Traveling to new places is usually a fun experience, but you have to prepare well for the journey before you embark on it. Preparation takes time because of all the factors involved. It’s easier to handle your preparation, which includes your packing, but when it comes to your accommodation and getting around at your destination, you will need help. This is where travel advisors come in. They are usually confused with travel agents, but they are slightly different. While travel agents mostly do what you want them to do, travel advisors give you advice about the best deals to take. Travel agents also work under an agency, but travel advisors mostly work as individuals who are well-traveled and have valuable information about the places you intend to visit. You will have to pay your advisor, but the value you’ll be getting in return will be worth the money. Hiring a travel advisor has many benefits, which include the best accommodation choices. If you wish to rent an apartment or condo during your visit to the Philippines, the advisor can help you get the best deals.
Benefits of working with a travel advisor
Negotiation
Sometimes renting is usually cheaper and comes with more convenience and flexibility than booking a hotel room. Still, if you are a tourist, the property agents or owners may want to take advantage of you. Since the travel advisor already has contacts in the region, they will help you negotiate the best prices. It also helps to do some of the research on your own before going to the advisor. For instance, you need to familiarize yourself with the rental rules and regulations, as well as some of the conditions. These rules and regulations are in place to protect both tenants and owners, both of which should comply with owner/tenant laws within the Philippines. Doing your own research will help you know when you are being taken advantage of even when you have the assistance of your advisor.
Professionalism and Insight
Like other professionals working as advisors in different fields, a travel advisor also has professional knowledge and tricks that they can use to help you get the most out of your travel. Being a professional in this field requires one to have first-hand information, which means that they must have traveled to different parts of the world. They also have contacts in those parts, and they use those contacts to help tourists who want to visit those areas. With travel advisors, you don’t have to worry about getting substandard services because they don’t rely on commissions from the places they recommend. You will pay for them, and that makes you their clients. As a result, they will not lie to you or exaggerate the greatness of a place to make money. They will give you the real information to understand what to expect, including the negative factors you are most likely to encounter.
More benefits
Planning your trip takes a lot of time and effort. Even so, your chances of getting it right are still minimal. A travel advisor takes away all that stress and helps you get all the additional benefits that you would not have gotten on your own. For instance, you may do your research about the best hotels, but you will not discover how to get other benefits like complimentary breakfast or spa credits. Your travel advisor can help you get these, especially if they have been in the industry for some time and therefore will have more connections. They can also help you look into other details that matter like getting the best rooms with the best views, or where to get the best authentic cuisines. These are some of the factors that are easy to overlook but play a significant role in making the trip more enjoyable and memorable.
Meeting your exact needs
People take trips for different reasons. You may want to celebrate your anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, or other special occasions in your life. You could also want a trip that will be educational for your kids and also give you time to bond as a family. The reason for your vacation will determine the types of activities you plan. You may want to go on adventures like kayaking or mountain climbing or organize some private tours to give the kids lessons on cultural diversity. Getting these done could be difficult unless you work with a travel advisor. The advisor will gain an understanding of your needs, and help you plan your activities accordingly.
Updated information
You probably rely on the internet when doing your research about activities, and what places to visit while on your trip. Some of those sites you get information from could have outdated information. Relying on them could, therefore, leave you disappointed once you get to your destination. Travel advisors, on the other hand, have real-time information. It is their job to research and provide you with the latest information and the coolest events you can be part of. Also, they can get you into exclusive events that you couldn’t manage on your own. They know how to maneuver their way around into getting the best packages and access to areas that are otherwise considered exclusive.
Cost efficiency
Setting a budget for your trip is essential, but most of the time, you end up going over that budget and spending more than you anticipated. This mostly happens if you underestimate some of the costs. Working with a travel advisor prevents this from happening. They will make you aware of areas that are within your budget and those that may be a bit overpriced. They can also work with your budget by giving you some of the best alternatives that you don’t know about. Some things you may ignore, like paying for an excursion in advance, can help you save money, and your advisor could help you find the best excursion agencies which give great discounts.
Security
Sometimes it’s hard to determine whether the company you’re dealing with is legit or fake, especially when it is a foreign country, and they are asking you to pay in advance. Your travel advisor can help you identify the fake companies and also help you get the best insurance coverage for your trip. Travel insurance is definitely something to consider if you are bringing valuables with you. Also, you will need a travel advisor to help when you encounter an unforeseen event like an earthquake or flood. These are natural occurrences that are hard to predict, and can occur at any time, leaving you trapped. You may be in need of an emergency evacuation plan, and your advisor will be in the perfect person to help you get to safety.
If you have asked, “What is a travel advisor, and why do I need one?” then, now, you have your answers. The value that these advisors add to your vacation planning and experience is immeasurable. However, it is still essential to ensure that you only work with an experienced advisor. Some of the factors to consider when looking for a good travel advisor, therefore include:
For the advisor to give valuable advice, they should have the experience and the knowledge which means that they should have traveled to different parts of the world and made the contacts they will use to help you with your trips. This is the only way for them to deliver the expert services you require from them.
It’s not enough for the advisor to travel to different parts of the world. They should also create a good network in the places they visit. Those networks should be tested and proven to be loyal to the advisor. Your advisor should be able to cover the specific areas you need help with, ranging from the hotels to the various activities you want to experience.
Every country has an association that all travel advisors and agents should be part of. For instance, the United States has an American society of travel agents which consists of various travel professionals. Check the relevant traveling bodies in your regions and make sure the travel agent has been certified by them or has a membership with them.
Your relationship with your travel advisor doesn’t end the moment you take the plane to your vacation destination. It goes on until you come back safely. This means that they should be available whenever you need them, especially when you are on vacation. They should answer your calls whenever you need them and offer the support you require.
The advisor works for you. They should, therefore, listen to your needs keenly and understand them before offering any itinerary. Make sure they know your budget, the kind of experience you’re looking for and your preferences before providing any solutions.
Even though your goal is to save as much as possible, you should be wary of travel advisors who give you very cheap deals, especially if those deals don’t seem to match the services and packages you are getting in return. If the deal looks too good to be true, then it probably isn’t, and the adviser is not being honest with you.
Your travel advisor should also be proactive and have the ability to jump in with solutions in case any problems arise. Make sure they are professional, and belong to a professional organization such as the American Society of Travel Advisors. You can visit their website at asta.org which contains insightful information as to why it is wise to use a Travel Advisor.
