When speaking with friends and potential clients, I am always shocked at how many people have never used a travel advisor before. When you can hire a professional – at no cost to you – to help you plan something as important as your vacation, why wouldn’t you?
Here are a few ways in which hiring a travel advisor can make your life easier – both when planning and taking your next vacation:
They tailor your trip to YOU…
A good travel advisor should take the
time to get to know you personally and customize your vacation to
your specific desires from the earliest planning stages. You will be dealing with an actual person
from start to finish, not just an anonymous voice on the phone, or a web site.
time to get to know you personally and customize your vacation to
your specific desires from the earliest planning stages. You will be dealing with an actual person
from start to finish, not just an anonymous voice on the phone, or a web site.
They save you money AND offer you added benefits…
Your travel advisor can offer you the same or lower rates than those you will find when
booking yourself AND quite often will add some valuable perks. Complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and spa credits are just a few of the added amenities travel advisors can obtain for their clients. If you are booking a cruise or a tour, travel advisors almost always have exclusive discounts.
booking yourself AND quite often will add some valuable perks. Complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and spa credits are just a few of the added amenities travel advisors can obtain for their clients. If you are booking a cruise or a tour, travel advisors almost always have exclusive discounts.
They also save you time and added stress…
Instead of
wading through the crazy amounts of information available to you, let
your travel advisor do it for you. The sheer magnitude of online information (some of which can be
very misleading) is overwhelming. Travel advisors
can refine that information for you. Whether they are recommending a
boutique hotel, the latest restaurants, “do not miss” sights, or reliable airport transfers, travel advisors know the “best of the best” from their extensive resources.
wading through the crazy amounts of information available to you, let
your travel advisor do it for you. The sheer magnitude of online information (some of which can be
very misleading) is overwhelming. Travel advisors
can refine that information for you. Whether they are recommending a
boutique hotel, the latest restaurants, “do not miss” sights, or reliable airport transfers, travel advisors know the “best of the best” from their extensive resources.
They can create unique experiences…
Your travel advisor has valuable contacts all over the world to help create experiences which make your
trip exactly what you desire. A scavenger hunt at the
Louvre, tickets to a sold out sporting event or show, or reservations at a Michelin starred restaurant? All in a day’s
work for a travel advisor.
trip exactly what you desire. A scavenger hunt at the
Louvre, tickets to a sold out sporting event or show, or reservations at a Michelin starred restaurant? All in a day’s
work for a travel advisor.
They will be your personal advocate…
Your travel advisor will troubleshoot any problems that may arise before, during and after you travel. With a travel advisor on your side, hotels and tour companies will work hard to make things right, so as not to lose future business.
And, most important of all…
They are usually FREE!
As most travel advisors are paid commissions by the travel suppliers (hotels, cruise lines, tour companies), they usually do not charge a fee for all of the things described above. Occasionally, if you have a very detailed itinerary, travel advisors may charge a nominal fee, which is easily recouped with the savings in money, time and added benefits they can provide.
So, why NOT hire a travel advisor to plan your next trip??
I've never used a travel advisor before, probably partially because I like checking out information and partially because I did not know that they were often free! I am headed to the Dominican Republic with my husband shortly, and possibly China this summer, so we will have to look into one! Thanks for sharing!
You are so right! But I think many do think there are fees attached so it's important to get the word out. I can attest to your amazing service and attention to detail! You are a travel agent extraordinaire:) Stay warm!
This is all good to know!!! I didn't realize they don't charge!! Thanks Sandy!
Sandy, to be honest with you, we never used a travel advisor until we found you! The Mister said "where has Sandy been all our lives?" You have done such a wonderful job planning our summer vacation! We have appreciated your kind attention to every detail. You're simply the best!!!
We've used a few, but you are certainly the one I would use next. It is such a good point, we spend hours and hours planning our travel, in a way I like it because I like the control, but it is certainly nice to not have to iron out every little detail. Thank you for raising this point.
At no cost to the client? How can that be?That is too good to be true! Well then, I must consider this, but our up and coming trip to Carmel is pretty much set….I need to get more info from you however, as I hope some day in the next ten years to go back to Europe!
Happy day, Sandy! Anita
I think that once Travelocity, Kayak, and Orbitz sprung up people thought they were finding the best deal and abandoned the traditional travel advisor.
I have used many in the past and in fact have gotten excellent deals. Now I will be using you!
I am a walking, talking testimony to why this is such a great idea…and especially utilizing YOU! Were your ears burning this afternoon? I have a friend who wants to plan a trip to Australia/New Zealand…and I'm sending her your way!
Miss you….we need to have lunch!
xoxo Elizabeth
Sandy,
You know, I am an artist and a Mom and so many other jobs also fall under my reign so to delegate and give one less job to someone else is not only welcome but makes me that much happier to be with! I would love to fly off to a warm locale today as we brace ourselves to some more freezing temps. Enjoy your day today!
My daughter returns this evening from her whirlwind trip! I can't wait to hear all about it.
xo
pve
I know when we go to France I will definitely need an advisor!! xo K
I think that people have an aversion to hiring professionals for something they think they can do themselves. I say that just because you CAN do something doesn't mean you SHOULD do it. And that's why you will be planning our trip to Spain and other future adventures!