Every question you should ask a travel advisor (and what they should be asking you)

Planning a trip can be a fun and sometimes scary/stressful/anxiety filled experience. Many times clients come to me at the point where they are so overwhelmed they just want someone else to manage the process. Other times I have clients contact me and it feels like a job interview! I love these conversations because it shows me that the client understands the investment they're about to make and how important it is to find an advisor who’s the right fit for their travel experience. If you’ve always wanted to contact a travel advisor but never knew what to ask start with the questions below. As you chat more questions will come up and before you know it you’ll have a better sense of what you’re looking for and if the advisor can provide it.

It’s equally important for the advisor to ask you questions to make sure they have the skill set, knowledge, and experience to meet your travel goals. I know it’s so easy to email or text but having an actual phone conversation will eliminate a lot of back and forth emails and give both parties a chance to communicate in real life!

For the traveler to ask:

How does a travel advisor work? What can you tell me about the process you use, and the value you bring?

What will the process of booking with you look like?

How many years have you been in business?

Have you visited the parts of the world and the resorts I am looking at?

How is your service different from that of other advisors?

Do you have any special niches or certifications? What professional groups do you belong to?

Can you provide references to whom I can speak?

Do you charge a fee for your services?

How will I be able to get ahold of you if I need you? Will you be available by cell phone for calling and/or texting if I need a quick answer? On WhatsApp or FB Messenger?

How do you decide which destinations are a good fit for me?

Can you build in some downtime so we can explore on our own and just wander about?

Can you create an authentic experience that involves doing something with the locals or some social activism?

For the advisor to ask:

What would you like to know about my experience and my business practices?

Why are you traveling? Is this a special vacation of some kind?

What type of experience are you looking for?

Who has the pleasure of traveling with you?

How will this trip enrich you? What do you hope to gain from your travels?

When will you make the final decision and who will be involved?

Where have you traveled in the past? What type of accommodations did you stay in? What was your favorite trip or hotel and your least favorite?

What’s the maximum amount of money you are willing to spend on your trip?

Have you gotten other price quotes on the trip you want?

What criteria are you going to use to make a decision?

If we can find what you are looking for within your price range, are you prepared to purchase it?