John PerryI honestly don’t know how to plan family trips, since my sister used to run the show with color-coded lists and snack math. However, when she relocated halfway across the globe, I began relying on travel agencies in Philadelphia (a decision that proved to be the best).
So, instead of drowning in tabs and group chat debates about aisle seats, we just wanted a trip that made sense and was fun. That’s why I pulled together a short list of folks who actually deliver… no drama, just smooth planning and good memories.
If you’re also on the hunt for the best agencies in the city, read on to see who actually makes travel easy and totally stress-free.
How much do travel agencies charge in Philadelphia?
Travel agencies in Philadelphia charge $100-$500 for consultation or $25-$150 per hour for complex itineraries. However, many package trips are partially covered by supplier commissions, so simpler bookings come with low or no extra agency fees.
1. Dream Vacation Travel Agency
Address: 2023 Shelmire Ave, PA 19152
Contact Details: +1 215-609-0634
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
For expert planning, Dream Vacation Travel Agency shines for vacations and group tours.
We appreciate the comprehensive assistance available across cruises, guided tours, and resort packages.
We also like that you can search options first, then loop an advisor in. In our experience, it was quick, easy, and hassle-free.
Weddings and honeymoons also receive a lot of attention. They offer Caribbean beach venues and romance-forward resorts, with dedicated advisors to minimize headaches.
What we like most is that they even have direct connections to brands like Secrets, Breathless, and Dreams. That quickly sealed the deal for us.
Moreover, it’s really nice that you’re not stuck in a queue. They list multiple agents with direct numbers, as well as low deposits and payment plans that help families budget.
However, they mainly focus on leisure travel rather than a formal corporate travel program. If you require SLAs or a duty of care, you may need to request them first.
100% recommended!
“OMG! There are not enough words and not enough stars for this review! Margie you are truly an amazing person in and out. This was literally a last minute booking and not knowing where to go. You gave me and my family an amazing 7 days. El Cid Marina was the best vacation ever!!!!! You literally checked in with me when I was in Mexico and made sure everything was ok. I have never seen an agent do that!!! You really truly care about your clients! I cannot wait to book my family’s next adventure with you. I will 100% recommend you.”
- Raniah Eysheh, Google Review
We had an amazing trip
“As a Destination Wedding Bride I would like to say , What an AMAZING experience me and my family of 97 others had with Margie. With such a large group I knew it would be a lot of stress on myself and my husband to plan the trip as well as wedding planning . We found Dream Vacation via a Google search and I’m so glad we did. For over a year Margie put in ALOT of time with us as well as worked hard in making sure our guest were taken care of. Even after being invited as a GUEST, she will worked while in Jamaica in helping guest out with any issues with the resort or vendors once we all arrived . We had an AMAZING trip and non of this would be possible without Dream Vacation travel agency . Would recommend to EVERYONE .”
- Day King, Google Review
2. Premier Tours
Address: 1120 South St, PA 19147
Contact Details: +1 800-545-1910
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: Closed
We actually came across Premier Tours after seeing all the glowing client testimonials. Travelers rave about how knowledgeable their team is, and it shows in the details.
Their itineraries capture the best of each region, whether it’s gorilla trekking in Rwanda or staying in luxury lodges deep in Peru’s Amazon.
In fact, the company’s president, Julian Harrison, was born in South Africa and has decades of on-the-ground experience. Plus, he’s been named a Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist for years (yes, that’s added credibility right there).
Adventure is a sweet spot here. We liked how they handle everything—permits, transfers, logistics—so you can just focus on hiking or those one-of-a-kind add-ons.
Just note that their focus is mainly on luxury and high-end destinations like Africa and Patagonia. If you’re after a beach escape, you might find their options limited.
The booking process was seamless
“Highly recommend Premier Tours, especially Christian. The booking process was seamless and easy to do. Christian gave us multiple options and helped us narrow down exactly what we wanted to do and see while in Africa. The hotels and lodges that he booked for us were beautiful and the food was delicious. Having everything booked for us made it such a relaxing trip. It was an absolute trip of a lifetime and we cannot wait to go back again and have Christian plan it!”
- Mary Schmidt, Google Review
We had a trip of a lifetime
“Premier Tours, especially Christian, was a dream to work with when it came to planning our honeymoon to Africa. Christian provided guidance with our itinerary and locations and was very easy going to work with. He had every detail of the trip planned and was readily available if we had any questions. We had a trip of a lifetime filled with beautiful lodges, amazing game drives, and delicious food. My husband and I highly recommend Premier Tours if you plan on going to Africa. They will plan you an incredible trip!!”
- r Guketlov, Google Review
3. Shertina’s Travel
Address: 7715 Crittenden St #329, PA 19118
Contact Details: +1 484-278-1839
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
For those who want personalized help, Shertina’s Travel offers services for vacations and groups. Their service runs before, during, and after your trip. Yes, that means issues won’t snowball.
We like the focus on all-inclusive resorts, cruises, and group coordination. You can opt for a fully custom experience or join escorted tours, which is ideal if you prefer to have pacing handled without the need for micro-planning.
Another thing we really appreciate is their transparency about pricing. There’s usually no planning fee, just a small charge if you’re booking flights only.
You’re not dealing with a faceless website either, because they have real advisors and a listed office address.
What really won me over, though, is their flexible cancellation policy. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance.
However, instant booking’s a no-go here. You fill out a Jotform and wait instead.
Shertina was amazing
“Shertina was amazing! She answered all questions we had in a timely manner and really made sure we were prepared for our trip. She chose excellent flight times & we had no issues arranging travel to And from our destination. Will Be using her services again”
- Marianna Lockman, Google Review
All we had to do was show up and relax
“Sherri has done it again! This was my second time using Shertina’s Travel, LLC. First amazing trip was April 2023 to Dubai. My most recent trip was Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 6/2024. She took care of every detail. All we had to do was show up and relax! The accommodations far exceeded our expectations. She even checked on us while we were there. If you are looking for stress free travel Shertina’s Travel, LLC is the way to go!”
- Christine Jones, Google Review
4. Discover Travel Inc
Address: 230 N 9th St, PA 19107
Contact Details: +1 215-925-6172
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Planning Asia from Philly? Discover Travel Inc. is a solid pick. We used them for our trip to Asia. They know Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, and their visa/document help keeps paperwork painless.
Our route then was PHL to Hanoi to Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur. It included airport transfers, a Ha Long Bay sail, and a Komodo detour.
They even walked us through the Vietnam e-visa process and checked in with us while we were traveling. Honestly, it was really hassle-free, and we give them a 10/10 rating for that.
The planning feels truly organized. They can even bundle flights, tours, and even cruises. It helps families and groups stay on one timeline.
However, the focus leans Asia-heavy. This means if you want broad Europe or Caribbean options, the choices may feel a bit thinner.
I 100% recommend this travel agency
“I always asked for Aileen, she’s very efficient. I’ve been using this agency both domestic and international bookings for many, many years and never disappointed with their services. I recommend Discover travel agency a 100 percent”
- Florida Cohen, Google Review
Responsive customer service
“Yeah, this is Prince Daniel‘s wife. I just called one of the ladies on the Chinatown and I only asked one question I only asked how much it cost to go to Japan and I ain’t trying to start no trouble like Miss Parker is trying to shut down China town I’ll go to Chinatown every year every once a year I don’t want no Philadelphia Philadelphia football basketball game only thing I want from Chinatown I only wanna travel to Japan that’s all I wanna do only thing I can do that in next year in 2026. That’s the only thing I wanna say right there.”
- Damon Daniels, Google Review
5. Stress Free Travel
Address: 5119 Pine St, PA 19143
Contact Details: +1 215-476-0983
Operating Hours:
- Thursday-Friday: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Saturday: By appointment
For those who keep plans simple and fun, Stress Free Travel offers day and weekend trips, full vacations, and cruises without the tab overload.
We really like how they offer the option to pick the trip size and let them stitch it together.
Of course, they don’t just plan group travels. They build fundraising packages for churches, teams, and community organizations. They even have joinable calendar trips when you just want to hop on and go.
Even better, their coverage is extensive as well (think Europe and Hawaii, plus “exotic” escapes, and Vegas). They handle flights, Amtrak, car rentals, and travel insurance all in one place. Fewer vendors means fewer mix-ups and stress.
The only hiccup we ran into was their limited office hours. Saturdays are by appointment only, which can be tricky for working folks like us. If you’re the spontaneous type, that setup might feel a bit inconvenient.
Stress-free travel
“Best Travel agency, They will help you with literally all of your needs of traveling. If you’re looking for day trips, weekend trips, or even personal vacations, Stress-Free Travel has the best deals! I’ve been traveling with this company for over 10 years and I have yet to find a better travel agency. Please be sure to book your next vacation with Ms. Helen !! She is the best!
- Meyona J, Google Review
Excellent staff and awesome trips
“Helen Jones is an excellent, wonderful, beautiful and professional. Excellent staff and her trips are awesome. My friends tell me the prices that they have spent on their trips and I say to them, you should have used my travel agent. When they see her prices and etc., they are blown away.”
- Terrance Jones, Google Review
