Which are the best travel agencies to book? Is this also your question?
Starting a trip, no matter how close or far it is, is an exciting adventure full of possibilities. Still, it can be hard to figure out how to plan the right trip because there are so many choices. That’s where the knowledge of the best travel companies in the United States and other countries comes in handy. These companies help you find your way through the maze of places to visit, places to stay, and things to do, so you can make unique trips that fit your needs.
We’re going to look into the worlds of the best national and foreign travel agencies to find out how they do what they do so well and how they can help you make your travel dreams come true.
The best travel agencies in India
- MakeMyTrip
- Yatra
- Cleartrip
- Cox & Kings
- Thomas Cook, India
- SOTC India
- Goibibo
- Expedia India
- Kesari Tours
MakeMyTrip
Established in 2000, MakeMyTrip is a leading online travel company in India. Its headquarters are in Gurugram, India. With a workforce of over 3,000 employees, MakeMyTrip has revolutionized the travel industry by offering a comprehensive range of travel-related products and services. It has won numerous awards for its innovative approach and customer service excellence.
Revenue 2024: USD 214.2 million
Yatra
Yatra, founded in 2006, is one of India’s largest online travel companies, headquartered in Gurugram. With a dedicated team of over 1,000 employees, Yatra offers a wide array of travel services, including domestic and international flights, hotel reservations, holiday packages, and more. Yatra has garnered acclaim for its user-friendly interface, transparent pricing, and efficient customer service.
Revenue 2024: USD 13.4 million
Cleartrip
Established in 2006, Cleartrip is a prominent online travel agency headquartered in Mumbai, India. Despite being smaller in size (1000 employees) compared to some competitors, Cleartrip has carved a niche for itself in the market with its focus on simplicity, reliability, and transparency.
Cleartrip’s user-friendly interface, competitive pricing, and commitment to customer satisfaction have earned it positive ratings and testimonials from a loyal customer base.
Revenue 2024: USD 14.6 million
Cox & Kings
Cox & Kings, established in 1758, is one of the oldest and most prestigious travel companies globally, with headquarters in Mumbai, India. With about 1000 employees, it has evolved into a diversified multinational travel conglomerate, offering plenty of travel-related services, including leisure travel, corporate travel, education tours, and more.
Despite its long history, Cox & Kings maintains a large workforce and a global presence, ensuring personalized service and attention to detail for its discerning clientele.
Revenue 2024: USD 282 million
Thomas Cook India
Established in 1881, Thomas Cook India, with its headquarters in Mumbai, India, stands as one of the oldest and most trusted travel brands globally. Thomas Cook India, a leading integrated travel and travel-related financial services company, operates a vast network of offices across the country, employing over 3,000 dedicated professionals.
The company offers a comprehensive suite of travel services, including leisure travel, corporate travel, foreign exchange, and travel insurance.
Revenue 2024: USD 4.519 billion
SOTC India
Established in 1949, SOTC India is a pioneer in the travel industry. With its headquarters in Mumbai, it boasts a workforce of over 5,000 employees. SOTC has garnered numerous accolades for its exceptional service, including the prestigious World Travel Awards.
Known for its curated travel experiences, SOTC has a vast base of satisfied customers who praise their attention to detail and personalized itineraries.
Revenue 2024: USD 22 million
Goibibo
Founded in 2009, Goibibo has revolutionized the way Indians travel. Based in Gurugram, it operates with a dedicated team of about 5000 employees. Goibibo’s user-friendly interface and competitive pricing have earned it a significant market share. It has been recognized for its innovative approach, winning several awards, such as the Indian Digital Media Awards.
With millions of satisfied customers, Goibibo maintains impressive ratings across various platforms, cementing its status as a leading online travel agency in India.
Revenue 2024: USD 2.85 billion
Expedia India
Expedia, a global giant, entered the Indian market in 2008, catering to the diverse travel needs of Indians. It has a team of over 17,000 employees at its main office in Gurgaon.
Expedia’s extensive network and competitive pricing have made it a popular choice among travelers. It has received recognition, such as the Economic Times Best Corporate Brands Award.
Revenue 2024: USD 12.8 Billion
Kesari Tours
Since its inception in 1984, Kesari Tours has been synonymous with memorable travel experiences. Headquartered in Mumbai, it employs over 700 passionate individuals.
Kesari Tours has received numerous awards, including the National Tourism Award for Excellence. Its meticulously planned tours and emphasis on customer satisfaction have earned it a loyal clientele.
Revenue 2024: Approximately USD 5 billion
The best travel agencies in the world
Booking.com
Airbnb
HostelWorld
Agoda
Trip.com
Vrbo
Traveloka
Hotelbeds
Despegar
Booking.com
Established in 1996, Booking.com has become one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms. With its headquarters in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and over 21,000 employees globally, Booking.com offers accommodation reservations in over 230 countries and territories.
Its commitment to innovation and customer service has earned it numerous awards, including recognition as the World’s Leading Online Travel Agency by the World Travel Awards.
Revenue 2024: USD 21.4 Billion
Airbnb
Established in 2008, Airbnb has revolutionized the travel industry by connecting travelers with unique accommodations worldwide. With its headquarters in San Francisco, California, Airbnb has grown to become a household name, with over 6,000 employees globally.
Its innovative platform and commitment to community-driven tourism have earned it widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including recognition as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies.
Revenue 2024: USD 9.9 billion
HostelWorld
Founded in 1999, HostelWorld is the leading online booking platform for budget accommodations worldwide. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, HostelWorld employs over 200 people and offers a comprehensive selection of hostels, budget hotels, and other affordable lodging options.
HostelWorld’s commitment to value and convenience has resulted in high customer satisfaction ratings and numerous industry accolades, including recognition as the Best Youth Travel Agent at the Global Youth Travel Awards.
Revenue 2024: USD 101 million
Agoda
Founded in 2005, Agoda is a leading online travel agency specializing in accommodation bookings in Asia and beyond. With its headquarters in Singapore, Agoda has expanded its presence globally, employing over 6,500 people.
It has received awards and recognition as Asia’s Leading Online Travel Agency at the World Travel Awards.
Revenue 2024: USD 7.3 Billion
Trip.com
Established in 1999, Trip.com has grown to become one of the leading online travel agencies globally. It has a headquarters in Shanghai, China, and operates in over 30 countries and regions, employing over 45,000 people.
Trip.com has achieved numerous milestones, such as listing on the NASDAQ in 2003 and consistently expanding its services to include flights, hotels, trains, and more.
Revenue 2024: USD 5.53 billion
Vrbo
Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) revolutionized the vacation rental industry. With a team of over 10,000 employees, Vrbo connects travelers with unique accommodations worldwide, from cozy cabins to beachfront villas.
Renowned for its commitment to quality and authenticity, Vrbo continues to garner top ratings and accolades in the travel industry.
Revenue 2024: USD 93.27 billion
Traveloka
Established in 2012, Traveloka is a prominent online travel agency headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia. With a workforce of over 2,000 employees, Traveloka has expanded its presence across Southeast Asia, offering a wide range of travel services, including flights, hotels, and activities.
Notable achievements include being named the Best Online Travel Agent in Asia Pacific at the 2020 TTG Travel Awards.
Revenue 2024: USD 2 billion
How do I choose the right travel agency?
Choosing the right travel agency can greatly enhance your travel experience. Here are some tips to help you select the best one:
- Research: Start by researching different travel agencies online. Look for reviews and ratings on platforms like Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback from past customers.
- Verify Credentials: Ensure that the agency is accredited and licensed, especially if you’re planning an international trip. Look for affiliations with reputable travel associations like ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) or IATA (International Air Transport Association).
- Specialization: Consider what type of travel you’re interested in, as well as whether the agency specializes in that niche. Some agencies focus on luxury travel, adventure trips, cruises, or specific destinations. Choose one that aligns with your preferences.
- Personal Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations based on their experiences with travel agencies. Personal referrals can often provide valuable insights and trustworthy recommendations.
- Communication: Evaluate the agency’s communication style and responsiveness. A good travel agency should be easily reachable and willing to address your concerns or questions promptly.
- Transparency: Make sure that the agency is transparent about pricing, fees, and any additional costs associated with your trip. Hidden fees can quickly inflate the cost of your travel, so make sure you understand what’s included in the package.
- Customization: Look for an agency that offers personalized trip planning services tailored to your preferences and budget. A customized itinerary can help ensure that your trip meets your expectations and interests.
- Emergency Support: Inquire about the agency’s emergency support services. A reliable travel agency should provide assistance in case of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies during your trip.
- Technology: Consider whether the agency utilizes technological advances to enhance the booking and travel experience. Online booking tools, mobile apps, and itinerary management systems can streamline the process and provide added convenience.
- Trust Your Instincts: When choosing a travel agency, ultimately, trust your instincts. If something feels off or if you’re not comfortable with the service provided, don’t hesitate to look elsewhere. Your peace of mind is essential when planning your travels.
May your new adventure bring you endless joy and fulfillment!