04/11/2026
🚨 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬
I came across a recent news segment that suggested travelers should use a travel advisor for advice… and then book everything themselves to avoid paying.
Let me say this clearly:
That is not a “travel hack.”
That is a misunderstanding of how this industry actually works.
Here’s the reality 👇
Another misconception?
That travel advisors are always on “vacation” or traveling for free.
Let’s be real.
When we travel, we’re working.
We’re touring resorts, taking notes, meeting with suppliers, evaluating experiences, and paying attention to the details most travelers would never think to look for.
We may be at an oceanfront resort…
and never touch the sand.
Because we’re there to learn, to vet, and to make sure when we recommend something, it’s based on firsthand knowledge, not guesswork.
We invest in travel so our clients don’t have to take risks.
Professional travel advisors are not Google.
We are not “idea generators.”
And we are certainly not here to provide free labor.
We are business owners. We are problem-solvers. And we are experts at what we do.
We:
• Design personalized travel experiences
• Navigate supplier systems and policies
• Monitor changes, disruptions, and risks
• Advocate for our clients when things go wrong
• And stay with our clients from planning → travel → return
That level of service doesn’t start at booking.
It starts the moment you ask for expertise.
💡 Let’s put this in perspective:
You wouldn’t ask an attorney how to fight a lawsuit… then represent yourself to save money.
You wouldn’t ask a financial advisor what to invest in… then cut them out of the transaction.
So why is it acceptable to do that to a travel advisor?
Organizations like ASTA - American Society of Travel Advisors responded quickly, and rightfully so.
Because this isn’t just about one comment.
This is about an industry made up of 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬
• 95% are small business owners
• 80% are women-owned
This is real expertise. Real careers. Real livelihoods.
Here’s what I want travelers to understand:
✔️ In many cases, working with a professional travel advisor does NOT cost more
✔️ In many cases, it actually saves you time, stress, and costly mistakes
✔️ And in every case, you’re getting someone in your corner
If you want DIY travel, that’s your choice.
But if you choose to work with a professional…
👉 Respect the process
👉 Respect the expertise
👉 Respect the business behind it
I’ve spent 30+ years in this industry, and one thing I know for sure:
The difference between a “trip” and a 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
is the person behind it.
