Travel used to be relatively simple: find a flight, book a hotel and pack your bags. Today, planning an international trip can feel like navigating a moving target.
Airfares are rising, airlines are adjusting schedules and capacity, geopolitical conflicts can suddenly affect flight routes, and extreme weather is creating additional disruptions. In fact, recent travel-industry reporting points to a summer marked by cancellations, rerouting, capacity constraints and higher fares.
That is where a good travel agent—or, as many now prefer to be called, a travel advisor—can become invaluable.
More Than Just Booking a Flight
Travel advisors aren’t simply people who make reservations. They can help travelers choose the right airline, hotel and itinerary based on their individual needs, while also understanding the fine print surrounding cancellations, changes, credits and travel insurance.
And when something goes wrong, having a human being in your corner can make a significant difference. Instead of spending hours on hold with an airline or trying to navigate an automated chatbot while stranded at an airport, your advisor may be able to help coordinate alternative flights, hotels and other arrangements.
Case in point, our CEO, Evan Hosie, was on a business trip to NYC when her flight was cancelled. Instead of lining up with the rest of the horde, she called Travel agent Marsha, who quickly re-routed her on another flight. Evan swears she won’t book without her.
We asked travel agent Marsha Frame (from the company TravelStore) why having a travel advisor is more critical now.
Marsha:
“It is more important today because of the more frequent flight disruptions, expensive international medical care, and unpredictable weather.
Most international destinations do not accept our standard medical insurance plans or Medicare.
Travel insurance covers non-refundable segments of the trip. It also covers immediate family members and unforeseen circumstance.
Insurance providers will offer a “cancel for any reason” policy, which is a higher premium and will only refund a percentage of the trip value.”
When the World Changes Your Itinerary
Today’s travelers also have to contend with issues that are difficult to anticipate when booking months in advance. Weather events, strikes, political tensions, changing entry requirements and airline schedule changes can all affect a carefully planned vacation.
A travel advisor can monitor those developments and, when possible, help travelers adjust before a problem becomes a crisis.
That human expertise is increasingly important even in the age of artificial intelligence. A 2026 survey of more than 700 travel advisors found that 85% preferred human support over automation when working with clients and suppliers.
We had a few more questions for Marsha.
DCN:
For those going on long trips, how much coverage do they need?
Marsha:
Insurance policies depend on the destination, the length of stay and age. They also offer coverage for pre-existing conditions if you purchase the insurance 14-21 days after the initial payment of your trip.
DCN:
What companies do you recommend?
Marsha:
Our preferred carriers are Travelex, Travel Guard and Allianz.
My best advice to check with your travel advisor to direct you to the right plan. They are happy to give you quotes for comparison.
Is a Travel Agent Worth the Cost?
For travelers who enjoy researching and booking everything themselves, perhaps not. But for complicated international trips, cruises, multi-city itineraries, luxury vacations, honeymoons or family travel, the value can go well beyond finding a fare.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says travelers continue to rely on travel agents for personalized recommendations and for help handling travel problems.
The biggest advantage may simply be having someone to call when your dream vacation suddenly goes sideways.
In an era when travel is becoming more complicated—and when a single canceled flight can unravel an entire itinerary—having a knowledgeable professional on your side may be one of the smartest parts of the trip you book.