What a Travel Consultant Does (and How That’s Different From a Travel Agent)

If you’ve worked with me before, you may have noticed a small but important shift in how I describe what I do. I’m no longer calling myself a travel agent. Instead, I now work as a travel consultant.

At first glance, those two titles can sound interchangeable. Many people assume they’re the same thing - and historically, they often were. But in today’s travel landscape, the difference matters. A lot.

So let’s talk about what a travel consultant actually does, how that differs from a traditional travel agent, and why this change allows me to serve you better.

The Traditional Role of a Travel Agent

A travel agent’s primary role is booking travel. Flights. Hotels. Cruises. Tours. Transfers. Insurance. They act as the middleman between you and the supplier, placing reservations, handling payments, issuing tickets, and managing changes when something goes wrong.

There is absolutely value in this role, especially for travelers who want someone else to handle the logistics. But there’s also a reality many travelers don’t see:

• Travel agents often carry financial liability

• They must follow supplier rules and restrictions

• Their income is frequently tied to commissions

• Their recommendations can be limited to who they are contracted with

In many cases, the agent’s focus is on transactions rather than transformation. And that’s where my heart began to pull in a different direction.

Why I Chose to Become a Travel Consultant

Over time, I realized that what my clients valued most wasn’t simply that I could book a hotel or reserve a flight. What they really wanted was:

• Guidance

• Discernment

• Clarity

• Confidence

• A trusted voice to help them make wise decisions

They wanted someone who understood why they were traveling, not just where they were going. And that’s the heart of travel consulting.

What a Travel Consultant Actually Does

A travel consultant focuses on strategy, planning, education, and personalized guidance and not booking or ticketing. Think of it this way:

A travel agent asks, “What would you like me to book?”

A travel consultant asks, “What kind of experience are you hoping to have and how do we design travel that truly supports that?”

As a travel consultant, my role includes:

1. Travel Vision & Purpose Clarity

We begin with the why. Is this trip about rest? Healing? Celebration? Connection? Personal growth? Faith? Community?

Travel looks very different when it’s aligned with purpose rather than impulse.

2. Customized Travel Planning

I help you map out:

- Destinations that truly fit your season of life

- Ideal timing and pacing

- Realistic budgets

- Cultural considerations

- Safety and comfort factors

This is not cookie-cutter advice. It’s deeply personal.

3. Research & Recommendation

Instead of booking for you, I:

- Research lodging options

- Suggest flight strategies

- Share transportation guidance

- Recommend experiences that align with your values

- Help you avoid tourist traps and costly mistakes

You remain in control of your bookings — with expert insight behind every decision.

4. Education & Empowerment

I don’t want you dependent on me forever. I want you confident. That means explaining:

- How to evaluate hotels

- How to spot red flags

- How to read cancellation policies

- How to protect yourself financially

- How to travel wisely, not just cheaply

Knowledge is freedom — especially when it comes to travel.

5. Faith-Centered & Values-Aligned Guidance

This is especially important for the women and groups I serve. Travel isn’t neutral. Where you go, how you travel, and what you participate in all shape your experience.

As a consultant, I can guide you with intention, discernment, and values without being constrained by supplier agendas or commission structures.

The Key Differences at a Glance

Travel Agent

• Books and tickets travel

• Handles payments

• Earns commissions

• Carries booking liability

• Often limited to contracted suppliers

Travel Consultant

• Plans and advises

• Does not book or ticket

• Paid for expertise and time

• No supplier bias

• Focused on strategy, education, and alignment

One is transactional and the other is relational.

How This Benefits You

This shift allows me to serve you with:

• Greater transparency

• Fewer conflicts of interest

• Clear boundaries and expectations

• More time spent on planning, not paperwork

• Guidance rooted in experience, not sales

It also means you always know exactly what you’re paying for: wisdom, planning, and personalized support. Not hidden commissions or markups.

But What About Booking?

You still book your travel directly with airlines, hotels, or platforms you trust. And the truth is, most travelers already do this. The difference is that now, you’re not doing it alone or guessing your way through it. You’re making informed decisions with a professional beside you without the liability or pressure that comes with booking on your behalf.

This Is the Future of Travel Support

Travel has changed. Travelers have changed. And the way we support them needs to change too. The role of a travel consultant is about stewardship of time, money, expectations, and experiences. It’s about helping people travel well, wisely, and with intention. And if you’re someone who values clarity, trust, and meaningful experiences over flashy sales pitches, this model was built for you.

If you’re ready to plan travel with purpose, I’d be honored to walk alongside you! Simply contant me to ge started today.