Why You Should Use A Travel Advisor?

WHY YOU SHOULD USE A TRAVEL ADVISOR?

Introduction

Travel Advisors utilize their extensive knowledge, connections, and industry experiences to plan your perfect vacation, while providing essential support throughout every stage of your journey.

Just consider all the destination, flight, and amenity options available to you. In years past, you might find a great vacation deal, block out the dates, and go. Now, you need to know every detail of your trip from start to finish. That’s where travel advisors come in.

Travel advisors are special. They continue their education, earn certifications, and conduct research to deliver the right solutions for you. In addition, travel advisors have traveled the world themselves. As genuine travel enthusiasts, they have the best firsthand knowledge and add a friendly touch that can’t be obtained from online research.

With so many variables, it’s best to rely on the professionals. You have questions. They have answers and personal investment in you to build dream vacations.

What Is A Travel Advisor?

You’re likely familiar with the term “Travel Agent.” It’s existed since the mid-1800s—and vastly outdated! Therefore, nowadays many Travel Agents turn to become “Travel Advisors” instead.

The reason is simple: Travel Advisors do so much more for customers than just sell travel. They provide guidance at every step of the process, from pre-booking, to your return. Advisors also study every aspect of the travel industry—including amenities, safety measures, and the ins-and-outs of insurance policies—all to make sure they’re providing the most up-to-date advice possible.

If you’re not familiar with advisors or ever considered using one, now’s a good time to get acquainted.

Are Travel Advisors Worth It?

When the subject of travel advisors comes up, there’s an inevitable follow-up: Are they worth it? The answer is, “Yes, Travel Advisors are always worth It!"

Why? There are so many variables involved with travel: How to score great deals, find the perfect destination, upgrade amenities, and prepare for any unforeseeable issues. Who wouldn’t want someone in their corner through it all? Let’s discuss three ways travel advisors are worth it.

They advise you

You might go to a travel advisor with a specific dream vacation in mind, or perhaps just an idea—and they find the perfect option. Advisors may also change your mind about a particular destination, and recommend something you weren’t even aware of. It’s meant to be a conversational, friendly process.

They’re supportive before and during your trip

Have you ever tried to get someone on the phone when your flight’s been canceled out of the blue? Do you have lingering questions about your itinerary when you arrive at your destination? Your advisors are there for you at every stage of your trip!

Let's check these:

Are Travel Agent Worth It?

So, you want to go on a trip.

What’s your usual starting point? Maybe you bring up Google and type in the simple query, “Where should I go on vacation?” Maybe you poll your friends on trips they’ve recently taken. Or, if you have a particular destination in mind, you immediately begin tracking down cheap flights and hotel stays.

That was all fine and good prior to 2020, but travel has fundamentally changed due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and booking behaviors have changed along with it.

In the past, travel agents were “worth it” based on the type of vacation you wanted. For example, if you sought a solo trip for a few days at a low cost, you could probably find a cost-effective solution without consulting an expert. But if you wanted to travel as a large group, embark on a luxurious trip, score a cruise deal, or go somewhere more exotic, then working with a travel agent was the right path.

Now, travel agents (or advisors in the parlance of the industry) are far more valuable, not only in booking vacations but also in providing guidance. You can transfer the time-consuming tasks of locking in flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and multiple stops to them, while also receiving up-to-date information on whether or not you should travel at all.

Regardless of the situation, here’s why speaking to a travel agent is worth it.

YOU DON'T PAY THEM

Let’s start with this one because it’s probably what brought you here in the first place. While budget is always a concern when you book travel, you don’t actually pay the agents themselves.

Yes, you read that right!

A common misconception is that you cover your travel agent's commission. In reality, travel agents get paid a percentage from the vendors that you end up booking with. And that means they have your best interests in mind. If they provide you with a great vacation, you’ll come back to them when it comes time to hit the road again.

THEY'RE PERSONAL

Think of a time when you bundled a trip using a booking website. After you chose your flights, perhaps the site suggested lodging with a discount attached to it. Or maybe the site provided information about renting a car. Each step begot another without real guidance on how it fit your preferred vacation.

That’s where travel agents are most helpful: They’re human.

Agents won’t suggest anything without listening first. They take the time to get to know you, your vacation desires, and your preferences, and understand the dynamics of exactly the kind of trip you want to take.

In cultivating this relationship, they can provide honest feedback and advice. On one hand, this might be a travel advisory—a certain destination might have health concerns or other calamities. On the other, they may find an alternative location that better fits your personality and that of your fellow travelers.

For example, let’s say you want to travel to the Caribbean. You might think one island is the right place for you based on prices and your own research. Your agent will either confirm that assumption—and help fulfill your wishes—or steer you in a direction that will really deliver you a dream vacation.

They communicate constantly to make sure they meet your standards and fit your budget, before and after you book. That’s crucial. If you’ve ever had a flight canceled (or you missed one for that matter), you understand the frustration of dealing with booking engines directly. Now, you have a person to talk through the process with and ensure you get to your destination as soon as possible. Who knows? You might just develop a friendship.

THEY KNOW YOUR DESTINATION

You book travel for pleasure. Agents do it for a living. Just as you would in your profession, agents are constantly improving their craft. That means identifying the best communication methods, following trends, and researching.

One of the best things about working with a travel agent is their knowledge and expertise regarding your desired vacation spot. Whether you're looking for a personalized Disney vacation, or an unforgettable European cruise, there's an agent out there who specializes in planning it all. A lot of times, vendors will offer agents complimentary vacations so they can experience for themselves exactly what they’re selling.

Even if it’s not a cruise or specialized trip, agents work on your behalf. They know the ins and outs of transportation—whether to rent a car, rely on public transit, or consider alternatives. They can tell you what nearby attractions are worth your time, and which to skip. And they can advise you on restaurants and fun activities based on your group size.

THEY HAVE SPECIAL ACCESS TO DEALS

Here’s a secret of the travel industry: Some of the best deals aren’t available to the public. They’re hidden from search engines and booking websites. However, through partnerships or subscriptions, travel agents have access to these deals, whether they’re upgrades, lower rates, or all-inclusive packages at a discounted price.

Sometimes, these deals also come with perks. So when you book a hotel with your agent, don’t be surprised to find yourself treated like a VIP—well, you are a very important person to your agent!

THEY'LL THINK OF THE THINGS YOU WOULDN'T

Travel agents do this all the time, so it's normal that they'll think of the things you might simply overlook. For example: Did you know that some countries won't allow you in if your passport has a few too many stamps? Or, what about that small plane you need to take to get to that Greek island? Your travel agent knows all the missing pieces that you don't, ensuring your trip will run smoothly, from beginning to end.

So the next time you want to take a trip, consider enlisting the expertise of an online travel agent. They'll provide the right solutions, if you ask the right questions.

You'll receive invaluable guidance from an experienced and knowledgeable professional and also enjoy that all-important peace of mind that comes from knowing you're in good hands. You will soon be embarking on the trip of a lifetime!

4 Ways Your Travel Agent Is Your BFF

Published August 5, 2016. Updated July 30, 2020.

Travel agents know us—it’s their job to.

They know what we like. They know our favorite foods and our favorite activities. They know our budgets, whether we like to fly private or commercial, coach or first class, and they know where we like to go with our fams during summer vacation. (They also know the upcoming family reunion isn’t really as exciting as it sounds.)

If that reads more like a friendship, it should. The better you know your agent, and the better they know you, the more you can both benefit from the relationship.

You’d be surprised how far customization goes, not to mention the honest advice that will deliver your dream vacations. Every detail matters, and to get there you need to establish trust.

Are travel agents your true best friend forever? Maybe not, but they have the ability to provide unforgettable memories.

Here are four ways that your travel agent is your BFF:

THEY'RE LOYAL TO YOU

Your travel agent should have your best interests in mind. As they discover your preferences and analyze your budgets, they put a plan in place to give you the most bang for your buck. That involves a level of loyalty to ensure there’s no stone left unturned.

What happens when something goes awry, though? Your flight gets canceled, a reservation slips through the cracks, or weather impacts your itinerary?

Don’t worry. Your travel agent has your back. Your loyal agent will drop everything to make sure you’re taken care of. They want you to have a positive travel experience so when it comes time for you to hit the road again, you’ll give them another call.

THEY GIVE YOU BETTER DEALS THAN ANYBODY ELSE

In true BFF fashion, your travel agent delivers the best deals for you. Think of it from a different perspective. When you plug details into a travel app, you can’t be sure you’re finding the true lowest rates. Even if you do, they most often come with minimal perks.

That’s not an issue with travel agents.

Rather than those search engine frenemies, your travel agent actually knows 'hot deals' way before the search engines reveal them to you. And only a real BFF wouldn’t keep such awesome secret prices from you.

You know they'd share them with you because that's who they are.

THEY KNOW YOUR LIKES AND DISLIKES

Aisle seat or window seat, jungle excursion or cocktail on the beach, trip to the museum or food tour through the city, your travel agent knows your preferences. That can make all the difference in turning a great vacation to something unforgettable as each stage is customized for you.

The personalization extends to everyone with whom you travel, from your significant other to your children. Personalized and special? That’s a true BFF move.

THEY'VE HELPED MAKE YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES HAPPEN

Or at least they have for hundreds of other people. So what are you waiting for?

They’ve planned spring breaks for best friends. They’ve planned romantic getaways for couples’ anniversaries and proposals. They’ve delivered eventful bachelor and bachelorette parties, honeymoons, babymoons, and family vacations.

They’ve designed perfect group outings that have had people reminiscing for years: cruises, retreats, and so much more.

You name it, and travel agents have been part of it, smiling for their clients every step of the way.

When somebody has been able to help create such lasting memories, you’ve gotta admit that they’re pretty special.

They always add value

Travel advisors help find the best deals on flights, hotels, activities, and more—and use their connections with hotels, airlines, and tour operators to secure exclusive deals and perks. These include room upgrades, complimentary meals, spa treatments, and much more.

How Travel Advisors Save You Money

Despite the proliferation of discount flight and hotel websites, travel advisors play an important role in the industry and represent a budget-friendly option for would-be tourists. They save you money, time, and energy. Here’s how!

They don’t charge you fees

While under certain circumstances some advisors do charge a small fee for their services, most of Travel Advisors don't. Instead, they make money from commissions paid by the vendor or supplier you book with. That means no extra cost to you.

You won’t overpay

We know, we know. There are plenty of booking sites that guarantee low or no fees, and the best prices on the market. However, on many occasions, you’ll pay less when working with an advisor than if you were booking on your own. Travel advisors have the inside scoop and spend a lot of time and energy cultivating industry relationships, so they’re always finding the best deals possible. It’s an industry secret that booking engines actually don’t always offer the best deals.

They’ll avoid common mistakes

Since you likely don’t plan trips every day, it can be easy to make mistakes, and those can cost you money. What if you book the wrong group excursion, or accidentally reserve your hotel for the wrong dates? A travel advisor won’t have this issue, and their knowledge will likely save you money.

They can get you extra perks

Their industry relationships translate to discounted prices, VIP upgrades, or perks—at no extra cost. If you thought an upgrade was out of the question, think again. Then ask your advisor.

They can find packages and group rates

Travel advisors will be able to save you even more money by bundling flights, hotels, and other aspects of your trip. Traveling with a large group? They’ll find savings while also ensuring you’re all on the same flights—and sitting together, too!

How Travel Agents Save You Money

Traveling is a wonderful opportunity to explore exciting new places, embrace diverse cultures and perspectives, and create cherished memories abroad—but it can also be expensive.

The solution that savvy travelers have turned to is working with travel advisors. These knowledgeable professionals utilize their expertise, industry connections, and cost-saving strategies to make your dream trip more affordable than you ever imagined.

Here are several ways advisors maximize the value of your trip while saving you money.

They Arrange Personalized Itineraries for Your Budget

One of the most significant advantages of working with a travel advisor is the personalized touch they bring to your travel experience. They take the time to understand your preferences, interests, and travel aspirations, and armed with this information, curate customized itineraries reflecting these to ensure every element of your trip is exactly what you dreamed of.

They also understand that every traveler has different financial considerations, and they excel at maximizing the value you get for your money. Whether it's suggesting affordable accommodations, identifying cost-effective activities, or recommending alternative routes that help you stretch your budget, they are adept at finding creative solutions that make your trip not only memorable, but also more affordable.

They Don't Charge Fees to Travelers

Well, while some charge a fee for their services, most advisors don’t. It's a little-known fact that travel advisors actually earn their money from commissions paid by the vendor or supplier you book with, so booking comes at no extra cost to you. This means you can get access to a dedicated travel professional who helps you behind the scenes—at no additional charge.

They Secure Extra Perks

Since they do this all the time, travel agents know a thing or two about scoring VIP experiences and extra perks, at no additional charge.

They have access to exclusive deals and offers from travel suppliers that can make your trip even better. If you thought an upgrade was out of your price-range, ask your advisor, and be pleasantly surprised.

They Save You Time & Eliminate Frustration

This kind of savings might not be monetary, but minimizing the amount of time it takes to book a vacation is one of the top reasons why enlisting their expertise rules so much.

Whether researching destinations, comparing prices or coordinating logistics, it's easy to get lost in a sea of information. This is where travel advisors shine. By entrusting them with the planning process, you free up valuable time that can be better spent on other aspects of your life.

There's no need to waste hours trying to figure out accommodations and itineraries. Your advisor has got it all covered, and probably with a deal, too.

They Help You Avoid Common Mistakes

Since you're likely not planning trips every day, it can be easy to make costly mistakes.

What if you book the wrong group excursion or accidentally reserve your hotel for the wrong dates? Travel professionals don’t have such issues. Their extensive knowledge enables them to navigate the intricacies of the industry—from simplifying complex fare structures, eliminating hidden fees, and keeping abreast of ever-changing regulations.

They Find Packages & Group Rates

Travel advisors save you even more money by bundling flights, hotels, and other aspects of your trip. Traveling with a large group? They'll get you even more savings, while also ensuring you're all on the same flights—and sitting together, too!

You gain access to a wealth of knowledge, industry connections, and insider tips that can significantly impact your travel budget. Travel advisors serve as your trusted allies, guiding you through the travel landscape and helping you decipher an overwhelming amount of information.

No matter what sort of vacation experience you’re after, the best way to plan your next trip is by working Travel Advisors.

Whether you're a budget-conscious traveler looking for the best deals or seeking a seamless, customized travel experience, travel advisors are the secret weapons to achieving your travel goals—while saving money along the way!

Can Online Travel Agencies Secure Upgrades?

There are many different factors and considerations that come into play when planning your travel online, but scoring travel upgrades and bonuses can make a huge difference in your overall experience.

When it comes to securing these awesome perks, an online travel advisor will be your best friend and a truly invaluable resource. Part of the inherent value that travel advisors provide to their clients is the relationships they foster with travel destinations and suppliers, and much of the appeal of working with an online travel advisor is the prospect that they can secure additional travel perks that can add value to your trip.

Really, the question isn’t if a travel advisor secure travel upgrades, but what kind and how many?!

Here are some of the ways travel advisors achieve upgrades for their clients:

Airline Upgrades

Through your travels, an experienced advisor will work tirelessly to make your travel arrangements as comfortable and convenient as possible, while obtaining upgrades to make getting to your destination even better.

If you plan on flying, your advisor can contact an airline representative to inquire about ticket discounts, seat upgrades, and credits for food and drinks.

Hotel Perks

Advisors are well accustomed to forging connections with travel suppliers and hospitality companies, and leveraging these to create a better all-around experience for their clients.

They can often secure hotel and accommodation perks such as room upgrades, discounts, and extra amenities.

Cruise Bonuses

Cruise lines rely heavily on their advisor connections to book rooms, and many offer exclusive programs and offerings to further entice travelers—including onboard spending credits, private car rides, guided tours at your port of call, and access to shipboard shows, events, or activities. Advisors have more negotiating power to secure preferred cabins or room upgrades if available.

Luxury Travel Treats

Working with an advisor is a must for those planning a luxury vacation. From hotel choices to fine restaurant reservations, they can ensure you get the VIP treatment by providing the absolute best of everything, including extras such as private car rides, complimentary breakfasts or desserts, and even spa credits.

Travel Rewards & More

Frequent travelers may have signed up for one of several travel rewards programs— either through their job, travel sites, loyalty programs or credit card offerings—and advisors can navigate these various elements to earn clients upgrades and enhance their trips even further.

Advisors are often members of preferred partner programs for hotels, airlines, car rentals, resorts, and more—along with additional upgrades and special rates that wouldn’t be available through any other channel.

While you certainly can book a trip by yourself, it won’t be the same as if you’d worked with a travel advisor. They have industry connections and clout with travel suppliers, and can leverage those relationships to score extraordinary upgrades for travelers otherwise unattainable on their own.

These are mutual partnerships wherein advisors recommend hotels, cruise lines or other travel arrangements, and the suppliers offer exclusive travel incentives, as well as commissions for advisors. These extras also come at no additional cost when utilizing a travel advisor.

All in all, the best way to get the most out of your trip while securing valuable travel upgrades is to enlist the right travel advisor to help. And you can always find the best one for all your needs at InteleTravel.

Our InteleTravel Advisors always go above and beyond to ensure their clients experience the best trip possible—always striving to exceed expectations. With our extensive network of travel partners and supplier connections, we can get you where you want, in style.

If you’re ready to upgrade your travel experience, contact Nonki Travel Advisor today to begin planning your next dream vacation.

You Need a Travel Advisor If You’re Booking Group Travel

If you’ve ever attempted to schedule brunch over a group text, you’ve probably dealt with the nightmare of trying to find a date, time, and location that works best for everyone. Now imagine doing that for something as important and logistically challenging as a group vacation.

That’s where a good travel advisor comes in. They save you time, money, and the hassle of figuring out logistics. Here are the top reasons why you should use a travel advisor for group travel.

Travel advisors will save you money

Travel advisors can find tours that suit your needs (that aren’t otherwise listed publicly), leverage their relationships with different travel partners (airlines and hotels) to find discounts, and even score you upgrades and unlisted perks. (Champagne upon check-in, anyone?)

Finally, when you use a travel advisor, you can book by putting down deposits rather than paying up front. That means your group can choose where to go, where to stay, and what to do without worrying about immediate costs.

Travel advisors will take care of the logistics

You don’t need a member of your group to be a glorified event planner to schedule a nice vacation that works for everyone. No matter what sort of vacation experience you’re after, travel advisors can handle your group’s planning and booking with ease.

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or seeking the heights of luxury, advisors will work for all members of your group while prioritizing each individual’s needs. They’ll also be able to book room blocks, and identify any necessary additional documentation. For example, say you’re going to an international destination, and one of your friends has a passport from a country that has visa requirements. They schedule your trip from start to finish, in a time- and money-saving manner.

Travel advisors can make recommendations

Say you and a friend really want to go whitewater rafting, while the other two members of your group would rather have a spa day. All four of you agree that you don’t want to spend a day apart. Travel advisors are trained to be able to advise you on alternate locations, solutions to logistical problems, and anything else that might occur. They might even be able to find whitewater rafting hosted by a hotel that has a spa.

Travel Advisors can help fix any hiccups or mistakes

Your travel advisor doesn’t just book flights and accommodations. They advocate for you. Say one of your friends’ flights gets canceled, or you schedule a group tour, and the tour company only reserves five seats when you actually need six. Instead of wasting precious vacation time on the phone, you can alert your travel advisor, and they will talk to airlines, tour operators, and whoever else on your behalf. Just focus on having a fun time with your friends.

Travel Advisors Will Help You Avoid These Mistakes

From forgetting important paperwork to blanking on must-experience activities along the way, there are many ways to bungle a trip—all of which you can avoid if you work with a travel advisor.

Here are several common travel mistakes:

Forgetting Visa Information

Imagine booking a flight for your dream vacation months in advance and waiting eagerly. When the day finally arrives, you hop on your flight, and when you disembark, customs asks for your visa. If you don’t have one, you’ll have to go back home.

This happens more often than you might think, by and large because online booking engines don’t require visa confirmation or include such information when you buy tickets.

If you work with an advisor, however, they will tell you exactly what’s required. Visas, passports, whatever else you need—your advisor will let you know before you purchase a single thing.

Overstretching Yourself by Overbooking Your Itinerary

One common mistake travelers make is trying to fit too much into their itineraries. Yes, you only have so much time to explore your destination, and that means trying to maximize every moment. But that doesn’t mean you have to do everything.

The best trips allow for flexibility. Our advisors are experts at developing itineraries that are fun but not overloaded, meaning you’ll return home actually rested and relaxed. Plus, they can help you reschedule excursions, in case any fun new opportunities pop up.

Relying Too Heavily on Guide Books

Relying solely on a guide book will limit your experiences to the recommendations of the author, and the pricing and scheduling information and restaurants/bars available at the time it was printed.

Travel advisors build contacts all over the world and have access to local attractions and activities you won’t find in a guide book. New restaurant openings, unlisted tour groups, and new hotels (and perhaps a discount or two) are all in the cards when you work with an advisor.

Exchanging Currency at the Airport

This is the kind of thing that gets overlooked when you’re booking on your own, but when you have an expert to advise you, they’ll remind you of all the little ways to save money, including when exchanging currencies. Advisors can find the best rates at your destination, and advise you about local banks in your area that will do low-cost exchanges in the currencies you need.

Not Researching the Local Culture & Climate

What should you wear? What rules are there? What is the etiquette when it comes to dining, drinking—heck, even just walking around? What is the busiest time of year to visit? Is it the same as the best time of year to visit? And what will the weather be like when you get there?

These are all exactly the kinds of inquiries travel advisors answer.

Booking Complicated Flights to Save Money & Wasting Time Instead

Time is money. At least, that’s how the old adage goes. Which is why it’s important to spend a little bit more if it means additional time to enjoy your trip. Travel advisors explore all logistical options to ensure you minimize your transit duration and maximize vacation time, without blowing your budget.

Travel Advisors & Travel Insurance

Travel advisors help with all your vacation plans. They also prove indispensable for unplanned events. The list of things that could go wrong with travel is exhaustive. There are mechanical issues with planes that cause delays. There are extreme shifts in weather that could cancel a flight or have you miss a connection. Then there’s the ever-present possibility of getting sick at the wrong time.

No matter the unfortunate circumstances, you shouldn’t have to worry about the steps to take next. Travel advisors are great resources for meaningful solutions, and during the booking process, will recommend the best travel insurance plan. Here are just a handful of the travel insurance questions they can answer for you.

Who should get travel insurance?

The short answer is everybody. You never know what events can affect your trips, and better yet, you want to have solutions and a plan to recoup your losses should you lose time, luggage, or an entire vacation.

Doesn’t the airline have me covered?

This is a narrow way of looking at travel. Airlines might get you on the next available flight, but they don’t necessarily take care of hotel stays or lost meals. It’s best to have a comprehensive protection plan that covers all aspects of your trip.

Are cruises covered under travel insurance?

Travel insurance doesn’t usually cover cruise vacations, but when you work with a travel advisor, they can easily secure specialized cruise insurance to ensure you’re covered for missed ports, unused excursions, cabin confinements, medical emergencies, and more.

Isn’t insurance too expensive?

If you look at the insurance as an upfront cost, it might appear as an unnecessary add-on to an already expensive purchase. Instead, consider the cost per day. Let’s say you’re offered a $100 insurance plan for a 10-day vacation. Would you pay $10 per day for peace of mind, especially when emergencies could prove far more costly than that? You probably would.

Aren’t all plans the same?

No, they aren’t. Not all insurance providers are the same, nor are vacations. You wouldn’t necessarily purchase the same plan for a domestic resort that you would for a two-week European excursion. That’s why it’s so important to work with a reputable company. Your travel advisor can help in this regard by talking you through the plan options, and finding the right one for you that fits your budget and protects you if and when things go awry.

Work With Travel Advisor for All Your Travel Planning Needs

Working with a dedicated and knowledgeable Travel Advisor who specializes in your preferred travel style and destinations will ensure you have an unforgettable vacation experience.

They’ll handle everything from arranging a custom itinerary based on your preferences, to booking the myriad aspects of your trip—from flights and accommodations to events and activities. You can get in contact with them anytime before, during, and after your travels to ensure a truly stress-free trip!

How they do it?

Check here for instance.

[Courtesy of InteleTravel]