As the travel industry evolves, travelers have more access and ways to book travel and obtain information than any other point in history. The Travel Advisor has become an asset in connecting the traveler to exclusive experiences, value-added perks, and the growing demand of the industry. The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), the leading industry trade associate states, “a travel advisor helps you sift through the confusing array of hotels, tours, cruises, and even room types to make sure that your trip fits your dreams and your budget” Below we give you five reasons you could benefit from the services of booking with one.
- Time and Stress Savings: Planning a trip can be time-consuming and stressful. Travel advisors can save you hours by using their expertise and knowledge of destinations, deals, hotels, and tours, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience of your journey.
- Access to Exclusive Benefits and Upgrades: Once you’ve experienced being upgraded or receiving the perks of status, it becomes difficult being just a guest. Travel advisors often have access to exclusive deals, promotions, and additional perks through their industry connections. With these connections to industry vendors, property relationships, and promotions, travel advisors can provide unique value-added perks like rate negotiation, early/late checkout, resort credits, and complimentary breakfast to enhance your travel experience.
- Support and Assistance: In those rare cases of unexpected issues or emergencies during your trip, a travel advisor provides support and assistance. They can troubleshoot issues like hotel problems, changing accommodations, providing local contacts, advising on reputable companies, and handling complex itineraries, ensuring you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience to the best of their abilities. Travel advisors also may suggest or offer travel-insurance policies to give you peace of mind that your dream trip does not become a complete nightmare.
- Enhanced Perks: Travel Advisors can elevate the experience of your status. With access and partnerships to some of the top loyalty programs and properties, travel advisors can enhance the perks you may/may not already have. Travel advisors can personalize services that receive prioritized benefits over online travel companies and in some instances even priority over credit card rewards.
- Insider Knowledge: Utilizing a Travel Advisor gives you the human touch of service, experience, and planning. With first-hand accounts, client feedback, and thoroughly researched industry trends, travel advisors possess access to extensive knowledge about destinations, accommodations, and activities. They provide valuable insights and recommendations that may not be available to the public, helping you make informed decisions to enjoy the best possible travel experience
