The New York Times Discusses the Value of Travel Planners

I've written here before about the value of using a Travel Agent. While your initial reaction may be, "you are a travel agent so of course you see value!", I actually got into this line of work after I saw how much easier my own trips would be with a travel agent's help! This is especially true for trips that require a great deal of planning, like a Disney vacation or visiting a new place for the first time.

How are advisers different today from what they were a decade ago?

Social media and mobility have boosted our profession. Advisers are no longer tied to a desk; they’re out traveling. They’re exploring the world and posting it on social media and enhancing their own credibility by actually being out there. And because of mobility, they have the ability to help their clients whenever they need.

To me this is by FAR the biggest value I provide to my clients. I plan trips every single day to spots all around the world. I have taken more required industry training courses than you care to know about. By planning a vacation on your own via the internet you are doing two things I warn my clients against: 

1. You are spending your valuable free time researching and planning a vacation instead of doing other things that are more enjoyable. Think about that-- you are WORKING to plan a VACATION. Now even with a travel agent you will have to spend some time working on your trip-- picking just the right resort, telling the agent what you want to do, deciding on various options-- but a good travel agent will cut your time down significantly!
2. You're putting the outcome of your vacation in the hands of internet research and machine booking systems vs a person who has been specifically trained to handle all aspects of your trip and knows your destination from either first hand experience or significant training. So you are rolling the dice many times when booking on your own. And here is the kicker, probably a good chance that internet "discount" site is charging you MORE than the prices a good travel agent can find.

Q. It’s so easy today to use the Internet to make travel plans. Why rely on a travel adviser?

A. Your most valuable asset is your leisure time, and once it’s lost, there’s no making it back. Why would you trust that to chance by booking online? Because as we all know, with travel it’s not about if something will go wrong, it’s when.

Working with a knowledgeable adviser gets you advice, creativity and advocacy; those things are hard to come by online.

I have literally helped plan someones Disney vacation while sitting in the Magic Kingdom. I remember they even asked if Merida were in the new parade-- just as she went by. Today's mobility allows us to get out there and experience all the world has to offer to help our clients. So when I am telling my clients about the beauty of Machu Pichu-- I've seen it first hand. The amazing service of a particular cruise line-- experienced it on both adult-only and with my entire family. 

And guess what, if I have not personally been there then another member of the team at Whitney World Travel has been or we've sent a client there. So when you book with a travel agent you're truly leveraging real world personal experience, not information from Trip Advisor or an internet message board.

So when you're ready to plan your next vacation reach out to me and let's see how we can work together to make your trip truly memorable!

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About the Author

Jennifer Whitney, Owner and Travel Advisor
Jenn has a passion for travel. She loves helping families create amazing memories while exploring the world.  From fun family road trips through the mountains of California, to climbing Machu Pichu, conquering Disney Parks, and even sailing the seas, she has either been there or helped a family get there! Jenn is an Accredited Cruise Counselor, Hawaii Destination Specialist, Certified Sandals Specialist and graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge. She also holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Texas