How to find a good travel agent: What to look for in a go-to travel expert

Imagine this: You're in Milan on the last night of your honeymoon. You’ve had a perfect week filled with rooftop dinners, an after-hours viewing of The Last Supper, and a boat ride through the Navigli canals. Tonight is supposed to be the grand finale — a night at the opera. But an hour before you’re due at the theater, you get an email notifying you that the show is unexpectedly canceled. 

You text your travel advisor in a panic. Next thing you know, you’re walking through the door of a historic palazzo for an invitation-only classical concert. That’s the kind of seamless service you get when working with an expert agent.

When plans change, they know how to pivot fast, and often upgrade the experience in the process. But their value doesn’t just shine during unexpected hiccups — a skilled travel advisor brings insight to every detail. They know how to get you a hotel suite with the best view of the Duomo and reserve a table at that tiny trattoria that doesn’t take online bookings. 

To make sure you get that five-star experience, though, you need to find just the right person. Here’s how to find a good travel agent who will create an exceptional trip from start to finish.

Tips for talking to a travel agent

Before reaching out to a travel advisor, it helps to know what you want from your vacation — think mood over map. Are you craving slow mornings in a rustic countryside villa or a city itinerary packed with culture and cuisine? Do you value boutique hotels with charm or luxe resorts with every amenity? Sharing your must-haves lets your advisor design a trip that reflects your style.

Once they understand your vision, a travel advisor can begin shaping the experience around your preferences. But great travel isn’t just about what you want to do, it’s also about what you want to avoid. Travel agents are great at solving the “what ifs” that cause anxiety, so share any worries with them upfront. For example, if your timeline is tight and you can’t afford to miss a connection, an agent can build in a longer layover or arrange fast-track access through customs. 

Working with a travel agent means less guesswork, fewer headaches, and more time to enjoy the trip. All you need to do is focus on making the most of your time away.

How do I find a good travel agent? 

Finding a travel agent who understands your priorities leads to a stress-free planning experience and an unforgettable trip. From family vacations to Walt Disney World to solo trips in Japan, the right advisor takes care of all the research and logistics and helps you travel smarter. Here are seven tips to get a travel agent you can trust.

1. Find your travel advisor on TravelJoy

Start your search on a trusted platform like TravelJoy, where our team of experts matches you with a travel advisor who fits your style, needs, and destination. TravelJoy helps you discover vetted professionals who bring years of expertise to their roles. 

When you connect with an advisor on TravelJoy, they'll handpick stays and experiences that match your taste, not just book what anyone could on a search engine. Through their connections, they also often unlock exclusive perks like room upgrades and private tours you’d never score on your own. It’s these thoughtful touches that make your trip feel one-of-a-kind.

2. Look for a business profile

When choosing a travel agent, you can get a sense of a travel advisor’s style from their website, social media, and professional listings. These pages should clearly show their specialty, such as adventure travel or luxury cruises, so you can tell if they’re the right fit.

3. Ask for travel agent recommendations

Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they have a travel agent they swear by. Personal recommendations from people you trust can save hours and make you feel more at ease from the first booking.

4. Explore different travel agencies

Many travel advisors work with established agencies, from boutique firms to international networks, giving them access to partnerships with specific airlines or hotel chains. While not all of these agencies have public-facing directories, you can sometimes find advisor profiles through their websites or by reaching out directly.

5. Consider what their connections can unlock

If an advisor is connected with a professional network, it could be a sign they have relationships with hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators, that can get you VIP treatment or extra amenities. Look for names like Virtuoso or Signature when browsing — this could mean they have solid industry ties.

6. Seek out specialized knowledge

Most travel advisors have a specific area of expertise. While some specialize in all-inclusive Caribbean resorts, others might focus on family safaris or honeymoon retreats. If you’re going to use a travel agent, ask about their background and the types of trips they plan most often. Whatever your travel dream, you want an agent with genuine enthusiasm for your vision.

7. Ask about compensation

Travel advisors usually charge a planning fee, earn a commission from bookings, or both. Before partnering with an agent, ask how they price their services and what’s included in their cost. This makes sure everyone is on the same page and helps you avoid surprises. For most travelers, the access, insight, and time savings make it more than worth the investment.

What services should I look for? 

With professional support, travel becomes less about logistics and more about possibility. Look for a travel advisor who offers a high-touch, personalized service — someone who listens to your preferences and builds a custom itinerary around them. Maybe you’re dreaming of an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, a food-filled journey through Vietnam, or a quiet escape to the Scottish Highlands. A travel advisor can make it happen.

Travel advisors know who to call to unlock VIP perks like a private tour of Notre Dame or an exclusive reservation at Noma. They also have extensive firsthand destination knowledge, so they can pair you with reputable guides and hidden gems.

Turn your dream trip into a reality

With TravelJoy, it’s easy to find an agent who understands your goals and is on-hand whenever you need them. We match you with a verified travel advisor based on your unique preferences — whether you're looking for luxury, adventure, romance, or all of the above. Whatever your perfect getaway looks like, TravelJoy can help turn your ideas into a one-of-a-kind trip designed just for you.

Connect with TravelJoy and start planning the trip you’ve been waiting for.