to go travel agency

Call Us Today  (407) 774-2229

The world is yours.

It's time to explore it., go see. go do. go travel..

America's travel professionals since 1979, Go Travel is your source for the most knowledgeable and experienced travel planning.

CONTACT US NOW

REQUEST A CALLBACK

A Travel Agency  you can Trust ---------

Founded in 1979, Go Travel is one of the leading privately owned agencies in the US and Canada. Our award winning agents and staff will work diligently to discover your passion and create that dream vacation for you.

EXPLORE OUR SERVICES

A Global Team of Support

With our 7 locations throughout Florida and North Carolina, and over 150 agents on staff, we have the first hand knowledge and expertise to ensure you have the highest quality vacation experience.  Whether it is a cruise to the Caribbean, a tour throughout the Mediterranean, or a theme park vacation in Orlando, you can count on our agents to assist you. In addition to the knowledgeable agents on staff, Go Travel also maintains a select group of on-site, in-country tour operators throughout much of Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia. These expert local guides are guaranteed to provide service second to none while you experience some of the most desirable vacation destinations in the world!

Our clients know the importance of traveling in style... And we make that happen.

Clint Bales

Founder / CEO

READ TESTIMONIALS

What we do best

At go travel, we offer a wide arrangement of travel services from airfare and tours to luxury cruises and tailor-made vacations. here's a bit more about what we love to do.

Customized Tours   ---------

We are all different. We have different passions, interests and aspirations... especially when it comes to travel. To some, it's a full-day of sightseeing with an expert historian to some of the most culturally rich ruins and cathedrals in Rome. To some, it's an afternoon of shopping in the high-end districts of Paris followed by an evening of wining and dining along the Champs-Élysées. And to others, it's an immersive journey into China with a combination of touring the Great Wall in Beijing, enjoying tea and dim sum with locals in Hong Kong, and exploring ancient China’s wonders aboard a scenic Yangtze River cruise.

At Go Travel, we understand that every travel adventure is personal and excel at matching you with that "wow" experience that you are seeking. This is true for shore excursions during a cruise tour just as it is true for the longer journey. From customizing your schedule to working with our tour operators to curate your ultimate adventure, from mild to wild, we are here to create for you the vacation of your dreams.

​ REQUEST A CALLBACK

Cruises   ---------

Go Travel was founded in Miami in 1979 – a time in which cruising as we know it now was just beginning to take shape. Previously, cruising had been purely destination-oriented, but over the last 40 years, cruising has evolved into an industry full of every option imaginable. The choices for guests are much clearer. Not only do you have a choice of ocean relaxation, arctic adventure, river exploration, and super luxury yachting, but also you have an onboard choice of "let's dance all night" live bands, great lecturers and education, full steady courses on computing and finances, and culinary experiences with some of the top chefs in the world. You have access to explosive entertainment, extreme expeditions, and the ultimate in luxury. The selection can vary from cruises ships catering to families and children to exclusive small ship journeys and specialty themed itineraries. Our key staff has witnessed this industry growth throughout the years and thus have the expertise and knowledge to match you with that exact cruise experience that’s best for you. With the majority of all major cruise lines being based in Florida, Go Travel’s Florida headquarters location definitely brings advantages giving us close proximity to our cruise line partners for continuous development in terms of education, negotiation, and cooperation. Because of our long history along with these close partnerships with the cruise lines, we have access to the most competitive rates and bonus amenities available. When planning your next cruise with Go Travel, you can be confident that you have the most knowledgeable professionals in the industry creating your ultimate cruise vacation.

Groups   ---------

Go Travel has been a leader in group travel for nearly 40 years. In that time, group travel has become an increasingly popular way to travel. Whether it may be a family celebration, bachelorette getaway, seminar-at-sea, or entertainment event, traveling as a group is fun, convenient and offers a fantastic opportunity for group members to network, while at the same time, see the world! You may opt for a land adventure, a shipboard journey, or a combination of both land and sea. We handle anything from small family groups to 500+ meeting/entertainment groups during which we can arrange a variety of activities including teambuilding, cocktail parties, meeting facilities, and/or specialty entertainment.

Our close relationships with partners around the globe means that your group has access to special complimentary amenities. Plus, we negotiate the most competitive rates on your behalf, so you can rest assured your guests are receiving the best possible value. Furthermore, when organizing a group, the booking process can be extremely time consuming when you need to collect from each of your friends and family their individual information and preferences. Instead, let Go Travel manage the details of your next group trip while you focus on enjoying your memorable group getaway.

Corporate Travel   ---------

Business travel planning requires expert knowledge in the complexities of organizing seamless travel arrangements while adhering to company guidelines and policies. When traveling for business, that personal touch is indispensable. Clients delaying a contract signing date... it happens. Flights being cancelled due to poor weather... it happens. But having a knowledgeable agent continuously monitoring your itinerary and making the necessary changes before you know there is even an issue... simply a smart decision. Let our team take all the worry out of your corporate travel. Ideal for small to medium sized businesses, our dedicated agents can provide not only their specialized expertise, but also the benefit of Go Travel's global negotiating strength to offer your business the most competitive rates and most favorable amenities. With policy compliance and business travel cost being major priorities, we can provide your company with customized reports to streamline your company's travel spend analysis. At Go Travel, we are passionate about delivering personalized and unparalleled travel planning while simultaneously maximizing your travel cost savings.

CUSTOMIZED TOURS

Corporate travel, visit us ---------.

We love getting to know our clients. We welcome you to visit our friendly staff at one of the following locations. No matter what... we are only a call or click away!

LONGWOOD, FL

2811 West State Rd. 434

Longwood, FL 32779

(407) 774-7700

WINTER PARK, FL

941 W Morse Blvd. Suite 100

Winter Park, FL 32789

(407)-644-7700

CLERMONT, FL

Call for Appointment

Clermont, FL 34711

(352) 394-0900

MERRITT ISLAND, FL

218 Parnell Street

Merritt Island, FL 32953

(321) 453-1702

MELBOURNE (SUNTREE), FL

7777 N. Wickham Rd. #8

Melbourne, FL 32940

(321) 622-5955

BREVARD, NC

Brevard, NC 28712

(828) 884-4000

HENDERSONVILLE, NC

1504 5th Avenue West

Hendersonville, NC 28739

(828) 696-8200

Each trip she has organized for me has been better than the last.

My Go agent has helped me travel around the globe! Each trip she has organized for me has been better than the last. I have highly recommended Go Travel to my family & friends, and they are never disappointed. Try Go Travel...they are the best!

Lake Mary, Florida

My family has been working with Go Travel for over 15 years.

My family has been working with Go Travel for over 15 years. My Go agent has dedicated her time and effort to ensure our family is always well taken care of. And even with our family group of 15 people, she organized for us a seamless experience not only in terms of travel arrangements, but also in providing us great sightseeing ideas for the different age groups of our family. My Go agent and her team respond to every question/concern promptly and go above and beyond to provide us a wonderful service.

Miami, Florida

Calling Go Travel has been the best decision I ever made!

After a number of years experiencing the frustrations of making travel arrangements over the internet directly with the airlines or tourist companies, I decided to give Go Travel a call. For the past 8 years, I call my Go agent for every trip because of her detailed planning and strong professionalism. Calling Go Travel has been the best decision I ever made!

Hendersonville, North Carolina

Getting in touch is easy. Use the form below and tell us more about the experience you are seeking.

Submitting Form...

The server encountered an error.

Form received.

SUBMIT REQUEST

PREFERRED METHOD OF CONTACT

AMERICA'S TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS

+1 (407) 774-2229

[email protected]

Go Travel, Inc.

GO SEE. GO DO. GO TRAVEL.

MANDATE TAX AND ACCOUNTING FIRM

TESTIMONIALS

OUR SERVICES

Customized Tours   --------

Cruises   --------

Go Travel was founded in Miami in 1979 – a time in which cruising as we know it now was just beginning to take shape. Previously, cruising had been purely destination-oriented, but over the last 40 years, cruising has evolved into an industry full of every option imas catering to families and children to exclusive small ship journeys and  vacation.

Groups   --------

Go Travel has been a leader in group travel for nearly 40 years. In that time, group travel has become an increasingly popular way to travel. Whether it may be a family celebration, bachelorette getaway, seminar-at-sea, or entertainment event, traveling as a group is fun, convenient and offers a fantastic opportunity for group members to network, while at the same time, see the world! You may opt for a land adventure, a shipboard journey, or a combination of both land and sea. We handle anything from small family groups to 500+ meeting/entertainment groups during which we can arrange a variety of activities including teambuilding, cocktail parties, meeting facilities, and/or specialty entertainment. Our close relationships with partners around the globe means that your group has access to special complimentary amenities. Plus, we negotiate the most competitive rates on your behalf, so you can rest assured your guests are receiving the best possible value. Furthermore, when organizing a group, the booking process can be extremely time consuming when you need to collect from each of your friends and family their individual information and preferences. Instead, let Go Travel manage the details of your next group trip while you focus on enjoying your memorable group getaway.

Corporate Travel   --------

​ CUSTOMIZED TOURS

Customized Tours

​ CORPORATE TRAVEL

Corporate Travel

My family has been working with Go Travel for over 15 years. My Go agent has dedicated her time and effort to ensure our family is always well taken care of. She handles all the details from airfare and airport transfers to hotel and excursion arrangements. And even with our family group of 15 people, she organized for us a seamless experience not only in terms of travel arrangements, but also in providing us great sightseeing ideas for the different age groups of our family. My Go agent and her team respond to every question/concern promptly and go above and beyond to provide us a wonderful service.

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.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

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

Best Hotel Booking Sites

Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Solo Travelers

The Best Budget Hotels in Miami Beach of 2024

Best Dreams Resorts

Best Budget Manhattan Hotels

Best Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in Orlando

The 9 Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Mexico in 2024

Best Las Vegas Hotels for Couples

Best Online Sites for Booking Cheap or Discounted Airline Tickets

Best London Budget Hotels

Best Car Rental Companies of 2024

The Best Oceanfront Virginia Beach Hotels

Best Budget Disney World Hotels

Best Hawaii All-Inclusive Hotels

Best Disneyland Hotels

Saving Money on Your Summer Vacation

About Vacations To Go

Vacations To Go is America's clearinghouse for deeply discounted cruises. Since our founding in 1984, we have provided more than eight million savvy shoppers with a dream vacation at a fraction of the regular price.

Vacations To Go is a fully accredited travel agency and a member in good standing of the International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN) and the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). We have achieved the highest level of recognition possible from every major cruise line in the world for our exceptional sales and superior service. Click here to read what top execs at every major cruise line, tour operator, river cruise company and resort chain have to say about Vacations To Go.

Vacations To Go is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), with an A+ rating, the highest rating they award.

Back in 1984, we practically invented the last-minute discount by convincing major cruise lines to drastically reduce the price of unsold cabins close to departure. Rather than offer "sale" prices to the public (and thus undercut their full-fare business with traditional travel agents), top cruise lines prefer to discount unsold cabins to our exclusive and highly confidential client list. Our clients have confirmed reservations, just like full-fare passengers, and no one on the ship knows what they paid (unless they decide to brag a bit). Click 90-Day Ticker to scan our list of last-minute markdowns.

Last-minute reductions typically occur within 90 days of departure and are most prevalent during the slow season for the particular destination. Potential savings of up to 82% make this a great way to cruise for cost-conscious travelers with flexible schedules.

For customers who must plan their cruise more than 90 days in advance, use our Find a Bargain tool to compare early bird discounts and other cut-rate promotions now.

Vacations To Go is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vacation Publications, Inc., which publishes magazines, books and special reports for the travel and mature markets. The company has been named one of the "100 Fastest Growing Companies in America" by Inc. magazine.  

Protect Your Trip »

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

Getty Images

A travel agent can save you money and time.

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." 

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.

You might also be interested in:

• Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline
• What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

The Best Luggage Brands

Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Flight canceled or delayed what to do.

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

The 9 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours of 2024

John Rodwan April 24, 2024

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

The Best Wineries in Napa Valley

April 23, 2024

The Best East Coast Beaches

April 19, 2024

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

The Pros and Cons of Booking Through Online Travel Agencies

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. 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 our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit 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%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, 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.

$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 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 a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Click Here to Get the River Cruise Guide!

(913) 303-7981

Luxury Travel Agency

For families who like to travel well, hello sunshine, goodbye planning.

Ready to make your escape? You can sit back, pour a glass of wine, pack your bags, find a dog sitter, and—well, that’s it! Because we take care of all the rest. When you work with Where to Go Travel Co, you get a “shortcut” to a perfectly planned luxury vacation, one that pleases your entire family.

Instead of spending hours online trying to pinpoint the perfect destination and property for your family’s needs—and several more hours trying to figure out what to do when you all get there—you outsource it all to us.

​The result? A seamless escape that reflects what makes a vacation so special: the chance to leave all your worries behind, so you can simply make memories together.

EXPERTISE IN LUXURY

Big-picture planning is one thing, but we have a keen eye for those small, unforgettable details that can truly elevate your experience, like the view from your hotel room or the experience of your guide.

PERSONAL SERVICE

We don't just plan travel—we get to know your family’s travel style and infuse it into all your travels. We become a specialist in you, and we provide excellent customer service along the way.

FIRST CLASS EXPERIENCE

Our discerning approach ensures a harmonious blend of exclusivity, comfort, and authenticity. This unique combination sets the stage for unforgettable journeys, where every moment is exceptional.

S tart Your Sun-Kissed Journey Today

Click below to reserve your complimentary planning call with a Where to Go Travel Co expert—we can’t wait to “meet” you soon!

Hi, I'm Rose Woolsey.

As a former microbiologist, my switch to professional travel planning was quite the leap! But my career wasn’t the only thing that has changed; when my daughter came along, how I traveled changed, too. Vacationing together took on a whole new meaning—and now I love to infuse my clients’ family escapes with meaningful moments of connection as well.

Welcome to a "Headache-Free" Family Escape

Instead of sifting through countless websites, guidebooks, family travel forums, or posts on social media to figure out your options …

Instead of getting the run-around from the 1-800-number, or passed off to a different service rep every time you email…

Instead of not knowing whether the gorgeous resort photos and gushing reviews online will translate to reality …

Instead of wasting your vacation investment on a “cookie cutter” trip that’s just not the right fit for your family … 

Instead of coming home feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation …

Trust it all to us. 

Personalized guidance, complete travel management, and comprehensive support—just tell us where you want to go and we’ll get you there with total ease.

Destinations We Plan

How We'll Plan Your Next Escape

Dive into your dreams.

The first step is to schedule a complimentary consultation. During our conversation, you'll tell us about the type of trip you're envisioning, collecting all the details on your ideal destination and personal travel preferences that will allow us to design your dream trip.

Design Your Carefree Escape

Next, we'll work with our exclusive industry partners to design a one-of-a-kind escape for you. We will create a proposal that will include a curated selection of resorts/hotels and experiences for you to consider.

Once you select your preferred options and sign off on your proposal, leave all the rest to us- we'll reserve and arrange everything from your flights and hotel/resort to transfers, tours, special interest activities, and more! 

Depart- and Leave Your Worries Behind

Now it's time to make your escape- and it's never been easier. You'll leave armed with a detailed, seamless itinerary outlining your entire trip, plus all of our best sightseeing and restaurant recommendations. And if a hiccup arises while you're traveling, don't stress it. Simply reach out to us, and we'll get you back to smooth sailing!

What Our Clients Say...

Rose was fantastic to work with and made our vacation to Oahu, Hawaii amazing. She found the perfect hotel with breathtaking views. She planned all the excursions and the trip was worry free. I will 100% use Rose again for our next big vacation, i couldn't have asked for a better vacation. My husband said it was the best vacation of his life, and this was his 5th time to Hawaii.

Kate D. Kansas City

Hawaii Family Vacation

Get Inspired on the Blog

Exploring the Idyllic Islands of Turks and Caicos

Why Should I Work with a Travel Agent for My Disney Trip?

Why Should I Hire a Travel Agent?

Why build your travel business with us?

When you join Go Travel, you're joining an award-winning Canadian host agency with years of travel industry experience. We offer everything you need to build a successful travel business - from higher than average commissions to in-depth training to the chance to earn amazing travel opportunities and benefits.

At Go Travel, you're never just another number.

Considering becoming a travel agent and looking for more information? Currently working in the industry and looking for a new host agency? Searching for a travel agent to help you plan and book an amazing vacation? Click below for more information.  

EXPERIENCEd agent

find an aDVISOR

According to our advisors.

"As a new agent entering into the travel industry, I have felt extremely supported in every question I have asked and the extensive training they have offered. I couldn't be more excited to delve into this new career, knowing I have the full support of the Go Travel Company behind me!"

- Shera Scott (Dogpound, AB)

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Does anyone have experience using Vacations To Go? - Bargain Travel Forum

• Tripadvisor Forums    
• Bargain Travel Forums

Does anyone have experience using Vacations To Go?

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Bargain Travel forum

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i10703-k831263-o70-Is_Vacationstogo_com_reliable-Cruises.html

To be fair, there are a lot of suspicious looking posts on this thread but also some from the Forum Destination Experts (see post 65 for example). So this might be a good place to start.

Vacations to Go reviews also pops up quite regularly using a google search as well.

Thanks for the good advise. It seems the agency is ok as long as you don't make any changes and keep it simple.

They have a superior website with excellent search options: http://www.vacationstogo.com/

BradJill, I see what you mean about suspicious posts! I have never seen so many on one thread.

• Are Guest Reservations legit or a scam?? 7:04 pm
• Has anyone recently used Holiday Cars car rental? 4:50 pm
• Flights Mojo 4:01 pm
• Anyone used Super.com to book a hotel? 3:06 pm
• Is Travelup a legit site? today
• Anyone has booked through Traveluro website? today
• Getaroom.com - are they legit? today
• Fox rent a car today
• Anyone used travelbusinessclass.com? yesterday
• Go Splitty are they legit yesterday
• Cartrawler - Big time scammer? yesterday
• Has anyone tried: Dollar Flight Club Apr 26, 2024
• new scam? apartments on booking.com Apr 26, 2024
• Hotels.com steals awards from its users Apr 26, 2024
• Defining Bargain Travel & How Best to use this Forum
• What have you learned to make travel easier?
• Last Minute Hotel Bookings
• Monitoring your Hotel Bookings
• Hotels Overbooking
• Car Rentals
• Online Travel Agencies (OTA's)
• Your Travel Budget

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Cheap flights to stavropol.

Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save!

Add a place to stay

Direct flights only

Featured airlines

Find Your Flights to Stavropol STW

Cheap flights to Stavropol ( STW)

Get started finding a cheap flight to Stavropol on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

We recommend using the ‘Flexible Dates’ calendar at the top of the page to see the price of plane tickets on the surrounding dates. This allows you to pick the cheapest days to fly if your trip allows flexibility and score cheap flight deals to Stavropol.

Roundtrip prices range from - , and one-ways to Stavropol start as low as .

Be aware that choosing a non-stop flight can sometimes be more expensive while saving you time. And routes with connections may be available at a cheaper rate.

Airlines that fly to Stavropol ( STW)

You have several options for which airline you choose to travel with to Stavropol. There are airlines flying into STW: . 

Cheap plane tickets may be available from different airlines at different times and with unique terms. It’s best to understand the details of each airline’s offer before judging its value.

For example, if you plan to check a bag or bring a carry-on, check whether the cheap airfare deal includes a baggage allowance. If not, verify whether the baggage fee is higher than the difference of other airline plane ticket deals offering free checked/carry-on baggage in exchange for a slightly higher airfare. 

Additionally, your preferred frequent flyer membership programs may influence your choice of cheap airline. Expedia allows you to enter your membership numbers during checkout to earn points from your airline and Expedia Rewards—all while getting a great deal and planning all your travel in one online platform.

Find the best deals

At Expedia, we source many flight deals from multiple providers, so you can easily find the best deals that are right for you. A great strategy for getting the best deals can be to make sure you book and travel at the optimal times. Airfare to Stavropol (STW) varies throughout the year based on seasonal demand. You’ll see the lowest rates for roundtrips to STW in and in for one-ways.

Cancellation & flexibility

To change or cancel eligible flights, go to ‘My Trips’ and navigate to your itinerary. If you booked within the last 24-hours, you might be able to cancel your flight for free. Learn more about flight changes or cancellations from our customer service portal . Some plane tickets are available with no change fees, which you can filter for during your search.

Frequently asked questions

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a few magazines. You’ll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don’t forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.
• Make sure you don’t have a Swiss Army knife hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).
• The long, narrow aisles of your aircraft are not the best place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and remember to take a sweater as it tends to get cool inside the cabin on long-haul flights. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are also a good choice.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long flights is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To prevent this, make the most of every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are also a great idea to help minimize this risk.
• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don’t hold up the queue.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They’ll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you’ll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics must also be sent through the scanner.
• Can’t travel without your favorite hand and nail cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-lock bag, it’s OK to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• There’s a good chance you’ll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Knives and other sharp items can’t be taken on board. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.

Get up to 100% off your flight to Stavropol when booking a Flight + Hotel

• Top Flights Destinations

More Popular Airlines

• Expedia's Latest Trends

Top Flight Destinations

• Flights to Moscow
• Flights to St. Petersburg
• Flights to Yakutsk
• Flights to Vladivostok
• Flights to Sochi
• Flights to Krasnodar
• Flights to Makhachkala
• Flights to Kaliningrad
• Flights to Grozny
• Flights to Yekaterinburg
• Flights to Volgograd
• Flights to Samara
• Flights to Novosibirsk
• Flights to Kazan
• Flights to Chelyabinsk
• Flights to Krasnoyarsk
• Flights to Rostov-on-Don
• Flights to Murmansk
• Flights to Irkutsk
• Flights to Nizhny Novgorod

Top Flight Destinations In the World

• Flights to United States of America
• Flights to Japan
• Flights to Philippines
• Flights to Costa Rica
• Flights to Italy
• Flights to India
• Flights to Thailand
• Flights to Mexico
• Flights to Greece
• Flights to Dominican Republic
• Flights to Bahamas
• Flights to South Korea
• Flights to Ireland
• Flights to Australia
• Flights to Spain
• Flights to Vietnam
• Flights to New Zealand
• Flights to China
• Flights to Germany
• Flights to Canada
• Darwin Airline SA Lugano
• Evergreen International
• Ghadames Air Transport
• Aircompany Kokshetau
• Royal Airways Limited
• Vietnam Air Service Co.
• West Caribbean Costa Rica
• Olympus Airways
• Bulgarian Air Charter
• Branson Air Express
• Deutsche Bahn

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

An official website of the United States government Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

All Mars Resources

Perseverance’s ‘Bunsen Peak’ Sample

NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover captured this image of a sample cored from a rock called “Bunsen Peak” on March 11,…

NASA’s Curiosity Rover Reaches Gediz Vallis Channel (360 View)

360-degree panorama provided by NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover. This view was captured at Gediz Vallis channel, a feature that formed…

Animation of Mars Helicopter Flight Test

This animation shows a simulation of the response of NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter to the system identification, or “Sys-ID,” process.…

Rover, Helicopter Locations in Jezero Crater

This map shows the locations of NASA’ Perseverance rover (white star) and Ingenuity Mars Helicopter (cyan star) on Dec. 19,…

Sol 4132: Right Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Projection

NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity took 31 images in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Right Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…

Sol 4130: Right Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Projection

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity took 31 images in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Right Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…

Sol 4128: Right Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Perspective

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity took 30 images in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Right Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…

Sol 4128: Left Navigation Camera, Vertical Projection

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity took 30 images in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Left Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…

Sol 4128: Left Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Perspective

Sol 4128: Left Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Projection

Sol 4128: Mast-Mounted Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Perspective

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity took 30 image pairs in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…

Sol 4128: Right Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Projection

Sol 4125: Right Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Projection

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity took 52 images in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Right Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…

Sol 4123: Right Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Projection

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity took 51 images in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Right Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…

Sol 4118: Right Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Projection

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity took 49 images in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Right Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…

• Top Destinations
• North America
• Central & South America
• Middle East
• South Pacific
• Adventure Travel
• Family Vacations
• Honeymoon Vacations
• Luxury Vacations
• Vacation Special Offers
• Search by Destination
• Cruise Lines
• Signature Collection
• River Cruises
• Cruise Special Offers
• Hosted Group Travel
• Hotels & Resorts
• Meet the Team
• Get a Quote

Contact an advisor or call (336) 559-4080

Get in touch

Take the next step towards enjoying a spectacular vacation by getting in touch with the team of expert advisors at A Way To Go Travel today. You can call us, email us, fill in our online form , or even drop into one of our lovely offices – you’ll find one in Burlington and one in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Expert Advice

Call us on (336) 559-4080

Contact Form

Greensboro Office

4526 W. Wendover Ave., Suite 50 Greensboro, NC 27409 USA

Burlington Office

422 Huffman Mill Rd. Ste. 205 Burlington, NC 27215

By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, assist in our marketing efforts, and for personalised advertising.

Australia's Katherine Bennell-Pegg graduates from European Space Agency astronaut program

It's been a journey of countless small steps, along with a few giant leaps into the unknown, but Katherine Bennell-Pegg is hoping her future as a space traveller is finally on the launch pad as she graduates as a fully qualified astronaut.

"It's still so surreal that this is happening," said the 39-year-old Adelaide resident, who grew up on Sydney's northern beaches.

"When I dreamed of becoming an astronaut, as a child growing up in Sydney, I never thought it possible to do so representing Australia."

For the past 12 months she's been training to become an astronaut at the European Astronaut Centre in Germany.

The mother-of-two was initially among 22,500 other applicants for the training program with the European Space Agency.

Ms Bennell-Pegg is one of six to graduate.

"It's been such an intense year and … I'm yet to take a breath and step back and realise that, 'Today I become an Australian astronaut and I'm spaceflight ready'," she said.

"It's really 'pinch me' stuff.

"I'm filled with gratitude, because this isn't my accomplishment alone. Throughout my life, throughout this year, I've been very well supported by my family, by my schools, by my colleagues. It's just incredible."

While her graduation from the astronaut training program is not in itself a guarantee of being selected for a future space mission, Ms Bennell-Pegg joins a select group of "space-ready" individuals eligible for consideration.

"There's no flight guaranteed for me. That's not unusual for astronauts when they graduate," she said.

"For my class, I'm graduating with five others. All five of them will go to space by 2030 and I'm so excited to see them go up and I'll be cheering them on.

"And who knows, maybe one day I'll see them up there too, but the decision for if or when I fly is a decision for Australia to take in the future when the time becomes right to take it."

If that happens, Katherine Bennell-Pegg will not be the world's first Australian-born astronaut.

That distinction already belongs to Paul Scully-Power who joined a NASA mission in 1984.

Fellow Aussie Andy Thomas also went to space with NASA in 1996.

Both men were United States citizens when they went to space.

But Ms Bennell-Pegg has pushed into a new frontier by becoming the first person to be trained as part of Australia's own space program.

At the front of the line

That means she is well-placed to potentially become the first person sent into space as part of an Australian mission.

"Well, the future is full of promise, but still unknown," Ms Bennell-Pegg said.

"Australia has a long and proud history in space, but we've only just accelerated our capabilities in recent years.

"Our space agency is quite young, so it's early days.

"And I really stand on the shoulders of giants here as well. Not only the first Australians to go to space in recent decades, but the many others who have worked to build Australia's space sector over the years."

With her training secondment to the European Space Agency at an end, Ms Bennell-Pegg returns to her day job as director of space technology at the Australian Space Agency.

It was an arduous 12 months for the Sydney woman as she tackled the rigorous training required to help her become accustomed to the physical and mental demands of space flight.

That included learning to speak Russian, long hours underwater in scuba equipment practising how to perform spacewalks, and stints in centrifuges and oxygen low-pressure chambers.

Simulated weightlessness flights have been a particular favourite.

"Oh, it's absolutely incredible," Ms Bennell-Pegg.

"When we go on zero-G flights, as they're called, you experience weightlessness for about 22 seconds at a time.

"You lift off the floor and your belly goes into your throat and stays there, but as the gravity kind of drops off, you just get the biggest smile on your face.

"It's the most different feeling. You just have this feeling of absolute freedom."

Regardless of whether she travels into space one day, Ms Bennell-Pegg hopes she can be a trailblazer for future generations of Australian kids ready to set their sights sky-high.

"For those that want to become astronauts, it's absolutely as fun as you can imagine," she said.

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Adelaide woman to become first female to train as astronaut under australian flag.

This Australian astronaut has some advice for surviving self isolation

One small step for Sydney: Australia's first man in space joins team NSW in agency pitch

• Astronomy (Space)
• Human Interest
• Space Exploration

GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences. These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site. We are not a comparison-tool and these offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products.

Here’s How To Become a Travel Agent and Earn $3,000 Monthly

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology .

20 Years Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed by Experts

Trusted by Millions of Readers

No matter the type of travel you enjoy doing travel planning takes attention to detail mixed with a bit of the spirit of adventure. Every once in a while when the stars align you can take what you love to do and turn it into a living. It’s time to pack your go bag and explore the travel agency world .

See Also: 6 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work)

How To Become a Travel Agent

Just because someone has travel experience does not mean they can automatically become a travel agent. However, if you are interested in becoming a travel agent there are many programs you can take to help you become one, or even start your own business. Skills you will learn include how to organize travel arrangements, business ethics, customer service, itinerary planning and the ins and outs of travel insurance.

No matter your career goals, whether you want to focus on luxury travel or more of a local tour operation, the following programs and certifications, which can be done in person or remotely, can get you started on the right path.

• Departure Lounge: Learn how to navigate the hotel industry as an independent contractor as well as get tips on tour operating.
• Premier Cruise Lines: Many lines such as Virgin Voyages, Cunard or Ritz-Carlton Yachts provide training programs for travel agents to help them sell their products and services more efficiently.
• Get Certified: When your training and coursework are complete a certification helps distinguish you in the field with these designations. Some popular ones include the International Air Transport Association, Cruise Line International Association or Travel Industry Designator Service. Be sure to research which certification makes the most sense for you as it will imply different things for your business.

How Much Do Travel Agents Make?

The median pay for what travel agents get paid in the United States is estimated to be about $46,400 annually which is over $3,000 monthly. This may seem underwhelming, but this is an estimate by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics which means is only based on what full-time employees make and not self-employed people. In other words, you can make a lot more money as an independent travel advisor as opposed to working for a host agency. 

Travel agents make money by earning commissions on trips they book as well as charging fees such as booking or service fees. This is a great way to also set your own schedule and only choose the gigs you like. 

Final Take To GO: Love To Travel?

When it comes to starting as a travel agent, a good rule to follow is to try to sell and book trips you yourself would want to take. If you already love to travel this could be a natural next step in your career or a budding side business. 

A great way to sell yourself as a travel agent is to define your unique selling point. Essentially what is it about you that will make people want to book trips with you? It also helps to optimize your website, create high-quality content from trips you’ve booked or been on and leverage your social media platforms. Once you have your foundation firmly established, everything else is booking a day at the beach. 

• Full-time travel agents make roughly $46,400 a year which is over $3,000 a month. However, there is a chance to make more money than this estimate by starting your own travel agency and working for yourself. This way you can set your own schedule and don't have to worry about splitting your commissions.
• You don't need a specific degree to get started as a travel agent, but finding a training program and getting certified with varying destinations does help distinguish you as a trusted travel agent to your potential clients.
• Selling yourself as a travel agent, much like with any job or small business, starts with defining your unique selling point. Essentially what is it about you that will make people want to book trips with you? It also helps to optimize your website, create high-quality content from trips you've booked or been on and leverage your social media platforms.
• Get Certified: When your training and coursework are complete a certification helps distinguish you in the field with these designations. Some popular ones include the International Air Transport Association, Cruise Line International Association or Travel Industry Designator Service. Research which certification makes the most sense for you as it will imply different things for your business.

Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy .

• Condé Nast Traveler. 2023. "How to Become a Travel Agent—Because, Believe It or Not, the Industry Is on the Rise."
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2024. "Travel Agents: Occupational Outlook Handbook."
• Host Agency Reviews®. 2024. "How Much Do Travel Agents Make? | 2024 Travel Agent Salary."

Share This Article:

• Best Side Gigs
• Best Side Hustle Ideas
• Best Online Side Hustles
• Best Games That Pay Real Money
• Best Games That Pay Instantly
• Best Money-Making Apps
• Best Ways To Make $1,000 Fast
• Best Things To Sell To Make Money

Related Content

50 Top Money Tips From Suze Orman To Apply to Your Finances Today

April 26, 2024

Here's the Living Wage a Single Person Needs To Live Comfortably in Florida

April 27, 2024

9 Valuable American Nickels in Circulation

Tony Robbins: 5 Step Plan To Turn Your Business Idea into Millions

April 25, 2024

Rachel Cruze: This Book Changed How I Think About Money

Uncategorized

How Hiring Women Can Help America's Infrastructure

The Four Most Important Skills Your First Job Teaches You

3 Ways Entrepreneurs Create Financial Success from Everyday Problems

5 Places Single People Are Moving for a More Affordable and Higher Quality of Life

5 Ways Your First Job Is Key to Setting You Up for Success in Life

How To Pay for Your Child's Wedding Without Touching Your Retirement Savings

See the Median Salary of Americans Your Age in Every State

Here Are 5 Things You Should Only Pay For in Cash

I'm a Financial Educator: Here Are 8 Steps You Need To Take To Build Wealth

Dave Ramsey: 5 Ways To Buy A Car Without Going Into Debt

How Much Gen Z Earns in Every State

Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter!

Get advice on achieving your financial goals and stay up to date on the day's top financial stories.

By clicking the 'Subscribe Now' button, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . You can click on the 'unsubscribe' link in the email at anytime.

Thank you for signing up!

BEFORE YOU GO

See today's best banking offers.

Sending you timely financial stories that you can bank on.

Sign up for our daily newsletter for the latest financial news and trending topics.

For our full Privacy Policy, click here .

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

United Arab Emirates struggles to recover after heaviest recorded rainfall ever hits desert nation

The United Arab Emirates is struggled to recover from the heaviest recorded rainfall ever to hit the desert nation, as its main airport worked to restore normal operations even as floodwater still covered portions of major highways and roads. (AP video/Malak Harb)

A man walks along a road barrier among floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

• Copy Link copied

A man carries luggage through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

An abandoned vehicle stands in floodwater caused by heavy rain with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, seen on the background, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

People wait for transportation amidst floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man carries a child through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Vehicles drive through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain on an onramp to Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Vehicles drive through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

People wait for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

People walk through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Abandoned vehicles stand in floodwater caused by heavy rain along Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

An abandoned vehicle stands in floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A flooded street by heavy rain is seen, with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, on the background, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man walks through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, seen in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man walks through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A group of people work to recover an abandoned vehicle taken by floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Vehicles drive through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man walks through floodwater in the Mudon neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Civil defense officials bring water on a raft to a family in the Mudon neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Dubai civil defense officials drive through floodwater in the Mudon neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates tried to wring itself out Thursday after the heaviest recorded rainfall ever to hit the desert nation , with its main airport allowing more flights even as floodwater still covered portions of major highways and communities.

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel , allowed global carriers on Thursday morning to again fly into Terminal 1 at the airfield. And long-haul carrier Emirates, crucial to East-West travel, began allowing local passengers to arrive at Terminal 3, their base of operations.

However, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said in an interview with The Associated Press that the airfield needed at least another 24 hours to resume operations close to its usual schedule. Meanwhile, one desert community in Dubai saw floodwaters continue to rise Thursday to as much as 1 meter (3 feet) as civil defense officials struggled to pump out the water.

“We were looking at the radar thinking, ‘Goodness, if this hits, then it’s going to be cataclysmic,’” Griffiths said of the storm. “And indeed it was.”

The airport ended up needing 22 tankers with vacuum pumps to get water off its grounds. Griffiths acknowledged that taxiways flooded during the rains, though the airport’s runways remained free of water to safely operate. Online videos of a FlyDubai flight landing with its reverse thrust spraying out water caught the world’s attention.

“It looks dramatic, but it actually isn’t that dramatic,” Griffiths said.

Emirates, whose operations had been struggling since the storm Tuesday, had stopped travelers flying out of the UAE from checking into their flights as they tried to move out connecting passengers. Pilots and flight crews also had a hard time reaching the airport given the water on roadways.

But on Thursday, Emirates lifted that order to allow customers into the airport. That saw some 2,000 people come into Terminal 3, again sparking long lines, Griffiths said.

Others who arrived at the airport described hourslong waits to get their baggage, with some just giving up to head home or to whatever hotel would have them.

Two men walk through floodwater in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

The UAE, a hereditarily ruled, autocratic nation on the Arabian Peninsula, typically sees little rainfall in its arid desert climate. However, a massive storm forecasters had been warning about for days blew through the country’s seven sheikhdoms.

By the end of Tuesday, more than 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rainfall had soaked Dubai over 24 hours. An average year sees 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches) of rain at Dubai International Airport. Other areas of the country saw even more precipitation.

Meanwhile, intense floods also have struck neighboring Oman in recent days. Authorities on Thursday raised the death toll from those storms to at least 21 killed.

The UAE’s drainage systems quickly became overwhelmed Tuesday, flooding out neighborhoods, business districts and even portions of the 12-lane Sheikh Zayed Road highway running through Dubai.

The state-run WAM news agency called the rain “a historic weather event” that surpassed “anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949.”

In a message to the nation late Wednesday, Emirati leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, said authorities would “quickly work on studying the condition of infrastructure throughout the UAE and to limit the damage caused.”

On Thursday, people waded through oil-slicked floodwater to reach cars earlier abandoned, checking to see if their engines still ran. Tanker trucks with vacuums began reaching some areas outside of Dubai’s downtown core for the first time as well. Schools remain closed until next week.

Vehicles sit abandoned in floodwater covering a major road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Authorities have offered no overall damage or injury information from the floods, which killed at least one person.

However, at least one community saw the effects of the rainfall only get worse Thursday. Mudon, a development by the state-owned Dubai Properties, saw flooding in one neighborhood reach as much as 1 meter. Civil defense workers tried to pump the water out, but it was a struggle as people waded through the floodwater.

Residents of Mudon, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity given the UAE’s strict laws governing speech, described putting together the equivalent of nearly $2,000 to get a tanker to the community Wednesday. They alleged the developers did nothing to help prior to that, even as they called and emailed. They also said a nearby sewage processing facility failed, bringing more water into their homes.

“A lot of people were in denial of how bad it was,” one homeowner said as civil defense officials waded through the water, bringing bottled water on a raft.

Dubai Holding, a state-owned company that has Dubai Properties as an arm, did not respond to questions. It’s part of a wider nexus that U.S. diplomats have called “Dubai Inc.” — all properties overseen by the city-state’s ruling family.

The flooding sparked speculation that the UAE’s aggressive campaign of cloud seeding — flying small planes through clouds dispersing chemicals aimed at getting rain to fall — may have contributed to the deluge. But experts said the storm systems that produced the rain were forecast well in advance and that cloud seeding alone would not have caused such flooding.

Scientists also say climate change is responsible for more intense and more frequent extreme storms, droughts, floods and wildfires around the world. Dubai hosted the United Nations’ COP28 climate talks just last year.

Abu Dhabi’s state-linked newspaper The National in an editorial Thursday described the heavy rains as a warning to countries in the wider Persian Gulf region to “climate-proof their futures.”

“The scale of this task is more daunting than it appears even at first glance, because such changes involve changing the urban environment of a region that for as long as it has been inhabited, has experienced little but heat and sand,” the newspaper said.

How to Become a Travel Advisor

Ever since the pandemic, there has never been a greater need for travel advisors .

The desire to travel continues to grow, and while many post-pandemic hurdles have been erased, travel remains more complex than it was in pre-pandemic times, and travelers are demanding more from their vacation experiences which makes travel advisors even more valuable in this new era.

Following the "Great Resignation," many people continue to seek new careers, particularly ones that provide an opportunity to work from home or enjoy a flexible schedule. For ambitious entrepreneurs, becoming a travel advisor can be an ideal way to distinguish themselves.

"Becoming a travel agent today is more important than any time in our history of travel," said Tammy Levent, president of TASK . 

For those interested in starting a career selling travel, there are many different paths to accomplish this goal.

Where to Begin

Education is going to be key, and there are many options available to individuals who are just getting started.

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is an organization that unites travel advisors and travel professionals through education and advocacy. ASTA offers an online education course to promote careers in the travel agency industry and to help new advisors.

"As anyone in the industry will tell you, working as a travel advisor is a fun, rewarding and potentially lucrative career path," said Zane Kerby, ASTA's president and CEO. "Our new Roadmap to Becoming a Travel Advisor will help folks get started down this path toward a true dream job."

ASTA's roadmap will guide prospective advisors through several topics, including an in-depth overview of the travel industry and its constituent parts; a guide on how travel advisors make money; and tips for finding a job or starting their own business.

Industry Education

There's a lot to learn for those just getting their feet wet in the travel industry.

The Travel Institute offers the TRIPKIT introductory training program. TRIPKIT Online is similar to a one-year college education that includes real-world agent experiences and explains industry terminology, key areas of travel such as air and ground transportation, accommodations, tours and more. Course information also includes information on cruises, marketing, geography and advice for a successful independent contractor business.

TRIPKIT is available fully online and features an interactive, self-paced study plan with immersive and flexible learning options. The Travel Institute also provides advanced certifications to travel advisors.

Aspiring advisors who want to really kick-start their entrepreneurial success can go even more in-depth in their training.

One way is via TASK, the Travel Agent Success Kit, developed by Tammy Levent, founder of Elite Travel, an award-winning national travel agency. Levent shares her secrets of success as well as advice from experts through her in-depth training program that gives advisors the hands-on experience they need to successfully run their own businesses.

Levent has her finger on the pulse of the industry and is able to share her knowledge and success to help those new to the industry or who are looking to start independent agencies.

"The travel agent today will have to not only learn of what to book, but know about giving that secure safe experience to clients," said Levent. "Therefore, they need to be knowledgeable not just on the destination but what does the destination have to offer, how can I make this a unique experience even though they are going to the same destination. This is how they are going to set themselves apart."

There are many facets to TASK including a do-it-yourself video series; TASK Prep, hands-on training program ; TASK Live, a travel agent mastermind event teaching already seasoned professionals specifically how to grow their business; TASK Consulting, which helps agents dive even deeper into creating a successful business; and more.

Host Agencies and Franchises

Depending on how entrepreneurial a budding travel advisor is, they can decide to go it alone or partner with a host agency. Host agencies can streamline the process of becoming a travel advisor by providing in-house training, assistance with marketing and even live leads.

In the most basic terms, host agencies work as a partner for travel advisors, providing resources such as marketing, training, access to software and sales assistance in exchange for a split of commission. Franchises are more of a "business in a box" where franchisees receive 100 percent of their commission but pay fees to the franchiser.

Host Agency Reviews (HAR) is a good place for new advisors to start to learn the ins and outs of host agencies and franchises. The website connects advisors to host agencies, franchises, consortia and industry events, as well as provides important information on the travel industry through its blog and podcast.

New travel advisors can start with HAR's seven-day Setup Challenge or scroll through its extensive directory of host agencies, franchises and consortia.

One advantage to partnering with a host or purchasing a franchise is free education. Many host agencies and franchisers offer their own education platforms that train them on their in-house tools as well as provide industry education.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Travel Advisor?

As far as new careers go, becoming a travel advisor can be accomplished fairly quickly.

According to Levent, travel advisors should give themselves at least six months to get up and running.

"This is the time to get their corporation in place, marketing and advertising and to decide what they will they sell and develop their brand and their niche," said Levent. "All this takes about six months to acquire to become an independent travel agent. To start, they can join ASTA and CCRA for updates on vendors and join industry events that they have nationally."

Continuing Education

After undertaking initial training, there are many options for travel advisors to further their education with advanced certificates offered by the Travel Institute, training on products and destinations from Travel Agent Academy, courses from Cruise Lines International Association and more.

Travel agents can earn advanced certification from The Travel Institute, including recognition as a Certified Travel Associate, Certified Travel Counselor and Certified Travel Industry Executive. With ongoing educational opportunities such as those offered through Travel Agent Academy, advisors can gain continuing education units, learn how to generate more bookings, receive access to special loyalty programs and become specialists in their chosen niches.