Since becoming a travel advisor myself, I have discovered there are different roads – and different costs – to guide you to the same destination. One way to get there is “dirt cheap” as travel goes. But it may also cost you inconvenience, terrible travel hours, lack of service when changes are needed, and no one to call in a crisis. |
1. Shares the Load. If you have ever planned a major trip yourself, you know the time and intensity it takes to research every aspect of the trip; you know the weight of wondering if those traveling with you will be happy with your choices and accommodations; you know the frustration when the activities and days don’t come together just as you would like. A travel advisor has the tools and contacts to simplify this process for you. You can still be as involved as you like, but you’ll now have a friend who enjoys “talking travel” just as much with you. And…who better to be there when that booked room gets cancelled, or that flight is late and you miss your connection – or when COVID-19 hits - when you need a friend to fix things in an emergency?
4. Yes, even Saves You Money. Now that I am on the other side of the equation as a travel advisor, I can see the ways a good travel advisor can save her customers money. Group rates will always be more cost-efficient than single-family rates – and being a part of a bigger group is even better! Your travel advisor’s host agency provides that “big group” with “big group savings” for you in a variety of ways and traveling styles.
6. Readily Shares Her Expertise. Not only will she share her own experience and knowledge, but a travel advisor will have access to a network of advisors and prior clients willing to share their expertise, so that you – the customer – have an extensive “database” from which to draw. Many times this information is unavailable to you online or in books. Knowledge may mean the difference between getting stuck somewhere unpleasant or truly enjoying your trip of a lifetime!