Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet beach retreat or an action-packed adventure, a knowledgeable travel advisor can elevate the experience. As an longtime advisor and cofounder of membership-based travel agency, Roman & Erica, I’ve seen numerous accounts of what does and does not work when it comes to finding the right travel advisor. Below, find four essential tips for vetting, choosing, and ultimately working with a travel advisor.
Ask the Right Questions
miniseries/Getty Images
A group of people preparing for a trip.
When it comes to working with a travel advisor, the truly enriching experiences go beyond booking flights and hotels; it’s about finding the person whose lived experience can provide the best recommendations tailored to you.
It’s always important to have an initial conversation to see if you get along with an advisor. If during your first conversation, you catch yourself thinking, “We could’ve easily talked for another hour,” then you’ve found the right one.
Your chemistry with an advisor matters. If they don’t get you, it can be difficult for them to nail down all of the little details about your travel style. A great travel advisor will take the time to learn your habits, desires, and even your quirks. Here are a few questions you could ask to get started:
-
Is there a destination you often return to, and why?
-
Can you describe a time you surpassed a client’s expectations?
-
What does luxury mean to you when planning a trip?
-
What’s a travel experience that changed you or taught you something unexpected?
-
How do you cater to clients who are extremely well-traveled and expect novelty?
-
What kind of traveler are you: a planner, wanderer, thrill-seeker, foodie?
-
How do you make cultural immersion feel authentic and not touristy?
Know What Kind of Planning You Need
Moyo Studio/Getty Images
A young woman mapping out a schedule.
In my experience, people working with travel advisors typically fall into two groups. The first group consists of individuals who know what they want and are looking for a facilitator to handle all of the bookings with amenities included. The other group wants to share their travel dates, and simply show up to a perfectly executed itinerary. There’s a vast difference between these two requests, and understanding this distinction will save both you and your travel advisor valuable time.
If you fall into the former category, many travel agents can likely fulfill your needs. However, if you’re looking for a truly bespoke experience in the latter group, you’ll need to vet your advisor more deeply.
Understand an Advisor’s Fee Structure
PixelCatchers/Getty Images
Two women discussing plans over coffee.
Most travel agents rely on commissions from bookings, meaning they need to take on a high volume of clients to earn a living. This works for travelers who are looking for basic services at no extra cost. However, if you’re seeking a travel advisor who curates exceptional experiences, you’ll need to work with someone who charges a fee; this ensures they can dedicate the time and pay extra attention to detail to make your trip extraordinary.
Look for Transparency in Pricing
In my experience at Roman & Erica, transparency is crucial when it comes to pricing. A good advisor will be able to advocate for you to ensure you’re getting the best value, so when in doubt, ask for a detailed breakdown; it’s your right as a traveler to know what you’re paying for.
Erica Jackowitz is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in wellness trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Jackowitz by contacting her at info@romananderica.com.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
