8 Reasons Why You Need Us

With almost a decade working in the travel and tourism industry, I’ve learned a thing or two about booking your dream vacation online. While the web has made it much easier than ever before to find and book (and save on) a villa rental in Tuscany or anywhere else you want to go, there’s an increasing number of websites that will do anything to make your vacation dreams come true. But many of these sites also open you up to problems you don’t have time for - such as hidden taxes, bogus security deposits, not telling you that the place is a hovel or has no air conditioning . . . .time spent researching can easily be lost down the rabbit hole of the web only to never return.

Travel advisors play a unique role in the travel ecosystem, but our importance to consumers has proven time and time again that it is often best to leave the planning to a pro. According to Forbes, "The travel agent's role as an advisor increased the more expensive the trip. Among the most expensive leisure trips — those costing $10,000 or more — three-quarters of travelers used an agent for pre-trip planning and about half used one for trip booking."

Nevertheless, if you’ve ever booked a flight or a hotel room online, you’ve no doubt discovered the substantial perks to booking via an online travel agency (OTA). Of course, there are also some downsides. The reality is that while it was widely predicted that the internet was going to kill off travel agents when digital tools were placed at every traveler’s disposal, that just hasn’t happened, for several good reasons…

I thought I’d share with our readers some of the top reasons why you should never travel without the counsel of a professional travel advisor:

1. Travel advisors have your back when you need an advocate.

If something goes wrong on your trip, a good travel advisor will go to bat for you and try to get your vacation back on track. When my clients travel, it’s like I’m traveling. Advisors make ourselves readily available via phone, email, messenger or text to assist our clients in times of need.

2. Travel advisors have exclusive access.

Travel advisors have access to a variety of tools that the average consumer is not able to use or doesn’t know about. We can sometimes get you a better seat on an airplane, added amenities at hotels, room upgrades, event tickets, and plan activities for you.

3. Travel advisors are connected.

Travel advisors are globally connected and clients can take advantage of those connections in the form of exclusive deals, experiences and service in and around their destination.

4. Travel is more complicated than ever.

With new cruise ships constantly coming online, new resorts and new airline fare categories, keeping up with so many options is a full-time job. Having a professional help with the planning and logistics can have a big impact on both how much you spend and how much you enjoy your vacation.

5. Travel advisors add a human element.

Travel advisors are invested in our clients’ happiness and satisfaction and want to make sure each and every trip results in positive lifelong memories. We listen, suggest, adjust, understand and become a friend … not just a search engine or an automated voice. I’m with you before, during and after your trip.

6. Travel advisors really do know more than you.

Has the Caribbean recovered from the most recent hurricane? Is it safe to travel to the Middle East? Travel advisors don’t just sell a destination, we discover, research and experience the places we offer, over and over. You can cut your own hair, prepare your own taxes and brew your own coffee, but a professional can do it better. You can also plan your own vacation…good luck with that.

7. Travel advisors save you time.

Planning a trip is hard work, and you never know what to believe. Travel advisors travel the world, exploring every detail, from the size of the rooms in hotels and cruise ships to dining options on-site and nearby. If I haven’t personally been where you want to go, I know someone who has. Advisors can answer your questions quickly and correctly.

8. Travel advisors often save you money, but more importantly deliver more value.

Even if your travel advisor charges a fee, the value you receive will be bigger than what you paid. Cruise lines and many resorts get the majority of their customers through travel advisors, rewarding us with perks to share with you.

So what are you waiting for? Leave the stress to us and let’s Experience Different!