travel agency: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral
Quick answer
What does “travel agency” mean?
A business that arranges and sells travel-related services such as flights, accommodations, and tours for customers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A business that arranges and sells travel-related services such as flights, accommodations, and tours for customers.
Can refer to the physical office, the industry sector, or the concept of mediated travel planning, including online services.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'travel agency' is standard; in American English, 'travel agent' is sometimes used colloquially to refer to the business, but 'travel agency' remains common.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties, denoting a service-oriented business in the tourism industry.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both British and American English, with no significant regional variation.
Grammar
How to Use “travel agency” in a Sentence
operate a travel agencywork at a travel agencytravel agency for studentsbook via a travel agencyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “travel agency” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They travel frequently and always book through a travel agency.
American English
- We travel to exotic locations using a trusted travel agency.
adverb
British English
- They arranged the tour travel agency efficiently via their local office.
American English
- The booking was handled travel agency professionally through an online platform.
adjective
British English
- She has a travel-agency background in customer service.
American English
- He attended a travel-agency conference in New York.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in tourism and hospitality to describe companies that sell travel packages and services.
Academic
Referenced in studies of tourism economics, hospitality management, or consumer behavior.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation for planning trips, holidays, or business travel.
Technical
In travel industry jargon, denotes accredited businesses that issue tickets and manage itineraries.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “travel agency”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “travel agency”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “travel agency”
- Using 'travel agent' to mean the business instead of the person.
- Misspelling as 'travel agancy' or 'travel agencey'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'travel agency' refers to the business or office, while 'travel agent' refers to the person who works there, though in casual use they are sometimes interchanged.
Yes, modern usage includes online travel agencies (OTAs) that provide digital booking platforms.
A travel agency typically sells pre-arranged travel services, while a tour operator often creates and operates tours, but the terms can overlap.
Look for accreditation, customer reviews, and the range of services offered to ensure reliability and quality.
A business that arranges and sells travel-related services such as flights, accommodations, and tours for customers.
Travel agency is usually neutral in register.
Travel agency: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtræv.əl ˈeɪ.dʒən.si/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtræv.əl ˈeɪ.dʒən.si/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cut out the middleman”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'agency' as an 'agent' that handles your 'travel' plans, making it easy to remember.
Conceptual Metaphor
Travel agency as a bridge or gateway connecting travelers to their destinations.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is a common synonym for 'travel agency' in neutral register?