Travel agents have been around since the mid-1800s, but they’ve arguably never been more important than today. In fact, they’re not even known as ‘agents’ anymore, but ‘advisors,’ since their roles extend far beyond simply booking trips. You’ll be thankful they have. Just consider all the destination, flight, and amenity options available to you. In years past, you might find a great deal, block out the dates, and go. Now, you need to know every detail of your trip from start to finish. That’s where travel advisors come in. Travel advisors are special. They continue their education, earn certifications, and conduct research to deliver the right solutions for you. In addition, travel advisors have traveled the world themselves. As genuine travel enthusiasts, they have the best firsthand knowledge and add a friendly touch that can’t be obtained from online research. With so many variables, it’s best to rely on the professionals. You have questions. They have answers and personal investment in you to build dream vacations.
What Is A Travel Advisor?
You’re likely familiar with the term ‘travel agent.’ It’s a profession that’s existed since the mid-1800s. Did you know, though, that it’s vastly outdated?
In 2019, InteleTravel followed the lead of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) in adopting ‘travel advisor’ instead. The reason is simple: Advisors do so much more for customers than sell travel. They provide guidance at every step of the process, from pre-booking, to your return. Advisors also study every aspect of the travel industry—including safety measures and the ins-and-outs of insurance policies—to make sure they’re providing up-to-date advice. That’s a crucial person to lean on, now that the industry itself has shifted so much since early 2020. If you’re not familiar with advisors or ever considered using one, now’s a good time to get acquainted.
Is It Safe To Travel? Conduct Research, Ask Questions & Work With An Advisor To Decide
There’s no simple answer to that question, in part because there are always risks to traveling. Regardless of when and where you plan to travel, follow a process that addresses the safety measures that encompass your entire journey.
1. Conduct research. Depending on your destination and vacation plan, it’s important to spend time researching new safety guidelines. Most airlines, hotels, resorts, and cruise lines have implemented protocols to keep travelers healthy during their trips. Delta, for example, has introduced Delta CareStandard, which outlines its safety measures from pre-flight to landing. Palace Resorts, with locations across Mexico and Jamaica, encourages contactless check-in and has strict health protocols for staff and visitors. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has also compiled guidelines on how to travel safely via road, train, and plane. 2. Ask the following questions: Where would you like to go, and what would you like to do? Whether domestic or international, destinations are at different stages of ‘open.’ Travel industry intelligence firm Skift’s “Reopening Travel: A Global Timeline” report is a great resource for that. If you have a dream location in mind but it has strict guidelines in place, it might be best to delay your trip or book well in advance. Then again, if you’re more interested in outdoor excursions—hiking, beach time, or boating—than fine dining and urban exploration, those activities reduce the likelihood of crowds and can be enjoyed relatively safely. 3. Talk to an expert travel advisor. Why try to find all the answers yourself when there are experts who are here to help? Whether you want to book something for this summer, or seek help figuring out next year’s vacation, tap into our network of extensively trained experts. They can answer questions such as:
Given your location, what options are available to you?
What safety measures are being taken in the destinations you’re interested in?
What if you want to book a trip now, but you decide to postpone it?
Yes, Travel Agents Are Worth It When the subject of travel agents comes up, there’s an inevitable follow-up: Are they worth it? We say, “Yes!” Why? There are so many variables involved with travel: How to score great deals, find the perfect destination, upgrade amenities, and prepare for any unforeseeable issues. Who wouldn’t want someone in their corner through it all? Let’s go through three ways travel agents are worth it.1. You don’t pay them.How much does a travel agent cost? That’s a little tough to answer. When you work with an advisor, you don’t actually pay them (really!). They get a commission through their sales, and work to find the right deal for you so you return to them each time you travel. 2. They advise you. They’re so much more than ‘agents.’ The industry term is actually “travel advisor,” because they advise you every step of the way. That means a few different things. You might go to an advisor with a specific dream vacation in mind, or perhaps just an idea—and the advisor finds the perfect option. Advisors may also change your mind about a particular destination, and recommend something you weren’t even aware of. It’s meant to be a conversational, friendly process. 3. They’re resources before and after you book travel. Have you ever tried to get someone on the phone when your flight’s been canceled out of the blue? Do you have lingering questions about your itinerary when you arrive at your destination? Your advisors are there for you. They’re resources at every stage of your trip, and ready to answer the call whenever you hit the road, or skies, again.
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