it's no sin

Even Rick Steves uses his travel agent - always has, probably alway will. Services exist because they provide a benefit, and some people are DYI, but many can benefit from a professional’s paid assistance. It also not a sin to go on a guided tour, have someone else do the driving, or do your laundry on your vacation.

It’s no sin………to check a bag. 😉

It’s no sin to:
1). Go to a tacky tourist attraction.
2). Eat at McDonald’s while in a foreign country.

It's no travel sin to...….take more than one pair of shoes.

I'm my own travel agent - and I rock! 😆 Why would I fire "me"? As for sins, that's between you and your God, isn't it?

It's no travel sin to skip a "famous site" that you actually have no interest in......

I’m getting misty eyed. I thought I was the only one.

I never understood this whole "here is how you have to travel" mantra. It doesn't matter what you do, or what someone else does, or even what Rick does. It's your money, your time. Do whatever makes you happy.

It's not sin to do most things when it comes to travel. In fact, thinking about it, there is only one true travel sin.......snowglobes.

To wear your jeans for a week until it’s laundry day.
To bring snacks from home...bars, nuts, tea bags
To buy cold beer or screw top wine at the local convenience store or market and drink it in the park or your rooftop sitting area (if your are lucky enough to have one).

Thanks for the article. When I think how many travel businesses suffered last year, I hope the best for a profitable future. In 2017 we were very pleased with an agency we used in Santorini & Naxos. They picked us up at the piers/transfer to airport, arranged accommodations & a day tour on Santorini.

Edited to add: Is that Pete Buttigieg in the article photo? ;) Secretary of Transportation…

...to use a paper map!
...to order a Coke even if it does cost more than a glass of wine! ;)

I’m with Agnes! Im a great travel agent, although with the times they are changing, it will be nice to have someone else shoulder the job. No way in hell I can go across the ocean with one pair of shoes and wash my hair with a sliver of lye soap….or is it a sin to want to look fabulous when on holiday in a fabulous country!

I'm a great travel agent - exclusively on available to me! I would NOT like to be stuck at an airport with an airline cancelling flights and have to wait until my agent woke up the next morning for her to deal with it!

One of the reasons i'm on this forums is to monitor what's happening on the ground in Europe in the courtiers I want to travel to next year. No agent in NZhas been out of the country for over a year. In fact we arrived back in the country in early March 2020 just before everyone was locked down. So no, an agent is very unlikely to have more information than me.

It’s no sin………to use something other than a money belt to secure your valuables, and to wear white tennis shoes.

It's no sin - to buy a refrigerator magnet (or 2) !

I only bring the pair of shoes I wear to the airport when I travel. Except I might have packed flip-flops in case the floor of the showers was too dirty.

I haven 't used a travel agent yet. Maybe if I was occupied taking care of young kids, I wouldn't have time to plan my own travel and I would need a travel agent. I took a solo trip to Quebec, Canada, and 4 solo trips to Europe. Those trips all worked ok. The problem parts are too minor to care about now. Like, I had to cancel my credit card I made reservations at a hostel with. But I forgot to update my reservation with my new credit card #. They canceled my reservation because they couldn't validate my old credit card. So i was without a place to sleep, at 10pm in Athens. So would I have been better off calling a travel agent in Michigan and hoping they would find me a room in the next one to 2 hours, or was I just as well off finding internet access and locating a room and taking a taxi there?

to ask for ice.

It's no sin to tear up an RS travel guide into smaller, travel-size segments, but I still can't bring myself to tear up a book, any book.

A good travel agent can be a true blessing...a good one. The only way you can find a good one is to use one. Once you find an agent who knows the drill, gets you the seats and flights you want, has pull with the airlines to get you preferential treatment, can flight and travel plan with zero micro-management, who takes your calls on their personal phone any time of day, even in the middle of the night when you are stuck at a counter without a connection in Dubai and and gets you on the next plane to Mumbai, you will see the value. Having said that, such a thing is extremely rare. Corporations often force you to use use a preferred service to book and in most cases the management of the agent is more taxing than doing it all on your own. If you have access to an executive service then things improve dramatically and especially if you are a heavy traveler. If you can get to know a particular agent, that's golden if it's the right one.
Many small agencies are best suited for booking travel packages and cruises and totally incapable of coordinating a real trip. In this case, you might as well do everything on your own...you know what you want, when etc. Just commit the time and get it done. Keep good records because the challenge of travel planning is not the first pass, it's the recovery when the airlines change their routes or there are flight cancellations the day of your departure....without an agent, you will pull all of your hair from your head getting things sorted. You will drive 400 miles to catch your flight from Dulles. You may end up sleeping in CDG waiting for the next connection to Venice. You will wear out the keyboard on your laptop and drain the battery on your phone.
If you go the agent route, when it goes off the rails, you have a (if you have the right one) a partner to help you sort out the mess while you drive to Dulles.

While no sin, my beef with travel agents is that an agent well versed in travel to Europe on a self planned itinerary, able to find small charming hotels and arrange local transport is about as rare as a unicorn.

The typical agent is well versed in Cruises, All-inclusives, package tours, and corporate travel, things they get commissions for and sell in volume.

What you really want (also rare) is a Travel Consultant, to which you pay a fee, who is knowledgeable on the place you are traveling to. Actually, I do recall hearing that some famous travel guy has some staff that offer that service.

While no sin, my beef with travel agents is that an agent well versed
in travel to Europe on a self planned itinerary, able to find small
charming hotels and arrange local transport is about as rare as a
unicorn.

The typical agent is well versed in Cruises, All-inclusives, package
tours, and corporate travel, things they get commissions for and sell
in volume.

Interesting - I've worked on projects with 150+ travel advisors who have shared research, location information, trip experiences, unique activities & tours, booking methods, and learned from them how to build FIT's all around the world - and none of these travel advisors resemble this description. I guess it's who you know and who you work with. Then again, that famous travel guy does sell a lot of all-inclusive package tours...

Re: It's no sin...snacks from home...I too take tea bags with me on vacay, and also have taken hot chocolate packets. I pack granola bars and Costco Kirkland trail mix in the little bags - perfect to go in my purse and nosh on when the hunger pangs start, saving my husband dealing with my 'hangry' mood swings.

RnR, I think the issue here (and we've had this discussion before) is that the RSE crowd is biased to a do-it-yourself philosophy in travel planning, and towards the lower end of the market. I think the OP referred to using an agent as a sin is because that goes against the common mantra of the forum, like the other guidance being brought up. The fact that the article referenced (and your comments) makes a distinction by talking about travel "advisors" and "consultants" versus travel "agents" implies a higher level of service and cost than most first-time or once-in-a-lifetime American travelers are willing to use.

Clearly, there are many people who need the extra help of an agent, or don't have the skills to plan things themselves. Professional help is good. Every time I see a post on here where it is clear the poster doesn't know what multi-city ticketing is, or the geography, I think a good travel agent is worth knowing.

I've told this story here before, but the last time I used a travel agent was in 1998.
We booked a trip to the UK, flying into London, home from Glasgow.
Next day, I saw in the paper an ad for a complimentary car rental for the same trip, so called the travel agent I had booked the flights with to add this to our trip.
She said No, that doesn't apply to you, you're flying home from Glasgow.
I said Yes, so we get a free car rental.
No, she said, it's just for trips to the UK.
I said, where do you think Glasgow is located?
She said, it's in Scotland, not the UK.
I said, where do you think Scotland is?
We did eventually get the car, but it took some convincing.
Never used a travel agent since.

I'd be interested to know if the travel agents that RnR used were US TA's or European TA's? Maybe there is a difference in the level of service they provide.

I agree with the statement that most US TA's are better versed in booking cruises and tours than in planning independent travel. Now that is a general statement and obviously does not apply to all TA's. I have friends who have used a trusted TA for many years and wouldn't go any other way.

I think the reason many posters on this forum are not in the travel agent camp is because so many of us are experienced independent travelers and many of us, myself included, enjoy the planning for a trip almost as much as the trip itself and are comfortable with finding and booking their own flights, hotels, experiences. We don't really feel the need for using a TA, especially if it adds $$ to the total trip cost unnecessarily.

But - it's still no sin to use one if that's what you prefer and nothing to be ashamed of.

I suppose I've been posting on the RS form for 14+ years so I am quite familiar with the majority of forum members' positions on using a Travel Agent. In addition, the RNR website I created - which was geared toward independent travel in Rome/Italy - generated more than six million hits during its run, many of who were RS Forum visitors. I traded thousands of messages with independent travelers through the RNR site. For the past ten years, I've worked on the other side of the fence, coordinating trips for travelers worldwide. And I've been fortunate to have lived in five European countries for more than seventeen years.

What's frustrating about the debate of whether to use a TA or not, is that most posters making comments have NEVER used a TA - or perhaps - used one 20+ years ago. And like any description of an unknown concept on a social media forum, the generalizations, stereotypes, and just plain incorrect comments are frustrating to read. For example, there's a HUGE difference between a Corporate Travel Planner and a Leisure Travel Agent. These are two very different fields of expertise, with different contacts, practices, and contracts. Also, there are travel agents, travel advisors, destination specialists, AIR agents, agents on an annual retainer, and so on. Like most things today, It's becoming very specialized.

And yes, travel agents/advisors/consultants/specialists can actually save you money - or at a minimum, enhance your trip. Experienced travel experts work with local DMC's who have contract pricing with their local contacts, at prices neither you nor I have access to. Regarding selling packages, I think in 10+ years I've sold ONE package tour, to a friend who had a very limited budget and really wanted to come to Europe. We almost exclusively do FITs - not tour packages - and our discovery conversations with the client start with, Where do you want to go? 

Are there agents who specialize in cruises? You bet! My friend Linda sold $5 million in cruise fares in 2019 (and probably will sell more - if able - in 2022). When I have a cruise question, I call her and she tells me how to book groups of couples that will earn their group leader a free cabin! She also knows the best deals, gets her clients additional OBC's, and can tell you which cabin you want on which deck of almost every ship out there. Each year, during WAVE season, her phone rings off the hook (calls from customers and fellow agents)!

In these COVID times, with 85+ trips departing in the next few months - and we're not even busy yet - we HAVE to stay on top of all the "daily" changes in multiple countries. And don't get me started on the airlines. I have a group going to Africa who have had every leg of their flights changed at least once in the past 3 months (and they have 8 different flights in their itinerary) -- Another reason to use an Air specialist!  (And there can be HUGE savings if you are flying Business Class given their expertise). 

Although a little outside the normal RS booking, if you ever book a luxury hotel, you should ALWAYS work through a TA. Most belong to consortiums or have relationships with hotels, which like me, might include these programs: Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Ritz-Carlton STARS, Marriott Luminous, Dorchester Collection Diamond Club, Rosewood Elite, Belmod Bellini Club, Relais & Chateaux Preferred Partner, Peninsula Pen Club, Sir Rocco's Knights, Shangri-La Golden Circle, Oetker Collection Pearl Partner, Hyatt Prive', IHG Luxury & Lifestyle,, and Virtuoso. 

Through these relationships, TA's are able to get promotional rates, amenities (like free breakfast, Spa credit, F&B voucher, a welcome gift, VIP treatment, and unique experiences). or no walk-guarantees. All at NO additional cost to the traveler as compared to the BAR. In addition, the TA will probably have a relationship with the Concierge, Director of Sales, or a service member who will be assigned to their clients. Any stay would be frontloaded with a "please welcome my clients" message.

@Nancy, most of the agents I work with are North American TA's. I am fortunate, living in the Netherlands, to be able to meet and work with many European agents. we're often sharing notes, locations, new hotels, etc. A big part of our job is networking and thus I am at a multitude of conferences each year. In the next few months, I go to Sevilla, Paris, London, Venice, and Milan for meetings. A good agent is always looking for insider info that will enhance their clients' experiences.

Again, this is NOT a suggestion that "You should use a TA." As mentioned, most RS forum members are excellent at building the type of trip they want and they enjoy the planning (as do I, which I why I got into the business!). But please, if you've not used an agent - or it's been 20+ years - things have changed and I'd suggest you do some research before posting out-of-date information. We often ask our clients to interview us as we're interviewing them. Just as we network with our professional partners, a good travel agent builds a relationship with their clients. (I have many new clients who are third-generation clients!). 

There are those who will never use an agent, nor see the value in what an agent does. I understand that. I plan many of my own personal travels "independently." The difference now is I do have some insider info, which makes my trips even more enjoyable.  

RnR I feel your pain about people having strong opinions about things they have never experienced.

I see this all the time on this forum when people (who have never actually taken a tour) strongly discourage people inquiring about travel options from taking one.

It is time for everyone to relax and allow for differences in travel styles and simply learn from each other. While I don't usually use a travel agent, there isn't any reason why I shouldn't be open to the option if it seems like it fits my needs. I know that when I traveled to Rwanda, it was very helpful to go through the travel agent. I ended up with twice the luggage allowance I would have received otherwise. This was important as I was delivering items to some missionary friends.

Thanks for reminding us to be open to all the travel options.

The last three times I used a travel agent, it turned out to be more of a headache for me than if I did it alone. Fortunately, I've been booking my own travel online since EaasySabre on Compuserve in the early 1990's. Plus I don't like surprises so I'd rather be in control of everything.

That's not to say that if I was going to some remote location I wouldn't try to find a TA who "specialized" in that area.

As for the hotel perks, I'm top tier at all the major hotel chains so I get them anyway.

But if people feel more comfortable using a TA, go ahead. But as someone stated earlier, most of the people on this forum, especially the regulars, are pretty much do-it-yourselfers.

I know that my parents would have no idea how to purchase airfare or book hotels through the internet. I would be their travel agent and not sure I want to do that. I would 100% recommend my parents use a TA.
I think anyone who does not enjoy the travel planning process would greatly benefit from a TA. It can be frustrating and
I went to a trade school to become a Travel Agent, I love all aspects of travel and consider the planning almost as fun as the actual trip, I love the moving puzzle, the research, reading reviews, watching vlogs and then seeing all my hard work in action just makes my heart happy.
I am planning a trip to Vegas with my Sis and Bro in law, and we are all about the same age and they literally had no idea how to purchase airfare online, I had to walk them through and am now helping them to navigate the airport on the day of. I want them to see how easy it is, but I could tell it was NOT fun for them to book their own flights, they would need a travel agent for a big trip.

RnR, I'm impressed by your comments. Put me down as someone who has not used a TA in more than 25 years except for some corporate travel when I was not given a choice. I also stopped due to frustrating experiences of them being poorly trained or not knowledgeable.

My question is if you have any suggestions on how to search and find a professional TA?

@Allan, I'd start by saying that NOT ALL trips need TA support, and I've talked to many prospective clients who might work better without a TA, and we tell them that! We are primarily a full-service, Luxury Travel Agency, although we do have clients at all budget levels. Our expertise is in Europe and with luxury hotels/products.

Granted, for some of our clients, we book ONLY the hotels as we don't charge a fee for this service and they get to stay at incredible hotels. In Paris - for example - a few of these amazing hotels would include The George V (Four Seasons), Hôtel de Crillon (Rosewood), Hôtel Plaza Athénée (Dorchester), Le Bristol (Oetker), or The Ritz Paris. When booking through an Agency with "connections" they get additional amenities, the opportunity for an upgrade, and VIP treatment... at no additional charge.

Like Frank, when I worked in corporate America, I was at the top of the heap for IHG, Marriott, Hilton... and stayed at many of their International 5-star properties when traveling. TA's are often able to get additional amenities for these VIP clients. We just booked a Marriott Ambassador Elite at the Madison St. EDITION and he went from a deluxe (entry-level room) to a Corner Suite with multiple credits. So again, if you ever look to book a luxury product, get ALL YOU CAN GET by booking through a TA with an agency alliance.

As far as finding a Travel Advisor, there are plenty of articles online. For us, 95%+ of our new clients are referrals. So my first suggestion would be to talk to friends, family, and business acquaintances and see if they can refer someone in your area. You can also source locally - through Yelp, Google, and other sites. ALWAYS interview and get references on any TA you're unfamiliar with.

You could go to a consortium like Virtuoso (We're a Virtuoso Agency). On their website's opening page, there's a FIND A TRAVEL ADVISOR button. You enter what you're looking for and it will sort out the best options. Virtuoso.com also has reviews where you can read what previous clients experienced (and the link is sent directly by Virtuoso to the clients so the TA has NO control). Signature is another large consortium.

You could also reach out to the larger Host Agencies. Many TA's today are Independent Contractors (ICs) working through a Host Agency - sort of like a franchise agreement (well, somewhat). It is a contractual agreement and these Host Agencies VALUE their brand, so the terms can be quite specific! We work with Brownell Travel. They also have an option to FIND AN AGENT. Other larger and more popular hosts include Travel Leaders, or perhaps Protravel International. Christopher Elliott has some excellent articles on finding a TA, and yes, he does use one!

And a disclaimer... PLEASE DO NOT CALL ME! Because of COVID, we had to downsize our staff - sales were off 85% last year. Like many in the Service Industry, we are now ramping up as demand increases. We're working night & day for our CURRENT clients... so this is NOT a post on the RS Forum seeking clients. I have plenty - and they ALL want to travel - NOW! A far cry from last year.

And again, there are parameters to working with an agent. I never did until I became one... but now, I always will. It's a personal choice and quite dependent on the style of travel and experiences you prefer. Good luck with your search!