Decades ago, your vacation most likely began with a visit to a travel agent who relied on a combination of expertise and connections to find the best deals on airline tickets, hotels, tours and more. Since then, the internet has turned most of us into our own travel agents, and artificial intelligence software makes research and self-booking even easier. But on some trips, this special insider knowledge can still make a big difference.
So when should you hire a professional and how does it all work? Here are some tips.
Why should I consider a travel advisor?
It’s easy for a traveler to research a standard trip, says Chris Anderson, a professor at Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, “so they should find a specialist in the type of tour they’re looking for, such as a bicycle trip.” in Ireland that can really add value.”
“The insider knowledge offered by a travel advisor can add the most value for trips that span multiple cities, include a wide age range of travelers, are of high significance (e.g. an anniversary vacation), or to destinations you are unfamiliar with said Gary R. Johnson, who has run Woodside Travel in Seattle for nearly 30 years. For example, an advisor could help you decide in which 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 find the best destinations, accommodations or activities for your specific group and travel goals, and can provide you with specific advice that may be difficult or time-consuming to find on your own. Those who specialize in cruising may know which cabin to choose if you’re prone to seasickness, while a safari planner can help you decide which park is best for bird watching or spotting certain animals like rhinos suitable.
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 checkout, free breakfast, airport transfers, a welcome basket, or cruise ship credit.
“A good travel agent will manage your travel budget better than you can,” said Guy Rubin, chief executive of Imperial Tours, which organizes tours in China.
If bad weather or other circumstances disrupt your itinerary, travel advisors often have direct communication channels with suppliers and can handle rebookings and plan changes, saving you time and stress.
OK, let’s say I need help. How do I find an advisor?
Networks like the American Society of Travel Advisors and Travel Leaders have websites that can help you find a travel advisor by answering a few questions about your desired trip. Once you have a handful to choose from, give them a call to discuss what they could do for you, how they charge, and what level of service you can expect. Special trips can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s worth investing time in advance, Mr. Rubin said.
Be sure to read the travel agent’s reviews and any user-generated social content that mentions them, Dr. said. Anderson. “If there is no external validation, that is a red flag.”
How do consultants get paid and how much does it cost me?
Consultants 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 a planning fee, ranging from a few hundred dollars, which can be applied to the final bill after the booking is complete, to tens of thousands of dollars per year for a luxury concierge travel planner that they can use year-round. Mr. Johnson said he charges a planning fee when he first works with clients. If they return for other trips, he waives the fee.
Advisors may be tempted to sell you something that will earn them a higher commission, Dr. said. Anderson. However, the same also applies to the large online services that advertise hotels that pay them higher commissions. Travelers can ask advisors about specific commissions they receive or their relationship with the products they recommend, he said.
Sometimes a local tour operator packages transportation, accommodations and experiences for a consultant who charges a percentage before passing it on to a client. However, an invoice that isn’t itemized can make it harder to compromise – for example, between a more expensive hotel and a special experience. If price transparency is important to you, discuss this with the advisor in advance.
What impact do AI and other technologies have on travel advisors?
While new technologies allow do-it-yourselfers to create their own itineraries online based on individual preferences and enter questions directly into travel websites, advisors are also using these technologies to improve their services. Joan Roca, chief executive of upscale travel planning company Essentialist, said his team “leverages technology to enhance the human touch” and uses artificial intelligence to select options from a database of travel deals selected by a human team. For example, if a couple wants to take a walk after dinner, Essentialist’s app provides suggestions for where to go based on the neighborhood the travelers are in and the conversations they’ve had with their travel advisor.
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2024-03-08 10:01:55
www.nytimes.com
