What Does a Travel Advisor Actually Do? And Why Should You Book Your Trip With One?

Every once in a while, someone I know will casually say, “Oh, by the way, we just booked a cruise.”

And I’m thinking: You did what?

These are often people who know I own a travel agency (my sister, I’m talking to you!). Some read my weekly e-zine faithfully. They ask where I’ve been, what I think about a particular cruise line, or where they should travel next.

Yet it never occurred to them to book their trip through me. Sometimes they simply don’t understand what a travel advisor does. Others don’t want to “bother” me.

So let’s clear that up.

You’re not bothering me. This, quite literally, is my business.

I hesitated writing this because I was afraid it would come across as self-serving. That is not my intent at all.

Calling me about your vacation isn’t asking your neighbor or friend, Shannon, for a favor. You’re doing business with a professional travel advisor. And it breaks my heart to think I could have added so much to make your trip even better, but never got the chance.

And you might be surprised by how many different ways we could work together.

I’m Not Just Here to Make Reservations

If all you need is the cheapest flight from Nashville to Chicago next Tuesday, I’m probably not the person you need. What I do is help people make better decisions about trips that are important to them.

Which cruise line actually fits the way you like to travel? Is that expensive hotel worth it? Which tour company will give you the experience you want? Should you spend more on business class or put that money toward private guides and better hotels? There are thousands of choices, and the most expensive option isn’t necessarily the best. I’m here to make sure you get the best value for your money.

I learn what matters to you, what doesn’t, where you’re willing to splurge, and where you’d rather save. Then I use my experience, resources, and long-standing industry relationships to help you choose accordingly.

Sometimes my most valuable advice is telling you what not to book.

“But I Can Book It Directly”

Of course you can. But before you do, ask yourself: What advantage am I getting by booking direct?

Cruise lines, tour operators, and hotels have sales and distribution costs built into their business models, including advisor compensation where applicable. Booking directly doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve eliminated those costs or found a lower price.

What you may eliminate is the advisor working on your behalf (because the cruise line’s reservations department is not your advocate).

When you book eligible travel with me, I can also look for benefits available through my agency affiliations and preferred relationships. Depending on the supplier, rate, and program, those might include hotel credits, complimentary breakfast, shipboard or hotel credits, upgrades when available, early check-in or late checkout, special experiences, and other amenities.

I won’t promise a benefit that hasn’t been confirmed. But if you’re spending the money anyway, I want you to receive everything available to you.

And at times the greatest benefit isn’t an amenity at all. It’s having an advocate.

When Something Goes Wrong

Nobody thinks about this part while clicking “Book Now.”

Flights get canceled. Transfers don’t show up. Cruise itineraries change. Hotels make mistakes. Family emergencies happen. If you booked everything yourself, you’re also responsible for figuring out what happens next.

When you’ve booked through me, you have someone who knows your trip, knows the suppliers involved, and has professional contacts and channels available to help resolve problems.

I can’t control the weather, airlines, or every decision a hotel makes. But you don’t have to figure everything out alone.

What I Don’t Do

I’m not a bargain-hunting service for someone who wants hours of research and recommendations so they can take my work and book everything themselves.

And I’m not necessarily the right resource for every inexpensive hotel night, domestic airline ticket, or simple weekend trip.

Most importantly, “luxury” doesn’t mean I automatically recommend the most expensive choice.

Sometimes the upgrade is worth every penny. Sometimes I’d rather see you spend that money somewhere else. My job is to help you know the difference.

3 Ways to Work With Me

1. Plan It for Me

You’re planning an international vacation, cruise, river cruise, safari, milestone celebration, multigenerational trip, or another vacation where you want professional guidance from the beginning.

I’ll help you evaluate the options and create a trip based on your interests, travel style, and budget. Depending on the trip’s complexity, professional planning fees may apply, and I’ll explain them before we begin.

Best for: Travelers who want personalized planning, professional advice, and help managing the details.

2. I Already Know What I Want

You’ve already chosen the cruise, tour, or luxury hotel. Great. Call me before you book it.

I can check the details, see whether preferred benefits are available through my agency relationships, and make the reservation for you when appropriate. You can do your own research and choose your own trip while still having a professional advisor attached to the reservation.

Best for: Travelers who enjoy researching but want the benefits and support that can come from booking through a trusted advisor.

3. I’ll Book It Myself

Yes, there’s an option for my DIY travelers, too.

I have my own Virtuoso hotel booking site where you can search participating hotels, compare rates, and make your own reservation. On eligible bookings, you can receive the applicable Virtuoso amenities associated with the hotel and rate.

It’s perfect for that spur-of-the-moment weekend getaway when you know exactly where you want to stay and would rather book it yourself at 10:30 at night. You don’t need to worry about “bothering Shannon” over a hotel reservation. You can use my site.

Best for: Independent travelers who don’t need planning assistance but still want access to applicable Virtuoso benefits.

Before You Click “Book Now”

Here’s the easiest rule to remember: If you’re about to spend a meaningful amount of money on a cruise, tour, resort, or vacation, contact me before you book it. You may need me to plan the entire trip.

Maybe you’ve already done the research and want me to handle the reservation. You may want to book your own Virtuoso hotel through my site. And occasionally, I’ll tell you that you really don’t need me for that particular trip.

There isn’t only one way to work with me.

What I don’t want is to hear six months later: “We just got back from the most amazing cruise. We booked it directly with the cruise line.”

I’ll be happy that you had a wonderful trip. But I’ll probably still be thinking: You know I own a travel agency, right?