The Top 6 Reasons to Use a Travel Advisor

With the variety of DIY travel options at our disposal seemingly replacing the need for the travel advisor, why use one? With the availability of vaccinations, more people than ever are starting to travel again, which is another reason travel advisors are in high demand. There are a LOT of reasons to use a travel advisor, but here are the top 6: 

1.         Expertise and Peace of Mind. 

Even during a “conventional” year, travel isn’t always straightforward, and with several moving parts, every vacation has some degree of risk. These risks have multiplied with COVID-19, and planning a vacation has become more complicated than ever. Ever-changing flights and travel protocols are only a couple of the challenges people face while traveling during the pandemic. Having a travel advisor take on that burden is very appealing to a lot of people. If things go wrong and a country shuts down, a hotel closes, or a trip or cruise gets canceled, the travel advisor has better tools to help get that refund or future travel credit, advocating on the client’s behalf.

2.         Convenience.  

Just as you might use another professional such as a financial planner, an interior designer, or an attorney, it makes sense to entrust your most valuable asset – your time – to a travel advisor. Most countries have not entirely reopened, or they’ve reopened with restrictions or reduced staffing. More people are competing for fewer hotel rooms, fewer tour guides, and fewer airplane seats. As a result, organizing a holiday could take three times longer as folks scour the internet and comb through scores of flight, hotel, and tour options. Then there’s the possibility of trip disruptions, which are more common in this day and age. Then there is analysis paralysis. How do you sort through the millions of pages that result in your Google search of “Beach Vacation Destinations” and find the one that’s right for you?  Working with a travel advisor, you won’t get more information, but you’ll gain clarity and save loads of valuable time in the process. 

3.         Exclusive Access.

Wouldn’t it be great to have insider information and access?  A travel advisor, especially one with a luxury consortium affiliation like Virtuoso, can secure special benefits that you can’t get on your own, such as complimentary breakfast, spa credits, and hotel upgrades. The world is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Suppose you’d like to see The Passion Play at Oberammergau (which only happens once every decade – the next one in 2022) or the Summer Olympics. In that case, travel advisors have access to the best tour packages and exclusive events and understand how to navigate the logistics.

4.         Save Money/Receive Value. 

Some people think that working with a travel advisor would cost more, but that isn’t necessarily the case!  With an extensive global network of travel industry partners, travel advisors have the relationships and expertise to offer exceptional value. For example, a luxury hotel in Las Vegas might be available online for $129 a night, and a Virtuoso travel advisor could secure a room at the same hotel for $145. However, for just $16 extra a night, the booking would include breakfast, a $100 resort credit, and a room upgrade!

5.         Experience on the Cutting Edge.

Travel advisors are on top of what’s new and exciting and have intel on the best times to experience crowded destinations. Have you ever dreamt of savoring Parisian cuisine and touring a Chateau in the Bordeaux region of France, enjoying a private cooking lesson in Rome, or bypassing the 3- hour line at the Vatican?  When you work with a knowledgeable travel advisor, the result is thoughtful, inspired travel advice tailored to you.

6.         Advocacy.

Have you ever missed your plane due to the weather or mechanical problem and waited with everyone else in line to rebook a canceled flight? Had a hurricane trap you on a Caribbean island? A trustworthy professional advisor will already know what’s going on and be working on a solution. For example, you’re stuck mid-air on a delayed flight and about to miss your connection. But your travel advisor is already working on rebooking you on the next flight out. A travel advisor is like your own personal travel concierge, available to help you out when you need it.

If you’re already working with a travel advisor, congratulations!  You are ahead of the rest.  If not, I’d love to help you plan your next adventure!  Whether you prefer an organized tour or a customized itinerary made especially for you, I can help you Go Your Own Way!  Contact Premiere Luxury Travel today to get started!