Using a Travel Agency to Go to Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Thinking about using a travel agent to go to Rio? This can be a good way to plan a trip. But working with an agent isn’t always the best way to enjoy all the fantastic things to do in Rio.

We look at the pros and cons of using a travel agency to go to Rio de Janeiro. Below, we consider price, experience, personalization, safety, availability, and authenticity.  

#1: Price 

Pros: Because travel agents have relationships with airlines, hotels, and tour groups, they can—in theory—get you a good price. 

Cons: Agents work on commission, which they earn by encouraging travelers to use certain airlines, hotels, and tour groups (i.e., the ones they have a relationship with). In addition, you may encounter surprises in your final cost like travel insurance of booking fees. 

For that reason, it’s ideal to work with trip planners who aren’t paid on commission.

#2: Experience

Pros: A travel agent’s job is to plan trips. That means they’re good at it! They’ll let you know about all the top places to visit in Rio de Janeiro.

Cons: Travel agents may be experts, but they rarely travel to Rio—and far fewer live there. 

Simply put, you can’t beat local knowledge. When you have a local plan your trip, you know you’re getting advice and insights based on their personal experience. They’ll share how to use public transportation, how they stay safe in Rio, and where to get a caipirinha cocktail. 

#3: Personalization 

Pros: When you work with a travel agent, you’ll have options to personalize your trip. Generally, travel agents will let you pick from a list of activities that include things like day trips and tours. 

Cons: This list, however, is limited. It’s dependent on your travel agent’s connections. So if you’re looking to visit places in Rio that are off the beaten path, then a travel agent may not be the best fit.

#4: Safety 

Pros: Travel agents will make your trip as low-risk as possible. 

Cons: There are definitely things to know about safety in Rio de Janeiro. Travel agents will know about the latest news stories. But they might lack knowledge about the actual situation on the ground. 

When you work with a local trip planner, they’ll explain how they navigate their hometown safely. 

#5: Availability 

Pros: As they plan your trip, travel agents will be available to answer your questions about Rio de Janeiro. They’ll help you decide where to stay and what activities to do. 

Cons: Once you arrive in Rio, you may find that your travel agent is harder to reach. 

When you work with a Brazilian trip planner, they’ll be in your time zone. If you run into issues, you can reach them by phone. And they’ll design a flexible guidebook, which means that you won’t be left scrambling if an unforeseen circumstance impacts your itinerary. 

#6: Authenticity 

Pros: If your travel agent is an expert on Brazil, they’ll let you know about the popular places to visit in Rio.

Cons: What about hidden gems and locally beloved haunts? Nothing can replace local knowledge.  

Conclusion: Have a local plan your trip

See Rio de Janeiro like a local—not a tourist—by having a local plan your trip. 

They’ll create a custom itinerary based on your interests and their insider knowledge. 

Not only will you see a side of Rio that most visitors miss, but you’ll save time and money in the planning process. 

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