It’s a running joke in the travel advising world that when you tell someone you work as a travel advisor, more often than not, there response will be something along the lines of “Really? I didn’t know people still did that!”

But actually, travel advising is a growing industry these days! (Check out this article.) Travel is still a hard-hit industry in a post-COVID world, but based on the stories I have heard, COVID actually did a lot to re-affirm the value of travel advisors. Things can change so quickly in travel, and with more volatility than ever in terms of changing requirements, hotels and tour agencies going out of business, the cost of travel increasing, and more and more bookings being made on short notice. Having a partner who knows the industry can be invaluable. Someone on your side with the right contacts and industry knowledge can make sure your vacation doesn’t end up feeling like more work than your job.

And by the way, the terminology switch from travel AGENT to travel ADVISOR was an intentional shift in the industry to reflect the role that travel professionals play now versus in the past. Decades ago, travel agents held the keys to making bookings and served a much more transactional role- tell me what flights you want and I will book it for you! Today, you don’t need someone to make every reservation for you, but the value that we do still bring is more in an advisory role. Travel advisors are destination and industry experts, and we can recommend the right locations and the best times of year, the hotel that is going to fit your personality perfectly, and that amazing local tour company that can offer you a ton of unique and authentic local experiences. We use our knowledge and networks to craft personalized bespoke itineraries versus just booking some flights and a hotel and wishing you on your way.