In the age of online booking platforms, comparison websites and instant travel deals, it’s a question I’m asked often: Do people still use travel agents?

The answer is a resounding yes.

People can also cook at home, yet restaurants continue to thrive, especially when the occasion is special. Travel works the same way. When holidays are meaningful, complex, or simply too important to leave to chance, many travellers still choose professional expertise.

One of the biggest misconceptions about using a travel agent is cost. Many assume it will be more expensive than booking online. In reality, this is rarely the case. Travel agents have access to industry-only rates, preferred supplier benefits, added inclusions and packaged pricing that often isn’t visible online. More importantly, we help clients avoid costly mistakes, such as unnecessary upgrades, unsuitable locations, or restrictive booking conditions that can turn into expensive problems later.

But value isn’t just measured in dollars.

Time is one of our most precious resources. Planning travel today can involve hours of research, conflicting reviews, confusing fare rules and endless decision fatigue. A travel agent simplifies the process. We listen first, understand what matters to you, and curate options that fit your travel style, budget and expectations. It’s not about more choices, it’s about the right ones.

Then there’s peace of mind. When flights are cancelled, connections missed or plans disrupted, online booking engines offer little more than automated emails and hold music. A travel agent becomes your advocate, someone who knows your itinerary, understands your priorities, and has the industry contacts to resolve issues quickly and effectively. That support extends before you leave, while you’re away, and even after you return home.

Travel is deeply personal. No two travellers are the same, and no itinerary should be either. The difference between a good trip and a great one is often found in the details: the timing, the location, the experience you didn’t know to ask for.

So yes, people still use travel agents, not because they can’t book travel themselves, but because they value expertise, personal service, and the confidence of knowing their journey is in capable hands.