Are travel agents worth it? 10 reasons to book with a travel expert

10 reasons to use a travel agent for your next holiday

1. Exclusive member deals

Travel agents often secure special promotions by partnering with wholesalers and booking holiday packages in bulk. For example, RACV Members enjoy exclusive savings on hotels, tours, and cruises - offers not typically available to the public.

"These can range from a few hundred dollars right up to thousands in savings, depending on the holiday you're booking," says Ward. "Whether it's a tour, a cruise or an independent holiday, we offer great savings to all our members."

2. Personalised recommendations you can trust

Online reviews and travel blogs can be helpful, but they often present a broad or inconsistent picture. A travel expert filters this information through professional experience, providing recommendations that are relevant and reliable.

Because their reputation depends on client satisfaction, travel advisors are driven to recommend options that genuinely deliver. This can reduce the risk of disappointment and help you make more confident decisions.

"On top of talking travel to our members all day every day, our team at RACV Travel & Experiences are passionate travellers themselves and have a wealth of experience across a wide range of destinations," says Ward. "Having first-hand knowledge of a destination really helps ease our guests' stresses pre-travel."

3. Tailored itineraries designed around you

One of the most significant advantages of booking with a travel expert is the level of personalisation. Instead of relying on generic recommendations or algorithm-driven suggestions, a travel advisor takes the time to understand your preferences, travel style, budget and priorities.

To make the most of your holiday time and tick off every item on your travel bucket list, you can ask an agent to create a bespoke tour itinerary. This might include factoring in how fast or slow you like to travel, your interest in food, culture or adventure, and even practical considerations such as accessibility or travelling with children. The result is a curated itinerary that aligns with your expectations rather than a one-size-fits-all schedule.

"For example, instead of simply booking a hotel in a popular area, a travel expert may recommend a quieter neighbourhood with better transport access or suggest experiences that aren't widely advertised online," Ward explains. "This kind of insight often leads to a more authentic and enjoyable holiday."

4. Access to insider knowledge and exclusive experiences

Agents have access to the latest information on travel requirements and can provide destination-specific insights.  From hotel inspections and online destination expertise programs to in-person educational events and supplier webinars, travel agents are always learning and building contacts with tourism professionals worldwide.

"The expert team at RACV Travel & Experiences will work with you to understand exactly how you want to spend your holiday, then provide the best possible options - whether that's sharing news about the newest luxury ocean ship or talking you through a destination you've heard so much about and are finally ready to explore," says Ward.

Travel agents' insider knowledge can also help you avoid common pitfalls, such as overcrowded attractions at peak times or destinations that may not suit your travel goals during certain seasons.

5. Expert advice on value, not just price

While DIY booking platforms often focus on finding the lowest price, travel experts prioritise overall value. This means considering factors such as location, inclusions, flexibility and quality, rather than simply choosing the cheapest option.

For instance, a slightly higher-priced hotel may include breakfast, airport transfers and flexible cancellation, ultimately offering better value than a cheaper alternative with added costs. Similarly, a well-timed flight may reduce travel fatigue and improve your overall experience.

Travel advisors can also identify when it's worth spending more for a better experience and when it's safe to economise, helping you allocate your budget strategically.

6. Better risk management and peace of mind

Travel involves a level of uncertainty, from weather disruptions and geopolitical events to family emergencies and work demands. A travel expert helps mitigate these risks by talking through available insurance policies, flexible booking options and contingency plans.

They can also advise on safer travel routes, reliable operators and reputable accommodation providers. This risk management approach provides peace of mind, particularly for long-haul or high-value trips.

"RACV Travel & Experiences agents work on your behalf to minimise any associated costs, liaising directly with suppliers to secure the best possible outcome for you. It's reassuring to know that with RACV Travel & Experiences, you can adjust your itinerary whenever you need to," Ward says.

7. Support before, during and after your trip

One of the most compelling reasons to book with a travel expert is access to ongoing support. Travel doesn't always go to plan, and when disruptions occur - such as flight delays, cancellations or unexpected events - having an expert on your side can make a significant difference.

"Change is often part of travelling, and dealing with everything from flight delays to adverse weather impacting your plans is sometimes unavoidable," notes Ward.

Support doesn't end once your trip is booked. Travel experts often provide pre-departure advice, including packing tips, destination updates and travel requirements, ensuring you’re fully prepared.

Instead of navigating airline call centres or rebooking accommodation yourself, your travel advisor can step in to resolve issues quickly. This level of advocacy can reduce stress and help you stay on track with minimal disruption.

8. Up-to-date knowledge of travel requirements

Travel regulations, entry requirements and safety considerations can change frequently. A travel expert stays informed about visa requirements, vaccination guidelines, insurance considerations and local conditions, helping you avoid costly mistakes or last-minute complications.

This is particularly important for international travel, where requirements can vary significantly between destinations. Having accurate, current information ensures a smoother journey from departure to return.

9. Seamless coordination for complex travel

For itineraries involving multiple destinations, cruises, tours or group travel, coordination becomes increasingly complex.

Travel experts specialise in managing these logistics, ensuring connections align and transitions are smooth. This includes organising transfers, synchronising arrival and departure times, and managing documentation. The result is a seamless travel experience where each element flows logically into the next.

RACV Travel & Experiences is a one-stop shop for flights, hotels, tours, cruises, packages, travel insurance and car rentals. You can plan your trip once with one person, and then all you have to do is pack and show up.

10. Travel insurance knowledge and advice

Travel insurance can be complex, with varying levels of cover, exclusions and policy conditions that aren't always easy to interpret. A travel expert can provide general information to help you better understand the types of cover that may be available under different travel insurance policies, such as medical cover, cancellation protection, baggage loss and coverage for activities.

They can also highlight important fine print, such as excess amounts, pre-existing condition clauses and coverage limits, helping you make a more informed decision about purchasing a policy. 

RACV Travel & Experience agents can assist you with travel insurance as well - and RACV Members save 15 per cent on travel insurance policies.*