My clients choose to work with a travel advisor because they see real value in expertise, time savings, logistics, and peace of mind. I charge a planning fee for customized itineraries, and I am very upfront about that from the beginning. My services are not free and they are not meant to be. This is exactly why a travel advisor is a perfect fit for some travelers and not the right fit for others. Here is how I help clients decide if working with a me makes sense for them.

Who Should Use a Travel Advisor

Travelers who value time more than anything
Many of my clients are busy professionals or families with full calendars. They could research hotels, routes, transfers, tours, and timing themselves but they simply do not want to spend evenings and weekends doing it. They want to arrive knowing every piece is thoughtfully planned and flows seamlessly. For them, outsourcing the planning allows them to focus on enjoying the anticipation of the trip rather than building it.
Travelers who want peace of mind while they travel
One of the most common things my clients tell me is that they do not want anxiety while on vacation. They want to relax knowing that transportation is confirmed, hotels are vetted, timing makes sense, and nothing important was overlooked. When issues arise, and they sometimes do, they want someone handling it so they can stay present and enjoy the experience. Personally, I only partner with trusted suppliers with 24-hour support.
Travelers visiting a destination for the first time
If a client has never been to a particular country, they often want to leverage my destination knowledge before deciding how they want to travel in the future. Knowing where to stay, which areas fit their travel style, how long to spend in each place, and how to move efficiently between destinations can completely change the experience. A few of my clients have told me they felt confident planning future trips themselves because their first experience was done right.

Who Does Not Need a Travel Advisor

Travelers who love the research process
Some people genuinely enjoy comparing hotels, reading reviews, mapping routes, and building itineraries. If researching is part of the fun for you, you may not want to hand that over to someone else.
Travelers who prefer booking everything directly
If you enjoy managing individual bookings with hotels, airlines, and tour operators and want full control over each component, a travel advisor may not be necessary.
Travelers who love a challenge
For some travelers, figuring it all out as they go is part of the adventure. They enjoy problem solving and are comfortable adjusting plans on the fly.

A Common Misconception About Budget

Many people assume that travelers on a tighter budget are better off booking themselves. In reality, mistakes, missed connections, poor location choices, or overlooked logistics often end up costing more than expected. A well planned itinerary can prevent expensive errors and maximize the value of the trip regardless of budget.

At the end of the day, using a travel advisor is not about status or luxury alone. It is about how you want to spend your time, how you want to feel while traveling, and whether you value having an expert guiding the experience.

Who Should Use a Travel Advisor and Who Should Not