Planning your own travel instead of relying on a travel agent puts you in the driver’s seat — offering you control, flexibility, and the chance to create an experience that truly reflects your preferences. As many sources highlight, self-booking is increasingly preferred thanks to the ever-growing availability of online tools and direct access to airlines, hotels and guides https://www.travelperk.com/blog/using-travel-agent-vs-booking-yourself/. By choosing to plan your journey yourself, you can save money, customize your itinerary and gain a deeper sense of satisfaction from the process. Below are the top questions travellers ask when considering going it alone — and clear answers to help you make the leap.
Why should I plan my own trip instead of using a travel agent?
When you plan your own trip you gain full control of all aspects — destination, budget, timing, accommodation and experiences. You’re not restricted to the packages or commissions that a travel agent might favour. For many travellers this freedom leads to better value and a more personalized journey. https://diytravelagent.blog/2025/01/22/diy-travel-vs-travel-agent-weighing-the-pros-and-cons/
Will it cost more or less if I plan the trip myself?
In many cases you can spend less when you book your own flights, accommodation and tours directly. Travel agents must often work via commissions or mark-ups, and you may have fewer options to compare. https://diytravelagent.blog/2025/01/22/diy-travel-vs-travel-agent-weighing-the-pros-and-cons/
Is planning my own travel more difficult or risky?
It does require more effort: researching destinations, reading reviews, checking transport links, visas, and insurance. But plenty of online tools and communities support self-planners. And when done well, you retain full transparency and control rather than relying on a third-party to act for you. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/travel-agent-or-plan-myself
Can I still get expert advice without using a travel agent?
Yes — many travel forums, blogs and guidebooks offer free or low-cost expert-level advice. You can also engage a specialist only for one part of your trip (for example, tours or local guides) while managing the rest yourself. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/travel-agent-or-plan-myself
How much flexibility do I gain by planning myself?
Significantly more. You can change dates, mix and match destinations, choose unconventional accommodation, skip packaged tours, and pivot instantly in response to deals or changing preferences. Travel agents often have fixed vendor relationships which limit flexibility. https://www.travelperk.com/blog/using-travel-agent-vs-booking-yourself/
What about support or help if things go wrong during the trip?
When you plan yourself you’ll need to be proactive: keep all bookings, know how to contact airlines or hotels directly, secure travel insurance and check terms for cancellation or changes. Travel agents often offer support, but that convenience comes at a cost and may still leave you dependent on the provider. https://www.oasisinsurance.co.uk/tips-and-guides/should-i-use-a-travel-agent-or-plan-my-trip-myself/
Does DIY travel take more time than using an agent?
Yes, initially you’ll invest time researching, comparing and booking. But many travellers find that planning is part of the excitement and that over time they become faster at it. If you love the journey as much as the destination, time spent planning can be rewarding. https://diytravelagent.blog/2025/01/22/diy-travel-vs-travel-agent-weighing-the-pros-and-cons/
Are there situations when a travel agent is the better choice?
Absolutely. If your trip is very complex (multi-destination, group travel, niche interests, or high-risk countries), then a travel agent with specialist knowledge may save time and stress. But for many standard solo or couple trips, DIY works very well and often better. https://travel.usnews.com/features/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-a-travel-agent
How do I start planning my own trip effectively?
Begin by defining your destination(s), budget, travel dates and interests. Use comparison tools for flights and hotels, read reviews, check visas and vaccines, book accommodations early, keep documentation in one place and build a simple itinerary. Over time you’ll gain confidence. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/travel-agent-or-plan-myself
What mindset changes when you plan your own travel?
You shift from passive consumer to empowered explorer. Instead of accepting a packaged itinerary, you actively craft your experience. This fosters deeper engagement with your destination and often leads to more memorable, authentic trips. Many who switch to DIY never look back. https://www.reddit.com/r/LuxuryTravel/comments/1ilw1vx/do_you_usually_opt_for_a_travel_agent_or_book_in/