Are you overwhelmed with planning your honeymoon?  Are you considering using a travel agent, but never worked with one before?  Here are a few myths about working with a travel agent that I asked my friend and today’s guest blogger, Sue Michailidis, luxury travel consultant with Connoisseur Travel, to debunk for us.

Myth #1

“I don’t need a travel agent.”

A travel agent brings years of experience, organization and industry contacts to your travel planning. While the internet has taken over a large piece of the leisure travel pie, do you want to trust your honeymoon to a website? Travel agencies still account for 51% of all travel sales in the US. We are knowledgeable insiders on destinations and accommodations.  And heaven forbid,  something goes wrong while traveling, you’ll have your very own travel advocate—not a call center–assisting you every step of the way.

Myth#2

“Travel agents are a waste of time.”

For planning your trip, a travel agent can save you from hours of painful research and comparison shopping. You have enough on your plate with the wedding plans! After awhile, every overwater bungalow in Bora Bora looks fabulous—but what is the right fit for you as a couple? Work with someone who is a destination specialist in the area—they have been to the resorts, and can give you insider information—stuff you can’t differentiate on websites, or on Trip Advisor.

You’ll also save time once your trip is booked. Say you want to make a change to your itinerary once it’s booked through Expedia….can you say “hold time”? Instead, send your agent a quick email or text.

Finally, your travel agent bundles your trip as a package, if any changes are made, it’s done seamlessly: flights, car rentals, resorts, transfers, etc. are all notified. Doing each booking on your own, you’ve got your work cut out for you.

Myth#3

“It’s expensive to use a travel agent.”

Most agencies do not charge an upfront fee to do business, always ask first.

As for getting a better deal online—rarely is this true. In your research, if you find a better deal online, let your agent know. Oftentimes they can match whatever you find.

My agency is part of a consortium & preferred partners with exclusive resorts. We offer our clients a bunch of perks for hotel stays that you cannot get booking online: free breakfasts, room upgrades, etc.

Finally, often times online rates don’t include taxes and fees upfront. Most travel agent packages show the full price—no surprises.

Myth #4

“Travel agents try to needlessly upsell.”

Travel agents try to find the best value for your vacation. This isn’t necessarily the lowest cost option.

Sometimes this means suggesting an ocean view room on your Hawaiian honeymoon, rather than booking a  “resort view” room ( a view of the parking lot). Or recommending a non-stop flight  the day after your wedding, as opposed to a flight with multiple or long layovers. Believe me, you’ll be wiped out! Travel agents want your business and referrals—their goal is for you to have a trip that exceeds your expectations.

Myth#5

Who needs service on their honeymoon, when I can book it all online?

Your honeymoon is truly a trip of a lifetime. Work with a professional to customize a unique experience for the two of you. In addition to all the basic services they provide, agents can arrange car service, personalized activities, romantic excursions, special dinners. You can rest easy trusting your trip is in the hands of an experienced professional.

Sue Michailidis is a luxury travel consultant with Connoisseur Travel. She specializes in South Pacific Honeymoons. She lived in Maui for 5 years, traveling throughout the South Pacific: Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii and beyond. She now resides in Washington DC with her family and sells travel destinations worldwide.  If you would like to talk to Sue about planning your honeymoon or next vacation, you can email her at