Why Working With A Travel Advisor Makes The Most Sense
Take the hassle out of travel planning by working with a travel advisor. Save yourself time in the planning stage, have someone that is available to walk you through booking flights, and often can assist you should something go wrong when you are away.
When you work with me, I have a whole planning process to get you to your ideal vacation. From getting to know you first, to sharing in the excitement when it’s finally time to head out, and everything in between. Working with a travel advisor should be your top choice when you are ready to book your next adventure!
Did you know? Most travel advisors are just ordinary people that have turned their love of traveling into a career. I loved sharing my travel adventures to Sandals Resorts on my old website, but it was only recently that I decided to step out of my comfort zone and take my love of travel to a new level.
Shoreline Journeys participates in affiliate marketing programs. I may receive a small commission from any purchases you make through links on this blog. Please see my full disclosure policy for more information.
After all, when someone has been somewhere and has real photos and a genuine passion for a destination, I tend to take their recommendations very seriously. And that is what I am bringing to you: knowledge & passion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working With A Travel Advisor
A travel advisor is your personal guide and advocate in the world of travel. They specialize in crafting tailored experiences that match your preferences, budget, and travel style. From planning itineraries and booking accommodations to securing exclusive experiences and providing insider tips, a travel advisor is there to ensure every detail of your trip is taken care of.
Planning a trip can be overwhelming, with countless options and details to consider. A travel advisor streamlines this process by using their expertise and resources to handle all aspects of your trip. They will conduct research, compare prices, and manage bookings, freeing you to focus on what matters most—enjoying your journey.
Some travel advisors do charge planning and booking fees. When you work with me on your Sandals or Beaches vacation, my services are free. I may charge a planning fee for other trips, so depending on what you are looking for there may be some fees involved.
A good travel advisor will get you the best price based on current industry rates and promotions. However, remember the old saying that you get what you pay for, and a good travel advisor will advise you that cheaper may not be in your best interest.
The Best Travel Advisors Focus On Certain Types Of Travel
As a small business owner, I have given a lot of thought to what kinds of travel I want to offer my clients. I decided that I wanted to stick with what I knew and loved the most. I feel that it makes me more valuable to my client because if they have questions, I will most likely have the answer. And if I don’t, I am not afraid to go and find the answer.
That’s what makes me your most valuable planning tool.
Top Tools To Start Planning Your Next Vacation
- Clever Fox Vacation Planner
- 50 States, 50 Ideas US Travel Book
- Travel Planning Stickers
- Erin Condren Petite Travel Planner-Perfect For A Carry-on
Travel Advisors Spend A Lot Of Time With Training
When you work with a travel advisor that specializes in a certain destination or brand, you don’t realize how knowledgeable they really are. Since I focus most of my travel agency on Sandals and Beaches Resorts, I make it my mission to learn as much as possible about a destination.
Some of my expertise comes from the following:
- In-depth training provided by Sandals and Beaches. I take a yearly Sandals Elite Advisor training program that keeps me up-to-date.
- I know the value of a Sandals Resorts vacation because of the many inclusions that the resort chain offers their guests.
- I visit the resorts multiple times a year. Both as part of training opportunities, but also as a paying guest. This knowledge makes me your greatest resource because I will be completely honest. It also helps that I can say that during our call, I can see that you like similar things, so my resort recommendations for you come from a place of understanding.
- I work with other travel advisors that also have resort knowledge, and lean on their expertise as well.
You can be confident when working with me that I will do what I can to match you with the best resort that checks off all the boxes on your lists.
Travel Advisors Make Planning Smoother
Travel advisors have the expertise and knowledge to help you find the best deals, accommodations, and activities for your trip. They can save you time by doing all the research and booking for you, ensuring that you have a well-planned itinerary without the hassle of doing it all yourself.
Additionally, working with a travel advisor often gives a client access to exclusive deals and discounts that you may not be able to find on your own. My client’s satisfaction is a top priority, so whatever I can do to make your trip special, I will work with you to plan your ideal vacation.
Celebrating a honeymoon or wedding anniversary? I can let the resort know so they can acknowledge your special day.
When You Have Specialized Needs, Working With A Travel Advisor Can Ensure They Are Met
A lot of times people are worried about being able to travel because they have strict dietary needs or mobility issues. When you work with a travel advisor that specializes in a brand, you know that we have access to the best resources.
For instance, if I do a booking for you for Sandals or Beaches Resorts, I will make a notation of them when we book your room. I also recommend:
- Meeting with the culinary team when you arrive on resort. They can go over your dietary needs and discuss which restaurants and meals will best meet your needs.
- If you have mobility issues, I can guide you to the best one that would work for you if you need to use mobility aids.
- If you book your flights with our flight desk, we can request wheelchair assistance if needed. If you book flights on your own, I will send you a reminder to request it when I have you download your airline app.
Little things like this make a big difference, and a good travel advisor can help you navigate it!
Travel Advisors Provide Personalized Services
Travel advisors take the time to understand your preferences, budget, and travel style to tailor a trip that suits your needs perfectly. They can offer recommendations based on their own experiences and connections in the industry, ensuring that you have a memorable and enjoyable travel experience.
When you work with me, I take the time to listen and get to know you first. What are your likes or dislikes? Do you want to be on the move, or would you just rather lay by the pool or ocean? I can help you stick to your budget or assist in a splurge itinerary for a special occasion. My goal is to help you create the ideal vacation, so expect a detailed conversation at the beginning of the planning process.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or a family-friendly vacation, working with a travel advisor can help you create the perfect itinerary. You can head to your vacation knowing that your trip is what you envisioned.
Working With A Travel Advisor Can Provide You Peace Of Mind
In case of any unexpected changes or issues during your trip, your travel advisor can assist you in making alternative arrangements and ensuring that your travel plans are not disrupted. Having a professional to rely on can make a huge difference in how smoothly your trip goes, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about the logistics.
Some islands require you to fill out a digital immigration form, some still hand them out on the plane. I send you timely emails up until your departure day so you aren’t forgetting anything.
Need help with packing ideas? As my client, I don’t mind text messages with questions like that. Especially if you are a first time traveler, knowing what to expect makes the whole process less intimidating.
Personal Experience When I Didn’t Work With A Travel Advisor
A personal story: in July of 2023, we were coming home from Barbados. Our plane was stuck on the tarmac. We missed our connection. Had to find a hotel. Get our flights rebooked. We didn’t book using an advisor. I was tired and exhausted and cranky. If I had an advisor, they probably would have had it all figured out in a short amount of time.
That trip is probably what started the wheels in motion. I just didn’t know it yet.
I have an arsenal of planning resources available to me, and if I don’t have an answer, I have a network of specialists I can turn to at any moment.
And the best part of planning a trip for someone is the satisfaction knowing that I helped them to experience the same joy as my family & I do when we are enjoying our own vacations.
Understand That Travel Advisors Have Limitations
One of the things I have to say is that while travel advisors can do a lot, there are limitations. Sometime certain flight routes don’t exist or last minute request are more expensive. I will do what I can to maximize your budget, but sometimes there isn’t anything I can do. Not that I didn’t want to, it just isn’t possible.
Working with a travel advisor has so many benefits that you didn’t even think of. One of the best parts of working with me to book your Sandals or Beaches Resorts vacation is that I don’t charge you a planning fee or booking fee, and you benefit from all my knowledge. I am the one emailing our team or on the phone so you don’t have to be. Why WOULDN’T you want to use me?
Time To Book Your Sandals Or Beaches Resorts Vacation
Are you convinced? Ready to experience this for yourself? As a travel agent, I would love to help you plan your next vacation. Simply fill out this contact form or send me an email and I will be in touch with you shortly!
And I understand that you may not be ready to use a travel agent, and that’s okay. You can still book your vacation on your own through this link. Sandals Resorts will know that you found out about the resort through my website, but you will have full control of your booking. Just know that I can’t help if anything comes up, so booking with me is the absolute best way to go!
More Absolutely Amazing Posts About Sandals & Beaches Resorts
- Why Are Sandals Resorts So Popular? And Why You Will See They Are Worth The Price!
- How to Fill Out Your Butler Preferences at Sandals Resorts: A Comprehensive Guide
- Why Butler Service At Sandals Resorts Is A Great Investment
- Beaches Resorts Turks and Caicos Activities To Make Your Trip Complete
- Beaches Resorts Is A Leader In Providing Accessibility For All Guests
Essentials To Make Your Vacation The Best
- K.Y.S.S. Locking Bag or Backpack
- Sum Bum Suntan Lotion
- Fun Towel Clips For Sun Loungers
- Go Pro Hero 13 Creators Edition
- Aqua 4-in-1 Monterey Hammock Pool Float & Water Hammocks
Thanks for commenting on my post, totally agree that travel advisor makes our trip more enjoyable and stress free especially during crisis. Hope you have a beautiful weekend…
Thanks for stopping and leaving a comment. I enjoy getting to know my readers, and love to hear from them. I am really excited to be starting on this new journey in my life. Please visit again!
Hi, Jennifer!
A travel planner, how wonderful is this?! Working with a travel agent, is there a payment plan? I am more of a pay check to pay check type of person. Credit card is not an option for a lump sum payment. A lay-a-way option. Curious. I am looking at an Alaska trip in a couple years. Kevin would like to see the Northern Lights. I have always wanted to see Alaska. We will be celebrating 40 years in a couple years.
Generally most places don’t allow payment plans. But Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts does allow that, which is part of the reason why we enjoy vacationing there. If that is something you are interested in, send me a message, maybe I can find someone that does that.