Why Do I Have to Keep Explaining This?

15 Things Travel Advisors Wish Their Clients Knew 

by Geri Bain, Travel Writer and Editor

Having to constantly explain the value of travel insurance ranked top among travel advisors’ pet peeves. Here are, some of the things advisors wish consumers knew and understood. 

1. Travel arrangements are contractual and binding. Most people don’t understand the risks they take with large, non-refundable travel purchases or that they are entering into a contractual arrangement. Payment dates and penalties really are what is stated. Emergency cancellations d trip interruption needs to be covered by insurance, said Corina Johnson, owner/advisor, All Points Travel.  


2. A doctor’s note won’t get you a refund without Insurance. If you ask for a refund from a cruise line or other supplier, they will say “that's what insurance is for. We’re sorry but our terms are laid out in our terms and conditions.” I insist clients who decline insurance sign a waiver—the one ASTA produced. That usually gets their attention, said Diana M. Hechler, President, D. Tours Travel. 


3. Travel insurance is about more than cancellations. Travel insurance can be about more than cancellations. If you have a serious health emergency while on vacation, would you rather have surgery or be hospitalized in a faraway locale or at your hospital back home? The cost of a medevac (air-lifting you via an air ambulance) can be as much as $250,000 and up, said Sharon Strelzer, Luxury Travel Advisor, Travel Made Special.  


4. Advisors shoulder the stress of travel planning and problems that arise at no added cost. You get the same rate whether booking through us or directly with suppliers, but we usually can provide added inclusions and benefits. Plus, our expert guidance makes the planning process so much easier. We can enhance your trip with added surprises and delights and are here to help if there are any issues along the way, said Dionne Evans, owner/luxury travel advisor, Travel by DAE. 


5. Our clients are our first priority. We can usually book that great deal you saw online, but it may not be right for you. We do not suggest a particular vacation because it benefits us; what we offer is what we truly believe to be the best option for what each of our clients is looking for, said Faith Ann Liuzzo-Bartholomew, travel advisor, FAB Travel Group. 


6. Travel advisors know important stuff you don’t. We know that at resort ABC, you can make dining reservations 30 days out; we know on a particular cruise line, excursions fill up about a month before embarkation, so plan to book early. We know to call your hotel several days before you check in to remind them you need connecting rooms, etc. Beyond that, we can help you avoid scams. A "deal" can save you money, but a planning mistake can cost you far more, said Meg Kan, travel advisor, MK Travel.  


7. A good travel advisor will make your trip better in ways you could never imagine. That's true whether it is Australia or Italy or Germany or Peru. For example, you can visit Machu Picchu without staying overnight, but many travelers have no idea that if you spend the night, you get a second entrance up to the citadel and can walk up to the Gate of the Sun where the Incas originally arrived or climb adjacent Wayna Picchu or find the Inca Bridge, said Hechler. 


8. Last minute plans can mean high prices and less availability.  When you make travel plans at the last minute, you generally have limited yourself enormously in terms of what is available and you're generally going to pay more. Ideally, give yourself at least 60 days. The earlier you can plan the better, said Hechler. 


9. Flexibility can save you money. Being open to tweaking your travel dates and destinations can go a long way in saving money and helping snag once-in-a-lifetime experiences at the best price. But value is not always about price. Sometimes you’ll need to pay for what your really want, said Lori Speers Owner/CEO, Levarté Travel, a Travelsavers affiliate. 


10. Your dentist knows teeth, not travel. And your auto mechanic probably doesn’t know the best hotel for your taste. Travel is my profession, and I won’t steer you based on my taste or anyone else’s except your own. A travel advisor’s job is to provide the best experience based on what each client enjoys and if we don’t do that we won’t have customers. Would you come to me for dental advice? Why take your dentist’s advice on a trip?! said Dave Hershberger, President and CEO, Prestige Travel. 


11. Social media does not provide the best advice for you. The complaints and positive comments are subjective. One person's gastronomy interest or activity level is not another’s. Travel advisors are experts with access to information that gives a more accurate picture, said Liuzzo-Bartholomew. 


12. A package price cannot be broken into components. When I give you a package price, it is with a vetted travel partner in your destination who takes responsibility for ensuring that all the elements of your trip work together. There is so much more room for mishaps when you have 17 different suppliers for transfers, hotels, trains, tours, etc.  with 17 contacts to coordinate with and no one to let you know if there’s a change in the train schedule and or to turn to if your “bargain” transfer doesn’t show up, said Hershberger. 


13. Travel advisors are professionals and charge fees. Travel advisors do not work for suppliers; we work for you, and much of the work we do does not earn us commissions. We cannot afford to spend the many hours it takes to pull together quotes unless you are committed to working with us, said Hershberger. 


14. Using a travel advisor puts a seasoned pro in your corner. We are your personal travel guru, guiding you through the maze of options, doing what we can to keep you safe, and saving you from drowning in a sea of travel details. Plus, who doesn't love a little human touch in this digital age? said Speers. 


15. All travel advisors are not created equal. As with any professional, it is important to work with a travel advisor who knows the business and takes the time to understand your goals.