Choosing Your Ideal Travel Advisor: 7 Key Questions to Ask
7 Essential Questions Any Travel Advisor Should Be Able To Answer Before You Hire Them...
In today’s tech-driven world, something as seemingly simple as planning a vacation can be quite daunting. With so many options for transportation, lodging, venues, and destinations, it can be overwhelming. Enter the travel expert—the travel advisor.
Travel advisors have the booking power of a travel agent and the specialized knowledge all rolled into one professional.
Travel advisors combine the booking power of a travel agent with specialized knowledge, all rolled into one professional. When I decided to become a travel advisor, it was to help women, whether traveling solo or in groups, have the best trips possible. This required a specific set of skills and knowledge beyond just booking trips.
Here are 7 questions every prospective client should ask a travel advisor before hiring them. These questions will help ensure you work with an advisor who truly understands your needs and wishes for your next trip.
7 Key Questions To Ask Your Travel Advisor
Do you have an area of expertise?
What travel services do you offer?
How much do you charge for your service?
What does your trip planning process look like?
How do you tailor trips to individual preferences?
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
How do you handle emergencies or changes while I’m traveling?
Why These Answers Matter For You The Client
These questions help you make an informed decision about the travel advisor you're considering. Each advisor operates their business a little differently, offering various levels of support and travel products. Getting answers to these questions helps you choose the right advisor the first time and prevent misunderstandings.
Expertise:
Knowing an advisor's area of expertise ensures a smoother experience. Travel advisors gain experience through personal trips and supplier-provided training, sometimes earning certifications. Decide if you prefer someone with personal experience, formal training, or a mix of both.
Services
Advisors decide what services to offer and the level of service to provide. Some book packages, airfare, and cruises, while others focus on specific areas like cruises or land tours only. Some offer high-touch personalized experiences, and others are more transactional. Understanding the level of service helps set your expectations.
The Planning/Service Fee Charge
Not all travel advisors charge planning fees. Some rely solely on commission from vendors, while others charge a professional planning fee for their services. Asking about fees upfront helps you make an informed choice.
The Planning Process
Each advisor has a unique planning process, typically involving an initial consultation, research, quote provision, and booking. Working with a travel advisor frees you from the hassle of researching flights, hotels, destinations, and activities.
Individualizing The Packaged Vacation
If you want a customized vacation, know how your advisor will tailor the standard package. Some travelers are fine with no-frills options, while others want all the bells and whistles. Ensure your advisor can meet your preferences.
Refunds and Cancelations
Understanding refund and cancellation policies prevents surprises. A good advisor will explain vendor policies and recommend travel insurance to cover unforeseen issues.
Emergencies, Changes and Challenges
Knowing how an advisor handles emergencies and changes is crucial. Your advisor should provide support and clear communication during travel to alleviate stress and headaches.
My Answers To These 7 Questions
As any competent travel advisor should, I can answer these questions without hesitation. Here are my answers as of the date of this post:
Do you have an area of expertise?
I specialize in female solo travelers and group trips for female travelers. My focus areas are Alaska, Western Europe, and cruises, with preferred partners including Princess Cruises, MSC, and Royal Caribbean. In 2022, a life-changing cruise to Alaska inspired me to become an Alaskan Expert through Alaska’s tourism organization. In 2023, I earned Princess Cruises' Commodore Status, the highest award for completing their educational materials.
What travel services do you offer?
I offer 1-1 trip planning consultations, full itinerary planning and booking services, and support before, during, and after travel. I plan bespoke trips and add individual touches to pre- and post-cruise itineraries. I treat my clients’ trips with the same care and attention as I would my own.
How much do you charge for your service?
I charge a planning fee disclosed during the initial consultation, which is always free. This fee covers initial research and itinerary quotes, including revisions. It’s a flat, non-refundable fee, providing access to my services without additional charges for changes to the same trip.
What does your trip planning process look like?
My process involves four stages:
1- Initial Travel Chat/ Service Fee Payment
2- Itinerary Build/Quote Process
3- Approval & Booking
4- On Going Support Before, During and Until You Arrive Home
I enjoy getting to know my clients to create tailored quotes. I’m available via email and chat for any changes or additions to the trip as needed.
How do you tailor trips to individual preferences?
During our travel chat, you’ll share your travel requirements and preferences. I’ll narrow down a set of itineraries and send quotes via email. I’ve handled complex requests successfully, aiming to book the perfect trip for you. Whether it’s Antarctica or a dream European tour, I’ve got you covered.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
My trip planning fees are non-refundable. Vendor-specific cancellation and refund policies are communicated during the quote process, ensuring transparency and no surprises.
How do you handle emergencies or changes while I’m traveling?
I always recommend travel insurance as the first line of defense against unforeseen issues. I assist with changes during travel without additional charges, though vendor fees may apply per their policies.
See how these answers give you a much better view about what These answers provide a clear view of what working with me as your travel advisor would be like. Asking these 7 questions ensures you choose the right advisor for your needs.
What did you think of the article? I’d love to know in the comments below.