4 Reasons To Hire A Travel Advisor
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Do you need to hire a travel advisor? It depends. Not every trip requires expert planning, and not every person believes they need to consult with an expert.
However, if you are planning a few weeks in multiple locations outside the US, here are 4 reasons to consider hiring a travel advisor.
4 Reasons To Hire A Travel Advisor
1-Time
Ask yourself, "Do I have the time to do all the planning?
The Internet allows you to book your trip anywhere, but the choices are overwhelming.
For example, your Google search begins with "traveling to Italy" or perhaps "popular destinations in Italy." Both searches will yield close to a MILLON responses. Need transportation? Searching "trains in Italy" delivers just under a MILLION results!
You may not need to hire a travel advisor if you have time to research for hours and thoroughly enjoy sifting through the information.
Conversely, if you find the choices overwhelming, hire a travel advisor. Travel advisors keep you focused. By eliminating millions of options- you can focus on decisions that will create the experience you have been dreaming of.
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2-Expertise
Ask yourself, “Do I have the expertise to do all the planning?”
I get it. I love the challenge and reward of accomplishment. But..how often did the challenge “appear simple” and become a nightmare?
Have you ever tried to put a screen protector on your cell phone?
Cancel your gym membership?
Put a dollar in a vending machine? I rest my (suit) case.
Sometimes, we don’t know what we don’t know. You could book a beautiful room on the Amalfi coast, only to discover that it is 700 steps above the beach! For many, this would be a hassle. If you understood the landscape before you booked the room, you would have either been prepared or chosen another location.
Travel advisors will customize your trip. They are familiar with the landscape. They have a network of trusted suppliers with whom they have direct contact.
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3-Money
Ask yourself, “Am I saving money by not using a travel advisor?”
Using a travel advisor is NOT going to cost more money. Some advisors charge a minimal consultation fee to coordinate your trip. It is well worth the investment.
Travel advisors are paid directly by the vendors. There is no additional charge if a travel advisor books your hotel room, cruise, etc. Travel advisors are compensated for the referral. Travel advisors have relationships with vendors/venues. By having access to their network, you are open to experiences that could be missed.
With that said, if you are convinced that a consultation fee is not worth your investment, you do not need to hire a travel advisor. Google is free and will be there for you.
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4-Service
Ask yourself, “Who can I talk to if something goes wrong? Am I prepared to navigate public transportation? What if I cannot get a taxi? “
The list can go on. A small challenge can ruin part of your day if you have no one to contact. This is particularly true with language barriers, time zones, cultural issues, etc.
If you pride yourself on being extraordinarily resourceful and don’t object to dealing with hassles on your vacation because you are a live-in-the-moment kind of traveler, I envy your strength. You may not need to hire a travel advisor.
Having a travel advisor for those not falling into that category is comforting. They are our “boots on the ground” if we need to make a change or tackle a problem.
Your Travel Advisor Is Your GPS
Consider this. You are invited to a surprise party. It is a location you have never visited. You must be on time.
-If you are driving, would you trust your navigation device (GPS) to get you there, or just wing it?
-If you hired a car service, would you expect them to promptly deliver you to your destination?
You would likely not leave home without using some navigation tool in both scenarios. Why? Because you are unsure where you are going and don’t want to miss the party!
So, why would you attempt to plan a trip to a foreign country involving multiple cities, various transportation modes, hotel accommodations, tours, etc., without reliable navigation? And expect your experience to be seamless? This is a daunting task.
Your travel advisor is your GPS. If there is a detour, we will be by your side to help you navigate. We will design a customized experience based on your input and budget. If this is how you want to roll, hire a travel advisor.
Don't miss the party,
Henry & Debbie