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Questions to Ask a Travel Agent, and Red Flags

The first conversation tells you most of what you need to know. Ask these questions and watch for these warning signs.

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The first conversation tells you most of what you need to know. Use it to see whether the advisor listens, knows your kind of trip and works transparently. These are the questions to ask a travel agent, and the warning signs that should make you walk away.

Questions to Ask a Travel Agent

How often do you book trips like mine, and have you been there yourself?
Do you specialize in any destinations, cruise lines or travel types?
How are you paid, and do you charge any fees?
Which states have you registered in as a seller of travel, and what is the number?
Will I get the full price, inclusions and cancellation terms in writing?
Who confirms my booking, and when will I receive confirmation from the supplier?
What travel insurance options do you suggest, and why?
How do I reach you, or someone, if something goes wrong during the trip?

Red Flags

Unusual payment methods. Requests for wire transfers, gift cards, payment apps to a personal account or cryptocurrency.
Pressure. “Book in the next hour or lose it” on an ordinary trip.
Too good to be true. Prices far below what suppliers and other advisors quote.
Nothing in writing. No itinerary, terms or receipts.
No confirmation. No booking number or confirmation from the airline, cruise line or hotel.
Hard to verify. No business address, no registration in states that require it, no references.

Two people reviewing documents at a table — Get the itinerary, terms and receipts in writing before you pay.

What a Good First Conversation Sounds Like

A strong advisor spends the first call mostly listening. Expect questions about who is traveling, what you enjoyed or disliked on past trips, your budget, how you like to spend a day and any health or mobility needs. They should explain how they work, what happens next and when you will hear back, and should not ask for payment before you have seen a written proposal. If you finish the call feeling rushed or sold to, keep looking.

Protecting Yourself

Paying by credit card generally gives you more ways to dispute a charge than cash or a bank transfer. Check every confirmation against what you were promised, and keep copies of everything. For more on travel scams, from fake booking sites to vacation rental fraud, see Travel Is Safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest red flags with a travel agent?

Requests to pay by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency; pressure to pay immediately; no written terms; prices far below everyone else’s; and no verifiable business address or registration where required.

Should I pay the supplier or the agent?

It depends on the booking. For many cruises and tours, payments go to the supplier through the advisor’s booking, and your confirmation comes from the supplier. Ask how payment works and check that you receive a confirmation from the cruise line, tour company or hotel.

Talk to a Verified Specialist

Ask us anything about your trip. We match you with a verified specialist who answers in writing and sends free quotes.

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