how much should a travel agent typically cost?

I thought they were free? I thought they basically got a kick-back from the companies they book with. I could be way wrong, though.

There is not usually a fee for a travel agent. They get paid by the companies that they book with....aka: the airlines, hotels, trains, cruiselines, etc.

You may be able to get better prices yourself, however, for some things (cruises) I would use a travel agent.

"But then FS reminded me that they actually cost MONEY so we can't just go and spend money just to "talk" to a travel agent unless we're ready to DO something."

NOT TRUE!!! But don't take my word for it...ask the several ladies here that have "talked" to me...didn't cost them a dime. lol

Well I always thought they were free but dumb FH told me they werent.. HA! So if I walk right in and talk to someone and don't book anything right away, then I don't have to pay a dime?

No, they're not like lawyers who get paid to talk by the hour lol

Haha, good. Thanks guys! I just realized I should've said dumb FS instead of FH Either way, he's dumb lol just kidding. Well good, now I'm excited. That's one wedding related thing we can cross off tomorrow.. and we wont have to pay anything!

KK -- great question, since so many people DON'T know how travel agents work! Most travel professionals do not charge anything above and beyond the cost of the trip, because we earn commissions from travel suppliers (hotels, cruise lines, car rentals, tour companies, etc.....just about everyone besides the airlines) But many of us have started asking for retainers (mine is $150) after the first meeting, and before we start spending hours planning your honeymoon. The retainer gets applied to your trip once you book, so it's not an added fee, but if you end up NOT booking the honeymoon, or booking it elsewhere, we keep the retainer to cover some of the time spent on all that research and advice.

I can't speak for all travel agents, but that's how many of us work these days.

Annie - I think that sounds perfectly reasonable as long as the agent keeps up their end of it!

No offense Annie but I have chosen to shy away from retainers, as my services are geared more to the budget friendly. Repeat biz and vendor commissions suit me just fine.

Again I have a reg 9-5 and so the travel biz is not my bread n butter. I mainly do it for the hotel perks. lol

Feel free to email me your dates, budget, destination and I'll shoot over what I can find... FOR FREE.

...Having typed ^this^, don't think for a minute that anyone is going to treat me like a human Google, having me "just look", with little to no intentions on booking. Momma ain't raise no phool!

I've used travel agents numerous times and NONE has every charged me nor has anyone ever asked for a retainer.

@ Ty definitely might be sending you a PM in a day or two to bounce some ideas off of you. Thanks for the info I was wondering this exact same thing.

@ Ty -- that's why there are so many flavors of ice cream Everyone is different, and it sounds like you are happy with your business model.

I know my clients are happy to know they're working with a full-time professional who focuses her time and efforts on those who are seriously planning to book.

LOL not once has anyone asked "Hey Ty are you a FT agent?" But yes you're right everyone is different.

@MIA...no problem. Send me: Destination, dates, budget and I'll see what I can do for ya!

@LU...I'm just sayin' lol