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How A Travel Advisor Can Save You Money

Posted on April 16, 2022August 17, 2023 by Lucky n Love

Travel Advisors Cost More Money… And Other Lies – Debunked Below

Some people still sadly associate using a travel advisor with paying more money, when in actual fact – it’s quite the opposite. From getting you the best seats on the plane to working behind the scenes to ensure your vacation goes off without a hitch – after using a great travel advisor once I personally guarantee you’ll be hooked! Read on to see how a travel advisor can save you money.

Time & Money

Ask yourself, how much is your time worth? Expedia’s research indicates the average American spends 22.95 hours booking a trip in the 6 weeks before departure. That’s one hour a night for nearly three weeks or nearly three entire workdays. Is this time you can afford to lose?

Travel advisors often have access to wholesale rates and exclusive deals that the general public does not. As such, they can pass these savings on to you – their client. Travel advisors may charge a fee for the trip planning process – remember those 22.95 hours I referenced in the paragraph above? They’re working, researching, and customizing the perfect journey for you, and some charge fees for this type of work.

Planning travel has never been more complicated than in 2021 and beyond. From quarantine restrictions to PCR testing, an expert agent will save you countless hours in research and logistics alone – that’s worth its weight in gold.

Hassles

Booking with a third-party site may feel like the obvious choice, but websites like Expedia can’t connect the dots. Sure, you could book a few nights at a hotel, but can you arrange the car service, the late-night check-in, and the adjoining rooms next door to each other? Travel advisors take the hassle out of the trip planning process and can make it fun again.

By now we’ve probably all heard horror stories of trips booked immediately before Covid, and cancellations or refunds that went awry. When you book with a travel advisor and (for whatever reason) you’re unable to go on your trip – you don’t have to lift a finger. It won’t be you waiting on hold with the airline, or trying to argue about a credit vs a refund. Your travel advisor has your back and is looking out for your best interests every step of the way. That includes when things go sideways.

Check into your hotel and your room is not to your liking? Your travel advisor often has special relationships with hotels. They can (hopefully) rectify the situation seamlessly, without you having to get on the phone and ask for the manager. Look for a travel advisor that has relevant industry certifications so your experience will be smooth.

Upgrades & Connections

Everyone loves a good upgrade. From complimentary breakfast to room upgrades, most travel advisors can score their clients great perks when they book with them. In addition, travel advisors are well connected. A travel advisor’s job is to be the expert. This means traveling to countless destinations, and building relationships with hoteliers, tour operators, and even restauranteurs. Don’t discount their ability to score you that hard-to-book seat at a new restaurant. Surprise you with an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience while on a tour.

Top Mistakes Travelers Make (and What to Do Instead!)

Posted on March 26, 2022July 14, 2023 by Lucky n Love

Even the most seasoned travelers (myself included) have fallen prey to travel blunders over the years. From dining at bland tourist traps to getting lost, to even tipping 50 dollars instead of 50 pesos (yes, that really happened) – mistakes are bound to happen. Let’s count down a few of the most common (and easily fixed) top mistakes travelers make.

Saving Money at the Expense of Time

Don’t book a flight with three stopovers just to save $200, when it will eat into 36 hours of your journey. I always look for the most direct route for my travelers, with the least amount of stopovers, and the shortest amount of total travel time.

Think you want to take the local transit instead? Be certain you’re well versed with the directions, the stops, and the duration of your travel – it’s often far longer (and more complicated) navigating public transit in foreign countries, especially if you don’t speak the language. Make sure that you will have someone waiting for you at the airport, to whisk you off to the resorts or hotels that you booked.

Having an Overly Ambitious Itinerary

I get it, if you’ve never been to Europe it may be tempting to want to hop on the Eurail and see 18 countries in 14 days, but I strongly discourage it. Not only is it exhausting, but you also don’t get the true sense of a destination without immersing yourself in it, and this takes time. Paris is so much more than the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysee, and New York much more than just the island of Manhattan. Spend some time really getting to know a particular country, city, or region, and you’ll come away richer for it. Yes, you should enjoy your time in your hotel room or Oceanfront Bed And Breakfast but you should also make the most of your visit and explore.

Never Leaving the Tourist Areas

Of course, when you travel to Rome you want to see the Colosseum or take a walk through Times Square when visiting Manhattan. But that doesn’t mean you need to stick to the major attractions only. The areas closest to world-famous attractions often have overpriced restaurants catering to tourists and don’t showcase local culture the same way other neighborhoods do. By all means, take in all the attractions, but take some time to explore further afield and visit some neighborhoods that are filled with restaurants, shops, and markets that locals use regularly. Together we can add some special adventures to your trip. For example, an authentic cooking class.

Never Leaving Your Comfort Zone

Great things happen outside your comfort zone, and this applies to travel especially. Sit at an old bar alone in a small town, and chat with the locals. You’ll learn far more about local life and culture than you could ever read in a travel guide. Hop on that zipline above a canopy of trees, even if you’re scared of heights. Pushing yourself out of what you would do in your day-to-day life is part of what makes travel so memorable. It gives you the stories that you’ll share for years after you get back home.

Software Slipups

If you snap away on your iPhone everywhere you go, make sure you have the photos being backed up. The cloud or Google photos are a great place to store your favorite travel images. The last thing you want is to lose all of your travel memories if your phone gets lost or stolen.

Stay connected. Consider getting a decent travel plan that gives you some data. So you can check emails, text friends or family, or even go on social media while you are away. The last thing you want is to return home to a hefty phone bill.

Money Trouble

This is one of the biggest mistakes that travelers make. Be sure to inform your credit card company of any major impending travel you have. You don’t want your account flagged and frozen for possible fraud charges. While you’ve got them on the phone, find out what the foreign currency transaction fees are on purchases abroad. Some major credit cards offer no foreign transaction fees; I can provide you with a list of the cards that I recommend when traveling.

Want to avoid these top mistakes that travelers make? I can help, let’s talk!

How to Work with a Travel Advisor – A First Timer’s Guide

Posted on March 19, 2022September 12, 2024 by Lucky n Love

You’ve found the perfect travel advisor, and now’s the time to put them to work on your dream trip! If you’re new to working with a travel agent, here are a few things that you can do to help make the process run smoothly. Additionally, arranging efficient service such as airport taxi north bay can ensure seamless transportation to and from the airport, enhancing your overall travel experience. And if you need a Shuttle to Reagan Airport, make sure to click the link for more info.

Building a valued relationship with a travel advisor begins with clear communication and mutual understanding. Whether you’re planning a leisurely getaway or a business trip, it’s essential to convey your preferences and expectations effectively. This is where the expertise of a seasoned advisor shines; they act as the bridge between your desires and the vast array of travel options available. Picture this: you’re dreaming of exploring the scenic beauty of Albania at your own pace. With a trusted advisor by your side, the process becomes seamless. They’ll not only arrange your flights and accommodations but also introduce you to local gems and experiences that you might overlook otherwise. It’s like having a personal concierge, ensuring every detail of your journey is tailored to perfection. So, next time you’re planning an adventure, consider the invaluable assistance of a travel advisor. After all, when it comes to creating unforgettable memories, their expertise is as indispensable as booking that perfect ‘Rent a car Albania‘ for your road trip.

Need help planning the perfect trip for you and your family? Then you may consider getting help from professional travel agencies like Gaba Travel.

Be Honest About Budget

Of course, you want your dream trip, with all of the bells and whistles. However, it does both you and your travel advisor an enormous disservice to not be upfront about your actual budget.

Going one step further, once you establish your budget, identify what’s high on your priority list. If you are focused on your accommodations, your travel advisor may recommend Marriott Timeshare Rentals. You would prefer to have mind-blowing travel experiences in every destination you’re visiting. You may also discuss with your travel advisor your transportation preferences such as an airplane charter or car rental. This helps your travel advisor not only build your dream trip but decide how and where to allocate your budget.

Trust Their Expertise

A travel advisor’s job is just that – travel. While the photos on a hotel website may have you ready to book, your advisor may know that it’s on a congested motorway or next to noisy construction. Trust them.

Great travel advisors go out of their way to familiarize themselves with destinations. Know the properties, and various tourism suppliers the world over. It’s our job to get to know you and match you with suitable experiences that just fit.

Collaborate

As a travel advisor, I am here to save you time. If you have a dream destination, experience, or property in mind – tell me! A great trip is a collaboration between enthusiastic clients and a knowledgeable travel advisor.

In the vein of saving time and collaborating, don’t be afraid to ask that I look into a particular property. Research specific activities for your family, or even work on restaurant reservations. At the end of the day, I am working for you!

Accept Advocacy

For those of us with can-do self-sufficient attitudes, this can often be a hard pill to swallow. As your travel advisor, I am your advocate, especially when you’re traveling on the journey that I built for you.

If something goes wrong, accept help and grant me the opportunity to fix it. This may mean biting your tongue at the hotel manager if something goes wrong, and waiting on your trusted travel advisor to work some magic. It will be worth it in the end. Try to remember, travel advisors have valued relationships with hotels and tourism suppliers. You can request to stay at your preferred Flagstaff hotels.

Build Your Relationship

Let your travel advisor get to know you. The more that you and your advisor connect on a personal level the better your trip can be tailored precisely to you.

Unique, personalized trips are where travel advisors shine. By opening yourself up and sharing parts of you (and your family) with your travel advisor, you’re only improving the chances for a beautiful, custom-made journey. Remember, the best relationships only get better with age. A long-term travel advisor is someone you will want in your corner for years to come.