I was in your shoes! I thought I could find the best deals and best travel itineraries on my own. I thought a travel agent or advisor was only going to cost me more money, inconvenience someone else, and fail to provide the customized activities and places I wanted to visit and enjoy. I was wrong!
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. |
Another way may offer luxuries above and beyond what you even care to enjoy; this lavish method of travel may please some, but you see it as wasted money for something that means nothing, and you’d rather spend your money elsewhere.
I encourage you to consider six reasons for taking an alternate, smoother road for your future travel. Let me assure you, a travel agent – or advisor – can make the difference between a trip and a wonderful trip for you!
You will love a travel advisor who:
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?
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?
2. Provides the Best Value. With access to many different specials and up-to-date knowledge of the suppliers and their latest offers, a travel consultant/advisor can help ensure you get the most value for your money. There is a good possibility she has even traveled with the supplier she is recommending, and can personally vouch for the quality of its services. Rather than spend countless hours attempting to pull up the latest review online or worrying about the accommodations you have selected, you can be sure your travel advisor is looking out for your best interests and sincerely wants to make you happy with the choices she recommends.
3. Saves You Time. Ditto on #1. You’ve got better things to do with your time – like making the money to facilitate these memory-making, life-changing wonderful trips for you and your loved ones.
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.
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.
5. Customizes an Itinerary to Fit Your Style. The best part of working with a travel advisor over time is her ability to get to know you, your likes and dislikes, your preferred mode of travel, even your preferred seat. A good travel advisor will work with your tastes in mind as she customizes a trip, excursions, flights, transfers, hotel rooms, and even special activities that work best for you and each member of your family. Most likely, with her travel supplier relationships, she will even get you amenities and extras you did not even know were available.
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!
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!