Putting Trust Back in the Travel Agent

There’s so much I could say about this! Like many of you, I never thought I needed a travel advisor—until about three years ago, when I decided to become one myself. Since then, I’ve learned so much about the travel industry that I would never book a trip without at least researching and consulting a trusted advisor who knows their stuff.

There are a few key things about this industry that have really stood out to me, and I want to share my thoughts—because honestly, some of these misconceptions really bug me.

Myth #1 I Can Just Use a Travel Website.

Many travelers rely on sites like Expedia, Orbitz (an Expedia subsidiary), CheapOair, and others. The truth? You’re probably not getting the “deal” you think you are. These sites are great for convenience, but you’re still paying for someone’s commission—usually a big-name company—rather than a trusted advisor who works for you.

It amazes me how many people trust a website over a travel advisor—the very person who spends their day navigating airlines, cruises, resorts, and travel logistics. This belief has largely been shaped by big-company marketing, similar to how chain stores overshadow small businesses. If we thought of travel advisors like we do boutique businesses—experts we can trust for a personal experience—I believe more travelers would use them.

In addition to throwing your money away, a word of caution: Many “cheap” fares and “good deals” are non-refundable.  Always check cancellation policies carefully. While these sites can help you compare prices, they often come with service fees and limited customer support.

Myth #2 A Travel Advisor Costs More.

This is one of the biggest myths and it really gets to me.-- I can’t tell you how much this one bothers me!  We, as a society have been taught that Travel Advisor should work for free and if they don’t, we automatically assume they will cost more than booking it online ourselves.  So many advisors never get paid for their time and effort in planning amazing vacations and some even believe they don’t deserve it.   This is a soap box for another day…

Bottom line: Travel advisors don’t cost you more. Commissions exist regardless—so why not let them go to someone who works for you, protects your interests, and provides expert guidance? Trust me, the big-name companies aren’t doing that. With a travel advisor, you get someone who works on your behalf, managing relationships between suppliers, airlines, and cruise lines—and making sure you have a smooth, stress-free experience.

Myth #3 It easier to use a website.

I love this one because I’ve believed it myself—and still do, to an extent. It really depends on what you want and value. There are definitely times when using the big consumer sites and booking yourself makes sense. For example, if you need a last-minute flight tomorrow or next week, go ahead and handle it yourself…please don’t call me.

But if you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, big group getaway, or family vacation, stop stressing and complaining how much time it takes to “plan this thing”, stop making endless spreadsheets, and just call a travel advisor. That’s what we’re here for—everything! We’ll create a detailed itinerary that covers all your needs, from transfers and flights to accommodations and attractions. In short: all done for you, stress-free.  I can’t tell you how many women I’ve talked to who say something like, “Well, I guess we’ll just do X instead because I don’t have time to plan it all out.” (And yes, I’m sure plenty of men feel the same way.) When did we start thinking we have to do it all ourselves?

It’s like self-checkouts—I’d much rather have someone scan my groceries, bag them, and even load them in my car. Customer service and convenience are missing in our lives! We should be able to hit pause for a few days and let someone else handle the planning. All we should have to do is show up… and enjoy.   CALL YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR! 

As a bonus for reading through all of this, here are some resources to help you find “deals” and make smart choices when booking flights and accommodations—if you decide not to use a travel advisor.

·         Kayak.com

·         Google Flights

·         Book Direct

·         Rack Up Rewards – pick one loyalty program and stick with it

If you decide to use a travel advisor for your next vacation, I’d love to be the one to help—but here’s the rule: don’t compare prices. That’s a big no-no. Do your own research on sites if you want, but once you choose a travel advisor, put your trust in them. Don’t be a tire-kicker just hunting for the “best deal”—it doesn’t exist. You can’t get a $30,000 vacation for $300—or even $3,000.

And remember: you get what you pay for. If you choose the cheapest option, you’ll get a cheap experience—no complaining allowed!

I say this all in love—and I’d be thrilled if you joined my private Facebook group to stay up-to-date on everything happening in the travel world. We have a lot of fun in the group! It’s designed to be engaging, with great content and conversations about travel.

If you love exploring new destinations and going on amazing vacations, this group is for you. It’s completely FREE and super easy to join! JOIN NOW

Love you all, Happy Travels!