If you think planning, booking, and taking a trip has become much more confusing than in the past, you’re right.
An increasing number of former DIYers are turning to professional advisors to help them cope with the formidable and demanding post-pandemic situations.
That’s because travelers are encountering hassles before and during their trips—including flight cancellations, unexpected travel disruptions and delays (including transportation strikes), and difficulty securing reservations because of the marked uptick in demand (aka “revenge travel”).
Surging costs are another reason people are now turning to travel advisors. “When clients see the prices—especially for international travel—they get sticker shock,” says Gary Pollard, President of Ambassador Tours. Clients want to see if it’s possible to save money, he says, or at least to avoid costly mistakes.
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), the industry’s leading industry association, recently reported that 71% of consumers travel is more complex in this “new world of travel. ” About 45% said that “using the facilities of a professional travel advisor would help put their mind at ease. “
In 2018, ASTA replaced the term “travel agent” with “travel advisor”. This was because the former referred to a transactional role rather than that of a consultative appointment with an expert.
When other people navigate difficult times, having a trusted advisor can not only help them make smart decisions, but also feel comfortable making them. “In addition to the experience, friendliness and attention create a bond that goes beyond simply organizing the trip,” explains Eric Goldring of Goldring Travel.
From luxury advisors, here are five reasons why you might need to hire an advisor on your next trip:
“People can spend hours and hours researching destinations, deals and tours,” says Avery Harris of Viking Travel.
“A professional who knows a client’s wants and interests can accomplish the same in a fraction of that time. “
“Risk management is part of what we do,” Harris says. “We know seasonal trends, price fluctuations, and popularity cycles. For example, I can advise a customer on the ideal time to buy their plane ticket at the price. A human with express experience is capable of making greater judgments than a computer.
“Travel advisors know which companies are reputable and offer services,” adds Ambassador Travel’s Pollard.
The consequences of making a mistake can be especially serious when a traveler makes confusing plans, such as a wedding, birthday or anniversary, and has to coordinate multiple itineraries with other family and/or friends.
Whether it’s a flight cancellation, hotel issues, or an unforeseen illness before a trip, a travel professional can temporarily step in and assess the situation, then overcome any obstacles to find a solution,” says Maru Hyndman of Travel. Edge.
When one of her consumers contracted COVID in France at the height of the pandemic, when policies were constantly changing, Angela Adto Tepper of AZA Luxury Travel helped organize a long trip to Paris for her consumer with a contact the advisor had in the worked past. “The fact that none of my consumers spoke French confused the situation,” he says. “But I was able to keep the lines of communication open with all concerned until my client returned to Seattle. “
In another case, Trisha Pergande of Seven Oysters Travel had clients who traveled to Greece last summer during a ferry strike. “My destination partners have effectively made it so that visitors move from the ferry to a flight so they don’t miss out on any of their tours or activities,” he says. “All of this happened in the local time zone while I was still sleeping, which highlights why it’s critical to have partners in destinations who can fix problems like these. “
Most travelers don’t have long-term connections with different travel companies and vendors. “But a travel advisor does, and that can change your entire experience,” says Susan Zurbin-Hothersall of Travel Edge. “For example, at hotels, they can arrange room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, surprise welcome amenities, or credits to use at the hotel spa, bar or restaurant,” she says.
“We know the right other people who can do amazing things for you at a hotel,” adds Diana Hechler of D. We can make sure you stay in one of the rooms in the category you’re paying for. “
Over time, advisors and agencies are also creating a network of resources on various travel destinations. “Local experts know about new restaurants, off-the-beaten-path experiences and exclusive cultural opportunities,” says Lauren Doyle, The Travel Mechanic.
How to locate the right advisor?
Travelers need to do their homework to find the best individual to meet their needs, which often turns out to be a mix of chemistry, experience and cost, along with a referral from a satisfied friend.
Pricing structures vary by advisor and may also be based on the complexity of the trip.
“Just as people pay for the professional services of lawyers and accountants, there are often service fees for travel advisors,” says Michael Johnson, President of Ensemble Travel, a consortium of travel advisors and top-tier travel agencies throughout the U.S. and Canada.
“But using a travel advisor can save time and money because they afford access to negotiated rates as well as amenities and perks that individual travelers can’t get on their own.”
Johnson will never update travel advisors.
“We saw this “movie” with the rise of online travel agencies (OTA) and the announced disappearance of travel advisors. One of the things we have learned is that that generation will never update the advice, experience and practice of a human being,” he says.
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