The New York Times Discusses the Value of a Travel Planner

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.

Recently the New York Times tackled the value of using a "Travel Adviser", even in today's world of internet travel planning tools, tips, and tricks (like this blog!)

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. The beauty of Hawaii-- well just wait for those pictures on Facebook because I go in September!

And guess what, if Ihttp://www.whitneyworldtravel.com 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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Jenn Whitney is a travel enthusiast and mother of four. Her goal is to share her experiences and knowledge to help families plan amazing vacations around the world. Jenn is the owner of Whitney World Travel, a boutique family and luxury travel agency, and an Accredited Cruise Counselor. You can contact Jenn by e-mail at Jenn@whitneyworldtravel.com