Working with a travel advisor vs. DIY travel planning
One of the most common questions travel advisors get asked is, “Do I really need a travel advisor when I can plan the trip myself?”. The answer isn’t really that simple. While I love my job and my clients, I’ll be the first to admit that working with a travel advisor isn’t the best idea for everyone. There are reasons to do either, so read on to figure out if working with a travel advisor is a good fit for you.
Time & Effort
My clients often have demanding lifestyles and limited time, so it can be a relief to have a dedicated advisor handle all the logistical details of their trip, including transportation, accommodations, and activities. Planning a trip on your own can also be stressful and time-consuming. There are a lot of details to consider, and it can be difficult to know where to start. Additionally, you may not have access to the same level of information and resources that a travel advisor has, which could make it more difficult to make informed decisions and find the best fit for you and your travel companions.
But if you’ve got the time to spend doing the research and piecing everything together, and it’s something that helps to build the anticipation and excitement of your trip, then having someone else take over might not be what you’re looking for.
Knowledge & Expertise
Beyond my own extensive experience, I have a large network of fellow travel professionals around the world who can provide me with current, first-hand knowledge. I have access to a wealth of information and resources that can help your trip come together more efficiently and effectively. I can help you find the best flight itineraries, hotels & resorts, land transportation, and VIP tours & experiences that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to find on your own. I’m also there to help you navigate the fine print of booking policies and fees, so that you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
If you’re someone who enjoys flying by the seat of your pants (so to speak) and loves the satisfaction of having found something great all on your own (perhaps before it really becomes popular), then working with a travel advisor might take some of the excitement away from your experience.
Trust & Partnership
A good advisor will be your planning partner, and there will be a mutual level of respect & trust. You have to trust that the advisor is a professional who knows what they’re doing and that they will listen to your preferences and make recommendations accordingly. Working with a travel advisor means that you will need to give up some control over your trip planning process, but if you’re truly a partner with your advisor, you’ll also be giving up a lot of the stress & aggravation that often comes with planning travel.
When it comes to planning a trip yourself, you have complete control over the process. You can take as much time as you need to research the best flights, hotels, and activities for your trip, and you can make all of your own decisions based on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re someone who has a hard time letting go of that control, then working with a travel advisor will be purely transactional—and while that might work for some advisors, that’s not the type of relationship I’m looking for in a client.
Cost & Value
When I’m working on a trip, my number one priority is making the entire process, from start to finish, seamless for my clients. I design itineraries that best match what my clients want & need from their trip - not what is least expensive. My clients pay a fee for my professional services and, in turn, I add value to their travel experience by planning & managing the entire process. I’m a firm believer that cost and value are two completely different things, and they don’t often align; with travel, you are more likely than not to get what you pay for.
So if you are looking for a bargain-basement deal, I’m not your girl. First off, my professional planning fee will likely turn bargain travelers into travel DIYers, especially if they’re trying to keep their costs as low as possible. I also tend to work with luxury travelers, so my expertise doesn’t align with bargain vacations—but there are plenty of travel advisors who do work with lower budget travelers (this is another example of finding the right partner).
The Bottom Line
Working with a travel advisor isn’t for everyone, but hopefully you now have a better sense of whether or not it’s a good fit for you. If you would like to learn more, or if you’re interested in seeing if we’re a travel-planning dream team, click HERE.
