Why Using a Travel Agent Turned Out to Be the Worst Travel Decision I’ve Ever Made, and What I Learned From It

A few years ago, I thought booking through a travel agent would make my life easier. No stress, no planning, just sit back and enjoy. But instead, it turned into one of my biggest travel regrets.

From the moment I arrived, everything felt robotic. Wake up early, rush through breakfast, hop on a crowded tour bus, and follow a flag-waving guide from one overpriced tourist trap to another. Every meal was at a "recommended" restaurant, meaning it was twice the price and half the quality of the local street food I could see just outside.

And don’t even get me started on the inflated hotel prices. I later found out I could have booked the same room for much cheaper on my own.

Then, I met a solo traveler at a quiet cafe. No fixed itinerary, no rushing, just pure exploration. He explore into hidden gems, ate where the locals did, and discovered places no travel agent would ever suggest. That’s when I realized I had been doing it all wrong.

What frustrated me even more was discovering how much travel agents mark up prices. Flights, hotels, and even simple day tours often come with hidden fees or commissions. The "exclusive deals" they promote? Most of the time, they aren’t actually cheaper.

I once compared a hotel booking through an agent with a direct booking, and the difference was shocking. The agent’s price was nearly 30% higher. That extra cost could have covered a few amazing meals or an extra excursion.

Since then, I’ve ditched travel agents for good. The best part? I actually enjoy the process of planning my own trips.

Searching for the best flights, finding hidden gems, reading blogs, and crafting my own itinerary feels like an adventure in itself. And when I finally land in a new place, I know every moment is mine, not something pre-packaged for tourists.

Traveling should feel alive, not scripted.