TripADeal AND a Travel Agent: Why It Doesn’t Have to Be Either/Or
You can (and should) book TripADeal through your local travel agent
TripADeal packages are incredibly popular. The pricing is competitive, the destinations are appealing, and the idea of having much of your trip bundled together is attractive. For all of their strengths, TripADeal packages are missing something - travel agent support.
If I book a TripADeal package… do I still need a travel agent?
The answer is YES! You don’t have to choose between booking a TripADeal package OR using a travel agent. You can (and indeed should!) choose both!
In fact, you will get the best outcome by using both.
I provide...
Travel Advice & Guidance
to help you assess whether the package is the right fit
Research & Planning
to ensure you get the best out of the destination/s
Booking Services
to coordinate flights, accommodation and additional arrangements
What TripADeal does well
TripADeal packages can be a great starting point, particularly for first-time travellers, or those new to group travel.
They’re designed to:
- Take care of the big-picture planning
- Offer bundled pricing across flights, accommodation and touring
- Provide certainty and clarity via a structured itinerary
For travellers who want a “done for you” framework, they can absolutely deliver value.
Where things can be less straightforward
TripADeal base packages look simple at first glance, but often involve a number of decisions — and costs — that aren’t always obvious upfront.
Things like:
- Optional tours and activities.
- Which meals are included.
- Days/Part Days at leisure (Which sound appealing… until you realise you need to plan them yourself in an unfamiliar destination).
- Room, transport, or flight upgrades (which can significantly change the overall cost and/or experience of the trip)
None of these are inherently a problem — but they do mean the “headline price” isn’t representative of the total cost.
I offer a comprehensive TripADeal itinerary review service as part of my Travel Advice & Guidance service. Simply book a free initial consultation to get started.
TripADeal is not the whole plan
There's a lot that goes into travel, beyond booking the TripADeal package itself, and that's where TripADeal lets its customers down. TripADeal book the package for their customers...and nothing else.
TripADeal don't provide any support for:
- Visa and entry requirements
- Travel insurance
- Domestic flight timings and connections
And offer limited flexibility for:
- Airport transfers
- Pre- or post-tour accommodation
- Pre- or post-tour activities
They also don't give their customers any guidance on how to make the most of their time in each destination.
These are often the pieces that can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re travelling somewhere unfamiliar.
The value of working with a travel agent on your TripADeal package
Working with a travel agent alongside your TripADeal booking can make a significant difference to your holiday experience. .
Rather than replacing the TripADeal package, the role of a travel agent is to complement the package and:
- Help you understand what’s included — and what’s not
- Set your expectations for what to expect on a TripADeal trip
- Flag potential additional costs early
- Provide clarity as to whether the package suits your travel style and preferences
- Fill in the gaps (before and after your tour)
- Ensure everything flows smoothly from start to finish
Consulting a travel agent early will help you get the most out of the TripADeal package you are considering.
Thinking about booking a TripADeal package?
Whether you're considering a TripADeal itinerary, or have already booked your TripADeal package, there are a few ways I can help:
Travel Advice & Guidance — to help you assess whether the package is the right fit
Research & Planning — to build out the rest of your trip around it
Booking Services — to coordinate flights, accommodation and additional arrangements
Sometimes a quick conversation upfront can save a lot of uncertainty later. It starts with a complimentary consultation.
