Why You Should Consult a Travel Professional for Your Multi-Gen Family Trip
Whether you're looking for a "turn-key" vacation where someone else handles all the details, or you prefer to take care of most of the planning yourself, we’ve found that working with a travel professional can be incredibly helpful—especially when traveling with a multi-generational family. Here’s why:
They Can Do the Legwork for You
If you know where you want to go, how many people are in your group, and have a rough idea of your budget and time frame, a travel professional can work their magic. They’ll put together a few options for you to consider, which will help you narrow down the best fit for your family.
They'll even provide brochures and first-hand information, which can serve as a solid foundation for your trip planning. Plus, they’ll continue to monitor prices after you’ve booked, potentially saving you money. For example, our travel professional once spotted a price drop after we booked a trip, and as a result, some of our group received refunds.
They Can Help You Evaluate Your Options
Once you have a general idea of your destination and activities, you’ll likely face a variety of options—guided tours, all-inclusive resorts, or more flexible, a la carte choices. A travel professional is invaluable here because they’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of each, answering all your “what if” questions. They might even address concerns you hadn’t thought to ask about.
A travel professional will give you a clearer picture of each option, ensuring there are no surprises down the road.
They Often Have Access to Specials and Bonuses
Recently, we went on an Alaskan cruise, and our travel professional helped us secure a dining and drink package deal that wasn’t available to the public. On top of that, the agency threw in some additional perks—like covering all port fees and taxes and offering a few complimentary meals at specialty restaurants.
These special deals often aren’t advertised, but a travel professional can uncover them for you, which means better value for your family.
They Can Manage Your Group Dynamic
Let’s face it: in multi-gen trips, the guest list can change. People might drop out or new members might want to join as the trip nears. A travel professional takes the stress out of managing these changes. Instead of scrambling to update reservations, you can simply inform them, and they’ll take care of it for you. It’s a huge relief to not have to chase down every change.
They Can Handle the Money
When traveling with a large group, managing the finances can be a hassle. One person often ends up fronting the bill and then has to chase down payments from everyone else—leading to some awkward moments. When you book through a travel professional, each family or travel unit handles their own payments, which reduces stress and avoids any financial tension. Plus, if someone backs out, the travel agent deals with the cancellation, so no one else is left holding the bag.
They’ll Get to Know Your Group
A good travel professional doesn’t just make a one-time booking for you—they build a relationship with you. Over time, they learn the preferences and needs of your group, like dietary restrictions or mobility concerns. This means they can suggest activities and accommodations that are a perfect fit.
For example, they might remember that you’ve got a group of adventure seekers and recommend exciting excursions, or they might be aware that some family members prefer a more relaxed itinerary. A good agent will even reach out to you when they find new trips that align with your group’s interests.
Their Services Are Free (Usually)
The best part? Travel professionals are typically free to use. They earn a commission from hotels, cruises, and other travel partners, so their services don’t usually come out of your pocket. This is a great deal—after all, they’re doing all the heavy lifting, from researching the best deals to handling the bookings, while you get to focus on the fun stuff!
Pro Tip: If you only use a travel agent for research but don’t have them book anything (like your flight, which doesn’t earn a commission), they may charge you a fee. So, it’s worth considering having them book at least one part of your trip, like accommodations or excursions.
In Conclusion
A good travel professional can save you time, money, and stress when planning a multi-generational family vacation. They’re experts in handling the logistical challenges of big family trips, and they can even help prevent family squabbles by managing the money and bookings. Don’t hesitate to use this valuable resource when planning your next trip!
Originally posted in 2017. Updated in 2024.