FOUR REASONS WHY TRAVEL ADVISORS ARE MORE ESSENTIAL & RELEVANT THAN EVER
There have been a few major events in history that have impacted the travel industry. Things like 9/11, the invention of the internet, and the Coronavirus pandemic have caused travel agencies to make changes in order to stay relevant and serve their clients well.
What are those changes, and how do they affect you?
Let’s look at a few key items so you can see why using an advisor is more relevant than ever.
Travel Insurance is Vital, It's No Longer Just a Suggestion
Pre-pandemic, it was common to chance traveling without travel insurance. But now, with all the changes and requirements of travel, it’s more important than ever before. To accommodate, agencies and advisors have taken necessary steps to learn great products in order to make recommendations based on your needs. Providing quotes for medical coverage and to protect your trip investment is a vital element of your travel advisor's services.
Planning Travel is Complicated!
There are so many moving parts to travel now; although, that hasn’t always been the case!
Booking a vacation used to be far less complicated than it is now. Thanks to technology and ongoing learning, many advisors are adopting a new way of taking care of their clients. New school methods are client-centric and are about crafting a trip for you, rather than just picking a pre-made trip package. Technology has also allowed advisors to have better, more accurate information than what is “Google-able” by you as a consumer.
Booking with a Travel Advisor is Not Transactional, It's Relational
Travel Advisors today tend to establish a working, ongoing relationship with clients. That’s why many in the industry are no longer just called “agents” (someone who creates bookings) but now go by something more effective like “advisor” or “consultant” (implying a deeper level of service). They are there to take care of you.
This is also why many agents will specialize in a destination or type of travel, a niche. They can develop a deeper level of expertise, allowing them to better advise you and craft your customized itinerary.
Want something outside your TA's niche? You can work together to decide if your TA will handle that trip or if they will refer you to another great advisor in their network. This helps to reenforce that relationship, knowing your TA is looking out for you.
Travel Advisors Have Access to Systems That the General Public Does Not
Travel advisors have an entire world of systems and tools at their disposal, far beyond what you can see as a consumer. What’s more, these systems and tools give advisors access to virtually anything. The trips advisors can create for you are so much more than you could create for yourself. Additionally, advisors make a point to build great relationships with vendors and other advisors, as well as continually learn, train, and network to bring you an even greater experience.
Advisors are often associated with consortia that provide them with access to training and resources and make available additional amenities the TA can share with clients.
As complicated as travel planning is today, it is best to rely on experts for your travel planning.
Most people hire an accountant to do their taxes or a mechanic to fix their vehicle, simply because there are too many unknowns and too many risks that come from doing it on their own.
Apply this same concept to travel and leave planning to a true expert in the industry. You will see why your travel advisor is essential & relevant.
Schedule a complimentary vacation consultation to see what I can do for you.
At Milestones & Mondays Travel, I transform wanderlust into adventures & unforgettable experiences for active travelers looking to get away from the crowds and deeper into the destination with expedition cruises, small ship cruising, small group active vacations and solo travels for those seeking experiences beyond the ordinary.
When clients turn their travel planning over to me, they receive a custom itinerary for their trip based on their travel style, desires and budget as well as a trusted advocate in their corner. I help them navigate the vast options and challenges in planning trips that are off the beaten track, with unique and immersive experiences, and I am there to provide support as needed before, during and after travel.
Along with my premium travel planning services, many of my clients receive additional amenities and benefits when booking with me and my preferred luxury travel suppliers.
I invite you to browse my website (MilestonesMondays.com) and encourage you to subscribe to my email list to receive travel inspiration and the latest travel opportunities delivered to your inbox each week.
Milestones & Mondays, LLC is an independent affiliate of Pickles Travel Network, a Virtuoso® Member.
State of California Seller of Travel # 2152037-50
Florida Seller of Travel License # ST43007
State of Washington Seller of Travel # 604-994-859
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