Why is my travel agent using TravelLocal for my trip?
Your agent has chosen to work with TravelLocal because it gives them access to something most booking platforms can’t offer: a network of carefully vetted, locally-based experts who live and work in the destinations you’re visiting.
Rather than relying on large, generic tour operators, TravelLocal connects your agent directly with small, independent DMC (Destination Management Company) partners on the ground. This means your agent can offer you a genuinely bespoke trip — built around your interests, not a fixed catalogue — while trusting that the local partner delivering it has a proven track record with travelers like you.
What does TravelLocal actually do? I thought I was booking through my agent?
You are — your agent remains your main point of contact throughout the planning process. TravelLocal works in the background as the platform connecting your agent with the right local partner for your destination.
Think of it this way: your agent brings the relationship and the knowledge of what you want; TravelLocal brings the network of trusted local experts and the logistics to make it happen. You get the best of both.
How do I know the local partner my agent is working with is trustworthy?
TravelLocal carefully vets every DMC partner in its network and only works with operators who have a proven track record of delivering high-quality, seamless trips. The platform has been operating since 2013 and has helped over 75,000 travelers across nearly 100 destinations, with an Excellent rating from more than 4,000 verified Trustpilot reviews.
TravelLocal is also a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors), a certified B Corp, and a Travelife partner — so your agent isn’t just taking a chance on a local contact; they’re working within a vetted, accountable network.
Will my trip actually be tailored to me, or is it just a standard package?
There are no off-the-shelf packages. Every itinerary is built from scratch around your specific interests, travel pace, accommodation preferences, and budget. Your agent works with the local TravelLocal partner to get every detail right, and changes can be made as many times as needed before you travel.
The local partners genuinely thrive on this kind of collaboration — the more specific you are about what you want, the better the trip they can create.
What support will I have once I’m actually on my trip?
Your local TravelLocal partner provides round-the-clock support throughout your trip. Every partner has a bilingual team (English and the local language) on hand for anything that comes up — whether that’s an emergency, a last-minute restaurant recommendation, or an unexpected change of plan.
If something needs to change on the fly, the on-the-ground team can adapt your itinerary in real time. Your agent booked the trip; the local expert makes sure it runs perfectly.
Are flights included in what my agent has booked?
International flights are handled separately by your travel agent, who will advise you on the best options. The TravelLocal itinerary covers everything within your destination — accommodation, locally guided activities, and transfers. Where domestic flights are needed as part of the trip, these can be arranged by the local partner and included in your itinerary.
Is this a sustainable way to travel?
Yes. One of the reasons agents choose TravelLocal is because we actively support local economies. Every DMC partner is a small, independent, locally-owned business — so the money you spend on your trip goes directly into the communities you’re visiting, not into a large corporation.
TravelLocal is a certified B Corp and Travelife partner, committed to ethical, sustainable travel practices. More details are available here.