Can't I just use AI or booking websites to plan my trip?

They're useful for ideas and comparing options. What they can't do is ring an airline's agent-only contact line, use supplier relationships to sort out a problem, or be a single person who knows your whole itinerary when something changes.

Can a travel agent get better rates than booking direct?

Often, yes. We have package rates on many hotels through trusted suppliers, contracted rates through FCTG, and discounts through our in-person events in Queenstown.

When is a travel agent not worth it?

If you're only booking flights across the ditch (to Australia), or you're travelling mainly on low-cost carriers with limited agent support, you probably don't need one. We're still happy to look after the land-based part of your trip if you'd like.

Do I Need a Travel Agent in 2026?

Q: Do I need a travel agent in 2026?

Not for every trip. For simple trips, like flights across the ditch (to Australia) on a low-cost carrier, booking direct is usually fine. For longer, more complex or higher-stakes trips, such as African safaris, expedition trips, multi-country itineraries and celebratory holidays, a travel agent is worth having.

Q: What happens if my flight is cancelled or I miss a connection?

If you've booked through a travel agent, you contact them rather than waiting in a general queue. I've dealt with last-minute flight cancellations, river cruise disruptions and missed connections, and several of our airline partners have an agent-specific contact line that helps us get things sorted.

Short answer: not for every trip, but for longer, more complex or higher-stakes trips, yes, and it's usually worth it. Here's how I'd think about it, including the times you're better off booking it yourself.

What does a travel agent actually do in 2026?

You can find flights, hotels and tours in about thirty seconds these days, and AI tools can even draft you an itinerary. Finding options isn't the hard part. The hard part is choosing the right ones, making sure they work together, and knowing who to call when plans change.

That's where a travel agent earns their place. Think of it less as booking and more as having someone on your side before, during and after the trip.

What happens when something goes wrong?

This is the biggest difference, and it's the part I care about most. I've dealt with last-minute flight cancellations, river cruise disruptions and missed connections, and what makes the difference is having the right person to call.

Several of our airline partners have an agent-specific contact line, so I'm not stuck in the same queue as everyone else affected. I also have close contact channels with our suppliers, which means changes get dealt with through someone who already knows your booking, rather than a general customer service team starting from scratch.

Can a travel agent get you better rates?

Often, yes, in a few ways:

Package rates on many hotels, thanks to exclusive arrangements with our trusted suppliers.
Contracted rates, thanks to xtravel being backed by Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG).
Discounts through our in-person events in Queenstown, where suppliers come along and meet clients directly.

Rates vary by trip and supplier, so I won't promise a saving on every single booking. But it's worth knowing these options exist before you pay full price online.

Which trips are worth using a travel agent for?

I'd point people towards an agent for:

Trips that need trusted local vendors, like African safaris and expedition trips, where my network helps make sure things run smoothly on the ground.
Longer or more complex itineraries, with lots of moving parts. (For a real example, here's how a six-week Japan, Alaska and North America trip came together.)
Relaxing or celebratory holidays, where the point is to enjoy yourself and not spend the trip troubleshooting.
Anyone who doesn't want the stress or hassle of sorting it all themselves, or of sorting it out alone if something goes wrong.

If you're still deciding on the style of trip, my comparison of small-group, classic coach and cruise touring is a good place to start.

When you probably don't need a travel agent

If you're just booking flights across the ditch (to Australia), or you plan to travel mainly on low-cost carriers that offer limited agent support, you'll likely be fine booking direct. I'd rather tell you that than sell you something you don't need.

That said, if you'd like the land-based part of your trip looked after, we're still happy to help with that.

I've also written about why to book through a Queenstown-based travel advisor instead of direct, including when direct is the better call.

How much does a travel agent cost?

For long-haul itineraries, a general ballpark is around $300 per person We've got to cover rent and make sure that you're looked after 24/7. Every trip is different, so service fees may vary.

The short version

If your trip is simple, you know what you want, and you're comfortable sorting it out yourself if something changes, book direct. If it's long, complex, remote, or the kind of holiday where you want to relax and know someone has your back, a travel agent is still very much worth having in 2026.

If you're not sure which camp your trip falls into, request a callback below and we can work it out together.