So this AI (artificial intelligence) thing is here to stay. As we all adjust to this new level of information and data, and its impact on our lives, there is uncertainty as to the affect it will have on many industries and occupations. I’ve seen some say it will eliminate the need for travel advisors. Go ahead and ask AI to map out a trip for you – it surely can. AI cannot offer personal experiences and curated suggestions, because, well, it’s not a real person. AI is only as good as the data it has access to. I’ve seen AI put together an itinerary over and over that is, well, undoable, exhausting or just outright crazy. AI doesn’t understand the local experiences, traffic patterns, popular times, and more. It’s almost as insane as an airline allowing you to book a connecting flight with a 30 minute layover!!
What many don’t understand is that travel advisors offer so much more than just the ability to book a great vacation. Which, in all honesty, I’m not really interested in just booking a trip for you. I’m passionate about making sure YOU have the BEST trip you can for your hard earned money, and the experience is one you will always remember and talk about!
Being a travel advisor is all about relationships. Yes, of course you can book a great deal online through some third party travel website. You will NOT have the ability to curate your trip to meet your expectations and wishes. And you will NOT get help easily – if at all – if and when something goes wrong (resort room is not as expected, flights or transfers delayed or changed, etc).
Travel advisors also have relationships with suppliers – these are the organizations that work directly with resorts, tour operators, cruise lines, etc to form valuable relationships, that benefit everyone involved.
How?
For some, the only way to access the resorts, activities, tours and more, is through a travel advisor. They want to work with people they have formed relationships with, and so you can only get to some of these amazing activities and locations through a travel advisor. Also, having good relationships with suppliers allows me to pass along special perks, deals, options, upgrades, and more.
Why?
Because it’s all about relationships! Think about it, would you rather book online on a whim based on price and hope it is what you want? Or would you rather book through a travel advisor, who understands what you’re looking for based on your personality, desires and budget, and can recommend places and experiences that will match with you perfectly, and offer accommodations and more that you wouldn’t be able to get without that relationship? That is kinda a no-brainer!
Travel advisors also stay on top of current trends and worldwide advisories and more. Speaking of…here are the latest…
Current Travel Trends
As world travel has resumed, many people are planning their next adventure. But what are the current travel trends, and why should you consider using a travel advisor to plan your trip?
- Slow Travel: The era of rushed vacations seems to be a thing of the past. Travelers are now more interested in taking it slow and enjoying the experiences, while also ticking off bucket-list items. This means fewer destinations in a trip and allowing time to immerse in the local culture.
- Work + Travel: The pandemic has caused a major shift in the way we work, and remote work is now more popular than ever before. As a result, many popular destinations are offering work and travel packages where travelers can combine business with pleasure.
- Eco-Conscious Travel: The rise of sustainable travel is increasing rapidly, and so is travelers’ demand for eco-conscious accommodations, activities, and tour agencies. Many resorts and hotels offer eco-friendly programs and activities in line with environmental conservation efforts.
- Solo Travel: Solo travelers have been on the rise in recent years, and the pandemic has only further emphasized the concept of “me-time.” It’s a great way to get out of the comfort zone and make new friends and travel your way!
- Culinary and Wine Tourism: Food and wine tourism has always been popular, and it continues to be. Travelers are now eager to explore new flavors and experience culinary traditions on a deeper level. Many destinations are offering food and wine tours with local guides, cooking classes, and wine tastings.
Why use a Travel Advisor?
While I described some of the advantages above to using a travel advisor, here are a few additional reasons why using one is a smart choice:
- Expertise: Travel Advisors are experts in their field. They are constantly updated on the latest travel protocols and trends, ensuring an unforgettable and seamless travel experience. Many have personal experiences to help you, as well as many site visits and trainings on various destinations.
- Personalization: Travel Advisors work with you to create a customized trip based on your preferences, budget, and style. They can also provide insider tips on local restaurants, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
- Advocacy: When things go wrong during your travel, a travel advisor is there to help you sort it out. They can reschedule flights, rebook hotels, and give guidance if travel disruptions occur.
- Time and Money Saving: When you use a travel advisor, you are not only saving time but also getting more value for your money. They can help you find exclusive deals, discounts, and perks, and save you a ton of time researching on your own.
- Peace of mind: With a travel advisor, you have peace of mind knowing that you have an expert handling your trip. They provide assistance from the start of your journey until you return home.
In conclusion, travel trends are constantly evolving, and with the current economic and travel situation, it’s wise to consider using a travel advisor. With their knowledge, experience, and access to exclusive deals, a travel advisor can make your trip an unforgettable experience.
Contact me to start planning your next great trip!! The fall is a wonderful time to visit many popular destinations, such as Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean, without the crowds and at better rates. Let’s get started!!
