Myths About Travel Advisors
Despite what you may have heard, true love and fairy tales still exist — and travel advisors are not a vanishing breed.
We aren’t trying to give in order to get. We genuinely care about your experience. And trust me, no matter how well-traveled you are, Virtuoso travel advisors have far more connections than you do.
Here are some of the most common myths about travel advisors — and I’m here to draw my sword and slay them once and for all.
According to Virtuoso editors, a Google search for “Where should I stay on Maui?” returns more than 7.7 million results. Combined with the uncertainty that still surrounds travel today, the truth is this: travelers can benefit from personalized vacation-planning help now more than ever.
There are thousands of travel advisors around the world — including 22,000 Virtuoso advisors across 50 countries — ready to help make travel dreams come true so you can have your own happily ever after.
Myth #1: A travel advisor is just a fancy name for a travel agent.
Think of a travel advisor the same way you would a financial advisor.
I’m a trusted, knowledgeable resource who helps shape and support some of life’s biggest decisions. Travel is an investment — and it can yield an incredible return on life.
Deciding where and how to travel shouldn’t be taken lightly, whether that’s a long-awaited Italian escape, a bucket-list world cruise, skiing the Andes in July, or taking your family on an African safari for spring break.
Travel agents can be transactional. Travel advisors are transformational.
I make it my business to get to know you — your preferences, your style, even your favorite spa treatment, preferred bottle of wine waiting in your room, and just how tolerant you are of customs and immigration lines.
Ideally, we become long-term partners in planning your travels again and again.
Myth #2: Every travel advisor is the same.
In my experience, travel advisors come from vastly different backgrounds, each with their own specialties, passions, and travel styles.
Some focus on family travel or wellness retreats. Others specialize in destinations like Europe or the South Pacific.
Many of us spent years aligning our careers with our passions before finally arriving exactly where we were meant to be.
Because we are deeply connected within the industry, we can also tap into a global network of experts.
Not only are advisors specialists in travel — the goal is to become specialists in you, the traveler.
Myth #3: It’s expensive to use a travel advisor.
Travel advisors earn commissions from hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators. Some also charge nominal planning or itinerary-design fees, depending on the complexity of the trip.
Those fees are always discussed upfront.
For many clients, paying a design fee is more than worth it to know their trip has been fully customized, thoughtfully vetted, and professionally supported before, during, and after travel.
And beyond saving you time, I can often save you money as well.
Working with an advisor unlocks value you typically can’t access on your own: complimentary breakfasts, room upgrades, spa or dining credits, cruise amenities, and exclusive perks.
Myth #4: You can’t be part of the planning process when you use a travel advisor.
One of the great joys of travel is the anticipation and planning — and I completely understand that.
Personally, I’m instantly happy the moment I begin searching for the next adventure.
For some people, planning is almost as enjoyable as the trip itself. But for others, it creates stress and decision paralysis.
Is the hotel in the right location? Is the room really what it looks like online? Am I making the right choice?
Your Virtuoso advisor — me again — can be as involved or as hands-off as you’d like.
The planning process should feel collaborative, personal, efficient, and yes... fun.
An advisor simply makes it seamless, giving you more time to enjoy the exciting parts.
Myth #5: Travel advisors are just trying to earn a commission.
A trusted travel advisor wants you and your family to experience the best possible trip. We treat your travel investment as if it were our own.
You may speak with a few advisors before finding the right fit, but today’s travel advisors see this work as far more than a job.
It’s a calling.
There is real pride in crafting meaningful itineraries, selecting exceptional hotels, and matching travelers with unforgettable experiences.
For me, it comes down to genuinely loving what I do for a living.
Myth #6: You can plan the same trip faster online.
People are time-starved across every age group and income level — especially now.
Searching endlessly through overwhelming online content often produces conflicting, outdated, or questionable information.
Your leisure time is one of your most valuable nonrenewable assets. Once it’s gone, you can’t get it back.
Virtuoso advisors know the answers to questions you may not even think to ask — and often uncover experiences you never would have found on your own.
I spend a significant amount of my own time traveling, researching, and collecting ideas for clients.
I love finding the kinds of travel experiences the internet simply can’t give you.
Myth #7: You can find the same prices and perks on your own.
Through years of cultivating industry relationships and global partnerships, Virtuoso advisors have access to rates, amenities, and experiences not publicly available online.
But beyond upgrades and perks, there’s one thing online booking engines can’t do:
Pick up the phone and stay on hold all day for you.
If a hotel website says it’s sold out, there’s often still a way in through advisor relationships.
If your flight is delayed or canceled, your advisor can frequently solve the problem faster than you can.
So stop staring at the 25 tabs open in your browser and just email me at rachael@howfaradventures.com.
Myth #8: Nobody uses travel advisors anymore.
This is the biggest myth of all.
Travel advisors did not disappear with the rise of the internet.
If recent years have taught us anything, it’s that travel should never be taken for granted.
When it comes to something as valuable as your leisure time, it’s worth working with a professional who has your back every step of the way.
Think of me as your white knight in shining armor.
Thank you to Virtuoso for this wonderful tribute to travel advisors and the work we do.
As always, I love travel planning almost as much as I love traveling itself.
Let’s make your travel dreams come true.
How Far Adventures is an independent affiliate of Gifted Travel Network, a Virtuoso Member.
