitson Travel

Chase Travel

This group, which shares its industry knowledge with the editors of T+L, oversees tens of thousands of individual trips annually. While not all of these 27 experts personally look after clients, many do. The rest have teams who excel at orchestrating memorable adventures

American Express

Culture Traveler, LLC

Condado Travel, Inc

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Travel agencies located outside the united states access africa safaris - over 10 years experience bringing you the best of uganda with the our specialized east african tours. african safari holidays - luxury-safaris are a uk based travel specialist for african safari holidays to kenya, tanzania and botswana. unforgettable croatia - best croatia private tours and luxury small ship cruises with expert luxury travel specialists offering customized vacations - high quality service. amazing peru - private jets & luxury travel with award winning luxury tour operator "tours of a lifetime" by national geographic, and our forbes listed customers. anywhere costa rica - anywhere costa rica is a comprehensive resource and travel guide for costa rica. atulya rajasthan - offers budget rajasthan tour packages that includes some of its finest cities: rajasthan, jaipur, jodhpur, udaipur, bikaner, and jaisalmer. all with travel services included. bailey robinson - uk tour operators, bailey robinson, offer tailor-made holidays to destinations around the world. beijing airport layover tours - beijing tours expert. over 30 airport layover tours operated by beijing tour company. best honeymoon destinations - researches and recommends the top honeymoon destinations in the world. explorer kenya - we offer kenya safari holidays visiting national parks in kenya and tanzania including masai mara, serengeti, ngorongoro, lake nakuru and amboseli. beach holidays to mombasa and zanzibar. layover tour beijing - a proffesional tour operator to make sure you have a worry free layover trip in beijing wayfairer travel - explore luxurious holiday ideas for some of our most popular destinations in africa and asia. lion queen gulet cruises - gulet cruises in croatia are organized by a professional travel agency specializing in booking cruises in croatia. perfect for every ages silk road explore ? central asian travel agency with more than 180 unique package tours along the great silk road countries. possible to book and buy online. round the world experts - the uk's biggest round the world and multi stop flight specialists - round the world experts. short break cruises - reader offers ltd offers an amazing range of value short cruise holidays to non-traditional cruise customers. china highlights travel - offers china tour packages to multi chinese destinations designed for independent travelers, couples and families to plan a travel to china. china journeys - travel in china with added interest. china tours - a china based tour operator providing personalized china tours to every corner of china. costa rica vacations - a full service all inclusive costa rica travel agency featuring affordable vacation packages. cuba travel network - online travel to cuba - hotels, flights, rental cars and excursions. exsus luxury holidays - is a bespoke tour operator with over 10 years experience in creating luxury holidays to africa, asia, the caribbean, europe and latin america for explorers with standards. flights direct - new zealand's longest running online travel agency and flight centre for cheap flights and holiday deals. freedom africa holidays - tailor-made africa holidays and safari tours. book your holiday to africa with freedom africa for an unforgettable holiday. goolets.net - take a gulet charter holiday. blue cruises in turkey, croatia and greece. rent an entire gulet or rent just a cabin. more than 40 gulets in croatia and over 500 gulets in turkey and greece all with interesting cruise routes. just the flight - book cheap flights at just the flight online. compare prices from over a hundred airlines to destinations worldwide, members of atol, iata and abta. kenya safari - specialises in tailor-made safari, beach and camping tours in kenya. contact our consultants to start planning your safari. laterallife sabbaticals - we are an exclusive travel design business for discriminating, like minded individuals in search of the greatest travel experiences that this wonderful planet has to offer. latin odyssey - at latin odyssey, creating spectacular, luxury travel experiences to south and central america is a labour of love. luxotic holidays - we provide you with detailed information on hotels, attractions, transportation, resorts, and everything else to complete the itinerary for your luxury holiday in kerala. luxury wedding and honeymoon hotels - we are dedicated to providing you with a wedding & honeymoon in the most romantic destinations of the world. we invite you to craft your ideal luxury wedding & honeymoon abroad exactly the way you want it. mega cheap holidays - for cheap holidays from the leading travel firms pay mega a visit before you book a vacation online. munnar in kerala holiday - comprehensive guide to the hill station of munnar in kerala, india including information, travel guide, photos and hotel reservations. onyx safaris - uganda gorilla safari offers at $950 -$1120 - other africa holidays include - wildlife safaris to uganda, chimpanzee tracking safaris, cultural tours, birding safaris, rafting and africa adventure holidays. palmarvoyages in ecuador-galapagos and south america - tailor-made tours, galapagos cruises, amazon and adventure trips, community based tours, and airline tickets. pettitts travel - specialises in creating authentic and inspiring tailor-made holidays. eco aventura punta venado mayan riviera - best shore excursions and beach tours in cozumel and playa del carmen. just one hour from the cancun airport. niagara falls tours from toronto - narrated niagara falls tours from toronto including free time in niagara falls, wine tasting and sightseeing. niche escapes holiday rentals - from niche destinations around the world. list your property or search today. catered ski chalets by snowchateaux - fully inclusive ski chalets including flights, transfers, cooked breakfast, light lunch and 4 course evening meal. wine & beer all included. terra cotta warriors tour - a day tour specialist based in xian china offering a high quality local experience. tours to norway - award-winning collection of private & small group tours to norway brought to you by the team of inbound local experts. tots too - specializing in luxury family holidays and child friendly resorts. tianjin xingang port tours - tianjin xingang port beijing tours & transfers. turquoise holidays - luxury holidays from turquoise - travel with passion and imagination uzaze travels: africa safari, ethiopia tours and gorilla trekking - providing safaris, adventures and accommodation in kenya, ethiopia, rwanda, uganda and dr of congo. viet value travel - local vietnam tour operator specializing in vietnam travel, tours, hotels and other travel services. laos and cambodia tours are also available. voyajo.com - voyajo is a free online trip planner. plan your journey and share with your friends, family and the voyajo community. peter sommer travels - escorted tours: turkey, greece and italy. gulet cruises, adventure family holidays, sicily holidays, food tours and turkish gulet charters. steppes travel - offers tailor made holidays to the most exciting and exotic destinations worldwide. cheap tenerife holidays - holidays in tenerife are a joy for all and cheap prices can be had booking tenerife holidays online. my costa rica vacations - custom vacation packages to costa rica including top hotels, all-inclusive resorts and rental villas. wakanow - travel agents - plan, research, and book cheap flights and hotels in africa and beyond. offices in houston, texas and victoria island, lagos. royal caribbean international- find a cruise in europe - treat yourself to a truly unforgettable cruise vacation. cruising offers countless new onboard experiences and exciting shore excursions. a cruise with royal caribbean international has so much variety it\'s like several vacations in one. china odyssey tours - affordable china tour packages, yangtze cruises, city tours in beijing, shanghai, guilin, yunnan, chengdu and tibet. free 1-on-1 travel consulting, prompt reply. adventure uganda safari - we specialize in uganda safaris, taking you for gorilla trekking, birding, mountain climbing, white water rafting, and game viewing. indochina odyssey tours - your trustworthy indochina tour operator since 1987. personalized and worry-free service in tours, hotels and tickets in vietnam, cambodia, laos, burma and thailand. travel central asia with roxana tours - uzbekistan tours, hotels and visa support. best travel destination in central asia and silk road. kruger national park accommodation, tours, and lodging - (south africa) join us for an unforgetable experience in nature's untouched wilderness. cheapflights.co.uk - find and compare travel deals from all the major airlines and get the lowest prices on hand-picked deals at cheapflights.co.uk. tourdust.com - travel agent specialising in independent adventure travel, cultural tours and walking holidays in uk, latin america and se asia. lets travel india - tour operator based in kerala, provides kerala tour packages including honeymoon packages, leisure packages, ayurveda tour package and hill station packages. holiday resources - holiday car hire, accommodation, flights and cruise information worldwide. qantas holidays to australia - travel to australia with qantas holidays, the australia holidays specialist premier holiday cottages - the uk's only 4 and 5 star luxury holiday cottage letting directory for the finest holiday cottages. indian wildlife moments - indian wildlife safaris - providing indian wildlife safaris, jungle safaris, horse safaris, wildlife national parks, tiger projects, wildlife sanctuary of incredible india. co-operative travel - beach holiday packages to great beach destinations all over the world, including fantastic beach holidays to lanzarote, spain, and florida. hotelandtraveling.com - hotel online booking - hotel and traveling guides. cheap, easy and safe hotel booking. that is hotel and traveling.com. wendy wu tours - china holidays - is the uk?s leading china specialist tour operator offering the best value tours to china and indochina on the market. amani tours & unique african safaris - memorable & affordable african wildlife safaris in tanzania, land of kilimanjaro & zanzibar with amani tours & safaris tanzania. go fly - cheap airline tickets-canadian online travel agency, world-class flight booking engine. search travel online - budget holidays specialst offering holiday bargains to european destinations such as the canary islands, egypt and the balearic islands. book a learning holiday at golearnto.com - learning holiday specialists with inspirational holiday courses in over 30 countries worldwide to suit all timescales and budgets. taj mahal tours of india - with rajasthan, kerala,varanasi, nepal, private car with professional driver, family tours in your budget. travel agents in toronto - find a travel agent for your holiday to ontario. costa rica vacation 4 me - the costa rica travel guide offers hundreds of pages of useful costa rica travel information including maps, weather forecasts, etc. rapid-visas.co.uk - specialising in providing india and china visa services. all visa applications managed by professional visa handling agents in london, uk. explore argentina - reservations of tours in argentina, hotels, travel packages and tourism in buenos aires, el calafate, perito moreno, bariloche, ushuaia, iguaz? and patagonia. travel-spain.net - offers discount vacation travel packages and tours to a variety of destinations in spain. best kenya safaris - online travel guide to kenya, tour operators, national parks, flights and general information. cape town car rentals - south africa - affordable south africa car hire. car rental locations include johannesburg, cape town and george. unlimited miles, great rates turansa.com - guatemala tour operator and travel agency of the mayan world turansa. majestic travel tours - we customize tours to italy for individuals and groups and can design tours for specific interests and budgets depending on our clients needs. audley travel - specialists in tailor-made holidays and individual itineraries for discerning travellers seeking authentic experiences around the world. a la carte italy tours - tour operators in italy provide luxury escorted tours with a private driver, local guides and an exclusive limousine. antelope-travel - greece travel agency located in athens, greece. vacation packages, greece honeymoon packages. toronto and niagara falls tours - bus, boat, and helicopter tours of toronto and surrounding cities like niagara falls. travel in paradise costa rica - we are experts in costa rica: family trips, honeymoons, vacations trips, tours, incentives, and educational tours. inghams tours - if you're considering a ski holiday in europe, or a walking tour, inghams is the tour operator you're looking for. costaricaholiday.co.uk - cost rica holiday experts have 17 years experience in booking holidays to cost rica. book your golf.net - offers golf packages and tee times for dubai, spain, portugal, thailand, turkey, mauritius and more. focus on mexico - live in lake chapala. come see if it's right for you. 10 day informational program. travelsur.net - manually edited list of travel and travel related sites and is the online branch of erna rosenfeld viajes, an argentine based -fully licensed- travel agency expressions holidays luxury travel - we specialise in bespoke holidays to the top exclusive hotels worldwide. zeus travel agency - greece hotels - hotels in greece, crete, mykonos, corfu, paros, santorini, including information for planning your entire greek holiday. insider tour - we offer custom-tailored tours of st. petersburg and moscow with private tour guides. also car rentals, visas, hotels, and shore excursions for cruise travelers. letsgo2 - site is easy for combining hotel & flight plans. letsgo2 is the tour operating division of ickenham travel plc. perfect tour romania - medical travel (anti-aging, eye, dental) high quality/low costs, camps, trips, tours, romanian wonders. we can arrange the perfect tour of romania. itravelnet.com - worldwide directory of travel sites. book cheap airfares, discount hotels, insurance, eurail and car rental. srmtravel.com - turkey off the beaten track: special interest, adventure travel in turkey and neighboring countries. aspire lifestyle holidays - providing luxury self catering holiday cottages & villas. seakunga adventure tours - exciting belize tours and cuba tours from seakunga adventures. costa rica beach vacation - destination guides, online travel booking (including cruises), travel agency specializing in costa rica travel. doyouspain.com - spain car rental services with all inclusive prices. no hidden costs. greece holidays - find travel tips, hotels, airfare and info on local sites of interest from people who are there. exclusive tours - new zealand high quality tailormade guided and non guided tours. scottish holidays - guide for scotland as a holiday destination with information on travel, events & maps. goreme balloons - hot air balloon flights over the magnificent landscape of cappadocia pennyfarthing holidays - chauffeur/guide service in london, england. air/port transfers into london.small group tours al a carte. reisebuero welt - (moscow) manages corporate travel and tourism in russia. firmata travel tours - firmata travel provides a wide range of services designed for travel professionals: incentive, groups and individuals. our destinations: russia, baltic states, finland & sweden. natoura adventure tours - specializing in ecologically sensitive adventure tours throughout the amazon, andes, gran sabana, and llanos regions of venezuela. services international india travel - the site has info on india, nepal, bhutan, tibet, hotels, domestic airfares, itinerarires, indrail pass, railway timetable luxury trains, museums, fairs/festivals, etc. cruises only alaska by sea - book an alaska cruise with our cruise consultants. we offer a wide selection of cruise intineiries. alaska cruise transfer and tours - we provide alternative transportation services for cruise ship passengers, including a variety of pick up and drop off locations, day tours and transfers, all on our modern, spacious and comfortable buses. cruise croatia - we are specialists in small ship cruises in croatia and are dedicated in giving unbeatable service to every one of our guests with the best fleet in croatia. cruise paris with bateauxparisiens.com - cruise the seine river through paris, see the monuments along the seine on a luxurious boat. lunch and dinner cruises in paris. discount cruises & carnival cruise vacations - cruising is our specialty. our experienced consultants can make your vacations dream come true. cruise vacation world all-inclusive cruise packages. we discount all cruises. our cruise lines certified experts offer great service. cruise potato - cruising for couch potatos. lay around all over the world. be lazy in exotic places. more food than necessary discount cruises - the best cruise deals guaranteed our cruises are updated regularly for the best possible deals. let our experts book you on the cruise of a lifetime. galapagos cruises - galapagos tours and cruises begin right here, at galapagos.com. learn more about this remote yet surprisingly easy-to-reach destination from the comfort of our luxury galapagos cruises. cruise potato - cruising for couch potatos. lay around all over the world. be lazy in exotic places. more food than necessary kosher cruise and passover vacations - kosherica is the leader in the kosher cruise and passover hotel industry. join us on a stunning cruise to the caribbean, alaska, russia, england, new york, italy, spain, france or denmark. or join us for passover in costa rica and miami beach. kosher cruises enterprises (kce) - kosher cruises programs of the highest quality. cruise norway - is the norwegian fjord cruise specialist. cruise travel magazine .....not an agency, but a good source of information on all the cruise ships. rivercruiseexperts.com - river cruise travel provider offering exclusive deals on selective river cruise tours across the world. go to top of page specialty travel agencies, travel agent consolidators, thank you for using our travel directory.

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Case scenarios about securities exclusion

Publication date: August 21, 2024

The following fictional case scenarios illustrate the application of the securities exclusion in paragraph 6(b) of the Retail Payment Activities Act .

These examples build off each other. We recommend reading them in the order they appear.

Case scenario: Securities dealer operates accounts only for securities trading

Company A operates an online investing application (i.e., an app). Its app enables customers to trade various investment products, including individual stocks and exchange-traded funds, and invest in managed accounts based on model portfolios. Company A is registered as an investment dealer with the securities regulators in each province and territory in Canada.

To use Company A’s app, customers must create an account by providing personal information as well as details about their investing goals, risk tolerance and other know-your-customer information. Customers may then fund their account through transfers from their bank account as needed, and they may use the funds in their account to trade in securities through the app.

In this example, Company A is performing payment functions in relation to electronic fund transfers (EFTs ) when it provides the services offered to customers through its app. It provides user accounts in relation to future EFTs and holds end-user funds for the purpose of securities trading; therefore, it performs the provision or maintenance of an account and holding of funds payment functions. Company A also interfaces directly with securities exchanges and other marketplaces to transfer user funds in exchange for securities held on the user’s behalf. It therefore performs the payment function of initiation, as well as authorization, transmission, reception or facilitation of instructions in relation to EFTs .

However, Company A’s activities are excluded from the Retail Payment Activities Act (RPAA ) because they fall under the activity-based exclusion for securities transactions under section 6(b) of the RPAA . In particular, the payment functions that Company A performs are all for the purpose of enabling trading in securities, and all of its activities fall under the jurisdiction of provincial and territorial securities regulators. As such, its activities are prescribed “securities-related transactions,” as defined in s.2 of the Retail Payment Activities Regulations .

As a result, Company A does not need to register with the Bank of Canada.

Case scenario: Securities dealer also operates a cash spending account

Company A begins offering a new product, which consists of a separate cash and spending account function within its app. The new account function enables customers to fund cash accounts instead of their securities trading accounts. Company A enables customers to use the funds held in their cash accounts to send peer-to-peer payments to other users and to pay bills.

Company A does not charge fees for its cash account product, and it encourages customers to use it by offering interest on balances held, similar to conventional savings accounts. Company A offers higher interest rates on cash account balances if customers hold total assets with Company A over a certain threshold, including in their cash and securities accounts.

In this example, Company A’s securities-related activities continue to be excluded from the RPAA. However, the activities it carries out for the purposes of its cash account product involve retail payment activities made for purposes other than securities-related transactions. Company A is engaging in the provision or maintenance of an account payment function, as well as the holding of funds. Company A also enables users to place payment orders through their interface and confirms account balances in customers’ cash accounts to authorize transactions, thereby performing the function of authorization, transmission, reception or facilitation of instructions in relation to EFTs .

These activities are not incidental to Company A’s securities activities. The cash account is a separate function that is not necessary for Company A to perform its securities business. Although Company A expects to receive some benefits to its securities business from customers that also adopt its cash account, this does not mean the cash account directly supports its securities-related activities. Rather, this is a sign that Company A derives commercial advantage from the cash account, which is an indicator that this is not an incidental activity. In addition, this product is marketed to customers as a payment product, and customers expect to receive services related to payments and not securities when they use the service. Indeed, customers can sign up for a cash account without being required to use Company A’s securities offering.

As a result of the introduction of this new product, Company A now meets the definition of a payment service provider (PSP ). Company A needs to register with the Bank, assuming it meets the other registration criteria. When submitting an application, Company A will provide information relating to only its cash account business line and will exclude any information relating to its securities activities.

The case scenarios are illustrative examples reflecting the Bank of Canada’s interpretation of certain requirements set out in the Retail Payment Activities Act (RPAA) . All names, facts and descriptions in these scenarios are entirely fictitious and do not reflect any real or actual individuals or entities.

Additionally, they do not represent legal advice and should not be used as a replacement for seeking such advice if an individual or entity is unsure about whether they are required to register with the Bank of Canada as a payment service provider. The nature of the products and services offered by each individual or entity will vary, as will the circumstances around offering these products and services. Therefore, any individual or entity that may be subject to the RPAA should assess their own situation on a case-by-case basis according to their own facts and circumstances. Any entity or individual that may be subject to the RPAA is ultimately responsible for determining whether they are required to register with the Bank.

The examples provided are not a replacement for the Criteria for registering payment service providers supervisory policy, but rather they are meant to complement the policy. They should be read in conjunction with the policy.

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