You can buy just about anything on the internet: shoes, dog sweaters, dinner delivery. And if they aren’t perfect, it’s usually no big deal. But for bigger purchases with more on the line—like a vacation—the search, click, checkout method can leave a lot of room for missed opportunities, overpayment, and underwhelming outcomes.
Working with a travel advisor is a smart way to eliminate those pitfalls. Today’s advisors are seasoned experts in all areas of leisure travel, whose exceptional service can help you get exactly the experience you’re hoping for. Travel advisors (like those of us at The Travel Team) offer valuable benefits that have DIY vacation booking beat.
Clarity amongst the clutter.
The amount of travel information available through a quick internet search can be overwhelming. There are so many sites, services, pins, posts, and opinions, and all of them claim to have the best deals, the best experiences, and the best advice. It’s enough to feel like you need a vacation from booking your vacation. Where do you even start?
By getting to know your priorities, preferences, and what you hope to get out of your trip, a travel advisor can narrow the endless possibilities down to a curated menu of highlights and itineraries tailored specifically to your interests, budget, and timeline. And if you’re considering the needs of other people—your family or a group of friends—an expert can plan with everyone’s input and ideas in mind to make sure each traveler gets the vacation they want.
Coping with current travel restrictions and closures.
Whether it’s navigating cross-border rules and entry restrictions during a pandemic or finding out how a natural disaster has affected a destination, travel advisors have the most current information on the realities of global travel, which can change daily. We’ll keep you informed throughout the planning process and while you’re away, if needed. And if a weather disaster, public safety event, or even a flight cancellation disrupts your trip at any point, your advisor will help get you home safely and advocate for any eligible refunds.
Destination expertise.
Where are the hidden gems? The picture-perfect spots? The can’t-miss experiences? The authentic dishes? Travel advisors have the answers. We specialize in specific locales like Africa and Europe or types of trips like cruises, Disney, or group excursions. We also receive ongoing training and certifications in destinations and properties around the globe, giving us up-to-date insider knowledge that can really elevate your experience.
Discounts and perks.
Online booking sites often promise the lowest possible price on big-ticket travel expenses like hotels and flights—but they aren’t always the best deal. There are often fine-print exceptions and extra fees, and they can really add up. A travel advisor factors in all of those hidden costs when presenting options, so you can make informed decisions based on your budget. We can also take the guesswork out of how far in advance to book and lock in the best price, knowing when airlines and resorts tend to offer sales or specials, and figuring out whether slight shifts in travel dates or departure times can offer surprising savings.
Travel advisors also get special access to tourism industry add-ons and upgrades that aren’t available to the general public. Having booked hundreds or even thousands of trips, the experts at The Travel Team have formed industry relationships that earn preferred rates, extra amenities and privileges, and dedicated service lines with all major airlines. And while The Travel Team is large enough to have lots of great supplier partnerships, we’re small enough to know exactly who among our clients would love the deals we drum up. We get to know our clients that well!
Coordination for a group.
Destination weddings, bachelorette getaways, family reunions. Getting everyone to the right place at the right time while juggling the main event details is a lot to handle, even for the most ambitious DIY planner. A travel advisor can share recommendations for the perfect location, sort out all of the specifics, and help guests with travel arrangements, so you can just enjoy the occasion. We’ll even work directly with your wedding planner to put together a weekend full of excursions, meals, and welcome gifts for guests surrounding the ceremony. And if your guests have questions or concerns, your travel advisor will handle those, too.
Security and protection.
Everyone has heard horror stories of travel scams and gimmicks, “all-inclusive” packages where everything costs extra, or a room with a view that looks nothing like the photos. But when you book through an experienced travel advisor who only works with verified vendors, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your trip will be as satisfying as you expected.
An advisor can also provide options for travel insurance and help you purchase coverage according to your concerns. After all, leisure travel is an investment of valuable time and expense—and it’s important that it come with adequate safeguards against loss and disappointment.
Saving you time and energy, so you can actually enjoy yourself.
Sometimes, a vacation is a godsend that follows a particularly crazy time in life—like a honeymoon following months of wedding planning; a getaway after a busy quarter of long days in the office; a respite from a semester of grueling dissertation work; or your last trip away before you become new parents. And while that trip is exactly what you need to replenish your energy, you have absolutely no time to scour dozens of websites to plan it. But a travel advisor does; in fact, it’s all we do! Our expertise and direct access to services means we’re able to put together a refreshing retreat in a fraction of the time, and we can take care of every last detail—not only flights and lodging, but also tours, theater tickets, day trips, tee times, spa treatments, and anything else you need for a complete escape.
The hours you can save by enlisting the help of a travel advisor are priceless. With a good, honest conversation about what you’re looking for, a Travel Team advisor can help you plan and book an incredible (and safeguarded) personalized vacation.
To see how an expert can make your next trip the getaway you’re craving, book a free consultation with a travel advisor at The Travel Team.
