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Think You Don’t Need a Travel Advisor? Think Again

May 01, 2025 by Jen Altheide |
Last updated on May 27, 2025
Travel Advisors Myths vs. Facts Should I work with a travel advisor

I'm here to set the record straight!

If I had a dollar for every time someone said, “Wait, people still use travel agents?”—I’d be sipping champagne in the Maldives right now. Let’s clear a few things up, shall we? Working with a travel advisor isn’t old-school—it’s the smartest (and most stress-free) way to plan your vacation. From VIP perks to saving you hours of Googling, here’s what it’s really like to have a pro in your corner. Let’s bust some myths.

MYTH #1: Travel advisors are expensive.
REALITY: I'm not charging you diamond-level fees to Google things for you.

In most cases, you don’t pay me at all. Yep—my commission comes from the hotel, cruise line, or tour operator after I book your trip. It’s like having a personal travel concierge without the hefty price tag. For more complex or customized trips, I might charge a planning fee—but I promise I’ll tell you that upfront (no shady surprises). And honestly, the time and stress I save you? Priceless.


MYTH #2: “I can just book it online myself.”
REALITY: You totally can… if you like drowning in tabs and reviews from 2017.

You could spend 12 hours on TripAdvisor trying to figure out if that "boutique" hotel is charming or just small. Or you could message me, tell me what you want, and let me send you vetted options with actual perks. I know which resorts roll out the red carpet—and which ones roll their eyes at guests. Plus, I get access to upgrades, spa credits, and sometimes a bottle of wine in your room (you're welcome).


MYTH #3: Travel advisors only book cruises and bus tours.
REALITY: I plan your kind of trip—whatever that looks like.

Sure, I book cruises. But I also do private yacht charters, custom Europe itineraries, food and wine tours in Tuscany, and over-the-top honeymoons. Want to go glamping in the Sahara? I’ve done it. Boutique hotels in Paris? Yes, please. All-inclusive beach week with your crew? Let’s do it. I don’t just click “book.” I curate the vibe.


MYTH #4: “It’s faster to do it myself.”
REALITY: Only if you love researching airport transfer options at 2am.

I get it—DIY gives you a false sense of control. But one wrong click and suddenly you’ve booked the wrong hotel, in the wrong town, with a shared bathroom. Meanwhile, I know how to get you where you want to go, with way less Googling and way more accuracy. Plus, if you hate organizing spreadsheets and comparing policies, this is my happy place. You do the vacationing—I’ll do the nerdy stuff.


MYTH #5: “If something goes wrong, I’ll just call customer service.”
REALITY: Have fun with that. Or... let me fix it while you sip Prosecco.

If your flight gets canceled or your hotel messes up your reservation, good luck getting a real human on the phone. But if you booked with me? I am your customer service. You’ll text me in a panic and I’ll already be handling it. I know your itinerary, your preferences, and your kid’s peanut allergy. I’m basically your travel fairy godmother—but with WiFi and espresso.


MYTH #6: “Travel advisors are old-school.”
REALITY: Just because I don’t TikTok your itinerary doesn’t mean I’m out of touch.

The internet has made travel planning louder, not better. I cut through the chaos, skip the clickbait, and give you the good stuff. I use industry tools, insider contacts, and real-life experience (you won’t find that in a YouTube vlog). Think of me as a stylish hybrid of Google and your best-traveled friend.


MYTH #7: “I’m not planning a luxury trip, so I don’t need you.”
REALITY: Oh please, I help with everything from luxury safaris to Disney trips with cranky toddlers.

Do you value your time? Want someone else to triple-check that your hotel has air-conditioning and your transfer isn’t a guy with a cardboard sign and zero reviews? Then you need a travel advisor. I work with all kinds of travelers—big budgets, tight budgets, bucket lists, and last-minute escapes. If it requires a plane, a hotel, or a passport stamp, I’m in.


Final thoughts:

Working with a travel advisor is like having a savvy, well-connected bestie who actually lives to plan travel. I’m here to take the stress off your plate, level up your experience, and make sure your vacation is as amazing as it looks in your head.

Let’s do this.
Reach out and let’s plan something unforgettable. You deserve more than just a trip—you deserve a vacation.

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