The short answer is that most people who try a travel advisor wonder why they ever planned trips without one… and almost everything you’ve heard about travel advisors being expensive or only for luxury travel is a myth.
I used to think only two types of people used travel advisors: older people and wealthy people. If you had asked me “do you need a travel advisor?” a year ago, I would have said no without hesitation.
Honestly, I became a travel advisor before I fully understood how the travel advisor industry actually worked. I always assumed booking on your own was automatically cheaper and easier. Sometimes it is, especially if you are a travel pro. But for most people, that is not the case.
That realization is exactly why I became an advisor. I want to make travel easier, smarter, and more enjoyable by sharing knowledge most people do not have access to. So I thought it would be helpful, and kind of fun, to start by busting a few common travel advisor myths and sharing some real truths.
Myth #1: Travel advisors are more expensive
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about travel agents and it is simply not true.
More often than not, the price you pay is the same. Sometimes it is even better than what you would find on your own. On top of that, booking through a trusted travel advisor often comes with extra perks like room upgrades, resort credits, or added amenities.
And if you believe time is money, consider the hours you save by not researching endless options, reading hundreds of reviews, or second guessing your decisions. You are not just booking a hotel. You are gaining travel planning support from someone focused on finding the right fit for your vibe, preferences, and priorities. If you want to learn more about the costs associated with using a travel advisor, I laid it all out right here.
Myth #2: Travel advisors are only for luxury travelers
If you think travel advisors are only for week-long international trips or month-long European adventures, you are not alone. I thought that too.
Travel advisors can book a one-night hotel stay. We can plan a weekend staycation. We can help with a rental car, a train between cities, or a simple family getaway. If it involves travel, a travel advisor can help.
My first bookings were actually staycations in my own town so I could learn the platform. The price was the same as my favorite discount booking site. The value of a travel advisor is not about budget or trip length. It is about support, guidance, and making travel planning easier.
Myth #3: “I can just Google it myself”
You absolutely can. However, the truth is that the majority of what you see when you Google “best hotels” or “best all inclusive for families” is heavily influenced by advertising dollars. Companies pay to be seen.
Think of a travel advisor as a human version of Google with a filter. Anyone can pull up 100 hotel options. The real value is knowing which three are actually right for you.
What a travel advisor actually does
- Curates hotel options
- Builds custom itineraries
- Handles bookings and confirmations
- Tracks changes and issues
- Advocates for clients when something goes wrong
- Saves time during the travel planning process
- Shares insider tips and experience
A note on travel planning fees
After seeing everything that goes into thoughtful travel planning, it makes sense that some services involve a planning fee. I believe in full transparency.
Many hotel and cruise bookings do not cost you anything extra. For more involved travel planning, such as custom itineraries, complex trips, or highly personalized experiences, I charge a planning fee that reflects the time and research involved. All pricing is shared upfront so there are no surprises. You always know exactly what you are getting.
Who benefits most from working with a travel advisor
I will try not to say “everyone,” even though I feel that way.
A travel advisor is especially helpful for:
- Busy parents juggling work, school, and schedules
- People who feel overwhelmed by too many options
- Travelers planning multi-destination trips
- Anyone who does not enjoy the travel planning process
- People who care about the full experience, from food to hotels to the flow of the trip
You do not need a travel advisor for every trip. But when you want something thoughtful, well planned, and stress free, having travel planning support can make a real difference.
If you are curious about working together, you can learn more about my travel planning services or contact me anytime to chat about your next adventure, no matter how big or small.
Planning a trip soon?
Grab my free carry-on packing checklist so you don’t forget the essentials.
Download it here: https://wandersandwink.com/packing-list
Becca Marsh is a certified travel advisor affiliated with Fora Travel and the voice behind Wanders & Wink, based in Grants Pass, Oregon. A lifelong traveler who has explored every U.S. state and dozens of countries from the street food stalls of Vietnam to the Michelin-starred restaurants of Paris, she specializes in food-forward family travel that actually delivers on the fantasy. She takes her own family on at least six trips a year (research, she calls it…) and brings that firsthand experience to every itinerary she builds for her clients. She believes great travel is accessible to everyone and will always tell you exactly where to go and what to order.
