In an age where practically any travel experience sits right at your fingertips, available to book online, you may be wondering how travel agents (often called advisors nowadays) fit into the landscape anymore. Here’s why we still bring a lot to the table and why you may want to work with an advisor on your next trip:
- Travel is more complex than ever. One keyword search in Google and you’re peering into Pandora’s box. There is a slew of information out there, with ever-growing options, reviews, and consolidators (and how do you choose?!). Factor in our new COVID-era and we have an added layer of health and safety considerations/restrictions to navigate for your trip. Your travel advisor stays up-to-date and knows where to go and who to trust.
- They have in-depth knowledge and can help you make your travel decisions. Travel is our profession. We are always exploring, researching, investing in trainings, connecting with providers and colleagues, and discussing the latest in the industry. No matter your need or interest, your travel advisor can be a trusted resource to find quality information and options tailored to your preferences and budget.
- They save you time and headache. It can take hours to search through destination information, sit on hold with providers, and manage the details of your trip. Having a getaway on the horizon is exciting, but it can become overwhelming and stressful. A travel advisor does the heavy lifting before and during your trip so you can stay focused on other important things and feel more relaxed on the journey when you take it.
- But you don’t have to give up all the planning! Some people enjoy and feel empowered by the planning process and that’s great! You decide the level of involvement that’s right for you (and this may even vary from trip to trip). If you enjoy research and planning, you’ll have a professional partner. If you prefer having your advisor handle all the details, they can do that too. Either way, you’ll enjoy quality, customized service.
- But you don’t have to give up all the planning! Some people enjoy and feel empowered by the planning process and that’s great! You decide the level of involvement that’s right for you (and this may even vary from trip to trip). If you enjoy research and planning, you’ll have a professional partner. If you prefer having your advisor handle all the details, they can do that too. Either way, you’ll enjoy quality, customized service.
- Your time and investment are valuable. Our day-to-day lives are increasingly demanding, making our time – and our time off – even more valuable. With a travel advisor, you can save that time and protect it (along with the financial investment you’ve made in your trip) by ensuring a quality experience.
- Travel advisors can often save you money – or at least deliver extra value. Even if your travel advisor charges a fee, the value that you get in return can be well worth it. Thanks to their professional networks and affiliations, they often have access to better rates than you would find on your own. Beyond that, they can arrange exclusive perks, access, and amenities that enhance your bookings, getting you more bang for your buck. After all, as Warren Buffet has said: “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”
- They can connect you to unique, tailor-made experiences. Making your trip something special, memorable, and enriching is the name of the game! Thanks to their networks and partnerships, advisors can often find and customize unique experiences based on your interests and objectives.
- You have an advocate before, during, and after your trip. Your travel advisor is not only there to help craft your ideal getaway, but to support you before, during, and after your trip – providing pre-departure information, 24/7 support while you travel, and assistance and advocacy should anything unexpected occur on the road.
- They are one phone call away. If you have a question or need assistance during your trip, your travel advisor is one call, text, or email away. They are well-connected, resourceful, and personally available to help you sort out any situation. (Try getting that level of service from an online booking engine.)
- They add a personal, human touch. A travel advisor is invested in you – getting to know you and your travel style and matching you with experiences that you would love. They understand what that trip means to you, what a special dinner reservation is celebrating, what goals you have for the journey, etc. and help make sure those are supported.
- You want to travel with a group. It’s exciting to share a travel experience with friends and family, but taking the lead to organize a trip together is a big task. A travel advisor (especially one with group travel experience) understands the additional logistics and can help you plan and manage it successfully. With their support you can stay focused on the people and immersed in the experiences together.
So next time you’re ready to hit the road consider connecting with a travel advisor you can trust. Just as you would hire an interior decorator for your home, or a financial advisor for your investments, a travel advisor is a professional who helps guide, enhance, and support your travel experiences.
We are your partner; your teammate in travel!
And remember, it’s a collaboration, so never hesitate to communicate and provide feedback! Like something? Let us know! Don’t like something? Let us know! We’re here to listen and tailor your travel to your unique tastes so it’s a special and memorable experience in all the right ways.
Ready to get started? I’d love to help! Contact me here.
