Tuesday, January 28 is National Plan for Vacation Day and there's no bigger rush than setting out on a hard-earned getaway.
However, having an experienced travel advisor in your corner ensures that your dream trip doesn't just live up to the hype but exceeds expectations.
There are numerous reasons to use a travel advisor, even some surprising ones.
These travel professionals can not only alleviate all of the anxiety that comes with planning and executing the perfect vacation but also guide you toward the best destinations, brands and suppliers and maybe even produce a few pleasant surprises along the way.
Here are just some of the ways that working with a travel advisor will enhance your next getaway.
Travel Advisors Save You Time
A trusted travel advisor will save you valuable time that you may otherwise waste scrolling through online travel agencies (OTAs) seeking out deals that often appear "too good to be true" for a reason.
Your advisor isn't going to book your vacation without your input but rather save you time by helping flesh out your ideal itinerary with a professional set of eyes rather than leaving you to sift through sometimes unreliable online reviews.
Travel Advisors Save You Stress
An experienced travel advisor can save you tons of stress by doing the heavy lifting for you.
Let an experienced advisor save you stress. (Photo Credit: Ensemble)
There's certainly no harm in putting your plans in your own hands but when it comes to finding the best deals and ensuring that they fit your travel needs and preferences a reliable professional can secure a match for you while you spend your precious downtime doing whatever you please.
Advisors often have firsthand knowledge of the destinations they sell so they can quell any potential fears before you set off.
Travel Advisors Save You Money
Travel advisors have access to awesome travel deals that others don't and that allows them to bring down the cost of your trip. Plus, suppliers will pay commissions to advisors when they secure a new booking.
Some advisors do charge fees for their services but that doesn't always mean your itinerary will cost you more in the end. In most cases, travelers are likely to save money by working with an advisor.
A travel advisor working on her computer. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/M-Production)
Travel Advisors Score You Free Perks, Upgrades
Most of the time, travel advisors have special access to exclusive deals and added perks that travelers can't get on their own. This is a big reason why working with a travel advisor can save you money in the long run.
These travel professionals have built strong relationships with the suppliers they trust and bring business to and often that can pay off in the form of an unexpected upgrade or a surprise amenity for their clients.
Travel Advisors Protect Your Trip
Travel insurance is always a wise investment and travel advisors can eliminate any confusion you may have when it comes to finding the right policy.
These policies are typically only about 7 percent of your total trip cost but an advisor can explain your benefits in-depth and ensure you're signing on for a policy that fits your needs.
Traveler backpacking through Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo Credit: Vasily Makarov/Adobe)
Travel Advisors Advocate for You
When you book your trip alone you're left to deal with any unexpected hiccups alone. That isn't the case when you work with a travel advisor.
These travel professionals don't leave your side after you've paid for your getaway. They're there to assist with a personal touch if things don't go as planned and can help you find real solutions faster, whether it's rebooking you on a new flight after yours was canceled or contacting a hotel or resort if an issue arises at check-in.
If you've never worked with a travel advisor and aren't sure where to begin your search, the American Society of Travel Advisors' (ASTA) Travel Advisor Directory is a great starting point. Simply select your destination and trip type to get matched with an experienced advisor.
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