In the midst of the wedding DIY movement, oodles of brides – from invitation making to wedding decor – are going it alone… but if you’re wondering “Should I use a travel agent?” or “Why use a travel agent?” then you NEED to keep reading.

Yup, DIY-ing can save you money… but on your honeymoon? You might be surprised to learn that the benefits of using a travel agent include saving you a crazy-ton of cash.

Travel agents, unlike other wedding vendors, don’t get paid by you. That means you can take advantage of their services for free. Just pick up the phone, gush about your dream honeymoon, and then watch the magic happen.

The benefits of using a travel agent is like hiring a wedding planner but having someone else foot the bill for her expertise. Heaven!

More benefits of using a travel agent:

1. Save money on your trip. Travel agents partner with hotels, airlines, and tour companies so they get rates and promotions that are often far cheaper than the published prices you’re finding online.

2. Find the best-kept secrets of your honeymoon destination. Want to find a snorkel spot no one knows about? Looking for a private cottage nestled in a mango grove or a loft with a view of the Eiffel Tower? A travel agent can definitely help.

3. Avoid honeymoon regret. If you haven’t been to your honeymoon destination before, how do you know which hotels have horrible reputations? Or which excursions aren’t worth the money? Or if your resort’s “tropical atmosphere” is actually a mosquito-infested swamp? Online reviews are confusing and often biased, but your travel agent knows.

Soooooo, how do travel agents make money if you aren’t the one coughing up the dough?

Basically, they earn commissions from whatever they book for you. And before you start worrying that you’re getting some jacked-up rates and questioning “Should I use a travel agent or will I get ripped off??” – stop. Hotels and airlines happily accept business from travel agents at lower rates because it’s regular, repeat business. So it truly is your hotel/airline/tour operator who’s paying that travel agent in exchange for your honeymoon business, not you.

Why use a travel agent? Simple: less money and less stress for a better honeymoon. Not too shabby!