How to Work With a Travel Advisor

You’ve decided to work with a travel advisor to design your next vacation. Congratulations! Maybe you’ve never worked with one before or perhaps you have but it’s been a long time.  This article has best practices so that you will know how to work with a professional travel agent. Of course, I’ll be using how I work as the example.

All planning begins with a complimentary consultation.

All of the trips I plan begin with a complimentary consultation.  This is a free 30-minute phone call to learn more about what you want and how you like to travel.  You will learn how I work, and we will find out if we are a good match to work together. 

If we both determine we are a good fit to work together, we will next handle the formalities. Then we’ll move into the serious business of planning your fantastic vacation. 

Answer questions in detail.

There will be a lot of questions in the beginning stages. The answers will help your travel advisor understand what you want. It’s to your advantage because the more we know about you, the better we can fulfill your wishes and needs.

Make your travel agent your one stop shop.

That means if you have a question about your trip, call or email your travel advisor, not the vendor. If you call the vendor they MIGHT speak with you and answer your questions. MIGHT. But more often than not they will see in their records that you used a travel advisor and tell you to call them. And that is what they should say.

Let your travel advisor know if you see something that might apply to your trip.

You may see a lower price that looks better than what you have. There are a variety of components that make up a package price. We will compare apples with apples and let you know if this is in reality a ‘deal’ or not. A good rule to follow is “Assume Nothing.”

Tell your travel agent what is important to you.

Travel advisors don’t rely on our memories; instead we keep a profile on you.

Details such as:

seating choices

airline loyalty programs

favorite cruise lines;

rental car and hotel preferences;

dietary restrictions.

All this is information that the next time you book with us, we already know what you like. Think of how nice it is not to repeat yourself. But we are human and if we miss something, tell us again.

Before adding something on your own outside of the agreed plans, talk to your travel advisor.

Tell your travel advisor what you are considering. Travel advisors have insider knowledge of how to get you what you want. It might be for a better price, or a better VALUE even if it costs a tiny bit more. The partnerships that your travel advisor has can help you have a better vacation.

Always buy travel insurance.

Your vacation investment is valuable and making safe decisions is important. There are many stories of people who didn’t buy insurance and lost thousands of dollars. I also have as many stories of those who did buy insurance and saved thousands of dollars. If you don’t want it, sign the insurance waiver and you’re done.

Acknowledge emails, voicemails and text messages.

The best practice is to acknowledge receipt of the message within 24 hours. This is most important during the planning process. Give an answer as soon as possible to questions that arise. While planning your trip, time is of the essence. People are in different time zones that may be awaiting our responses. Delays could mean you would lose what could be an amazing experience. This is especially vital during peak travel times.

If you’re dissatisfied with something for any reason, communicate concerns now.

Your vacation is of utmost importance; not only to you but to your travel advisor as well. Travel advisors are dream fulfillers, and our only desire is for you to be happy on your vacation.

Maybe you’ve noticed that I’ve used both ‘travel advisors’ and ‘travel agents’

Earlier this year ASTA, before the name change occurred, published an article for the consumer 15 Things Your Travel Agent Wants You to Know. I hope you’ll take a few minutes, grab a cup of tea, and read this article too.

As a travel advisor with over 30 years experience, I would love to assist you with planning your next vacation. To learn more about the services I provide click here to go to my travel services page. page on my website. 

If you’re ready for a complimentary consultation, so am I. Please click here to go to my on-line calendar to make an appointment.