Decades ago, your vacation probably began with a visit to a travel agent, who relied on a combination of expertise and connections to find the best deals on airfare, hotels, tours and even more. Since then, the Internet has made most of us our own travel agents, and artificial intelligence software makes searching and self-booking even easier. But for some trips, this insider knowledge can still make a big difference.
So, when should you call a professional and how does it all work? Here are a few tips.
Why should I consider a travel advisor?
It's easy for a traveler to do research for a standard trip, said Chris Anderson, a professor at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, “so they should look for a specialist for the type of trip they're looking for, such as a bike”. trip to Ireland, which can really add value.
The insider knowledge offered by a travel advisor can add the most value to trips involving multi-city itineraries, involve a wide age range of travelersare very important (like a birthday vacation) or involve destinations you don't know, said Gary R. Johnson, who ran the travel agency. Woodside Travel in Seattle for almost 30 years. An advisor could help you decide, for example, in what order to visit European cities based on local events and transportation options.
What can an advisor give me that a booking site can't?
Travel advisors can help you research the best destinations, accommodations or activities for your particular group and travel goals, offering specific advice that may be difficult or time-consuming to find on your own. Cruise specialists may know which cabin to choose if you're prone to seasickness, while a safari operator could help you decide which park would be best for bird watching or seeing specific animals, such as rhinos. .
Travel advisors typically have relationships with tour operators, hotels and cruise lines, sometimes through networks. These connections can allow advisors to offer additional perks such as late check-out, free breakfast, airport transfers, welcome basket or credit to spend on a cruise ship.
“A good travel agent will be a better manager of your travel budget than you,” said Guy Rubin, general manager of Imperial visitswhich organizes trips to China.
When bad weather or other circumstances disrupt your itinerary, travel advisors often have direct lines of communication with providers and can do the work of rebooking and changing plans, saving you time and avoid stress.
OK, let's say I need help. How to find an advisor?
Networks like American Society of Travel Advisors And Travel leaders have websites that can help you start your search for a travel advisor by answering a few questions about your desired trip. Once you have a choice, give them a call to discuss what they could do for you, how they charge and the level of service you can expect. Special trips can cost thousands of dollars, so it's worth investing the time up front, Mr. Rubin said.
Be sure to read the travel agent's reviews and any user-generated social content that mentions them, Dr. Anderson said. “If there’s no external validation, that’s a red flag.”
How are advisors paid and how much does it cost me?
Advisors receive a commission from suppliers, typically 10 to 15 percent of the price, when they sell cruises, accommodations and tours. They also sometimes charge travelers planning fees, ranging from a few hundred dollars, which can be credited to the final bill if the reservation is completed, up to tens of thousands of dollars per year for a concierge trip planner luxury they can call upon. all year. Mr. Johnson said he charges a planning fee the first time he works with clients. If they return for other trips, he waives the fee.
Advisors might be tempted to sell you something that will earn them a higher commission, Dr. Anderson said. But, he points out, the same goes for large online services, which promote hotels that pay them higher commissions. Travelers can ask advisors about specific commissions they receive or how they are affiliated with the products they recommend, he said.
Sometimes a local travel agency arranges transportation, accommodations and experiences for an advisor, who sets a percentage before passing it on to a client. But a bill that isn't itemized can make it harder to compromise – between a more expensive hotel and a particular experience, for example. If price transparency is important to you, discuss it with the advisor up front.
How do AI and other technologies affect travel advisors?
While new technologies allow DIYers to create their own itineraries online based on individual preferences and enter questions directly on travel sites, advisors are also taking advantage of these technologies to improve their services. Joan Roca, general manager of the high-end travel planning company Essentialist said its team “uses technology to enhance the human touch,” using artificial intelligence to choose options from a database of travel deals curated by a human team. If a couple wants to take a walk after dinner, for example, the Essentialist app will suggest ideas for places to visit, based on what part of town the travelers are in and what conversations they've had with their partner. travel advisor.
