What does a travel consultant do?
“What does a travel consultant do?” “Why would I use a travel consultant when I can do it myself on the internet?” “Would using a travel consultant cost me money?”
So I thought I would have a go at answering these questions for those on the fence about if having a travel consultant is worthwhile.
What does a travel consultant do?
Well, over the last three months I’ve spent countless hours bringing my customers home when, across the world, nearly all countries started to close their borders. I’ve rebooked flights, sometimes having to research alternative routes as the usual routes have been closed. I’ve amended accommodation, transfers, car hire and airport parking, often spending hours on hold when phone lines are busy.
I’ve been several steps ahead on every future booking, advising customers on their options, payment dates and supplier policies. I’ve cancelled or amended my customers’ trips as painlessly as possible for them (though not for me – 5 hours on hold to Disneyland Paris listening to Disney songs was enough to fry my brain!). I’ve also been an expert to reach out to, even for those who aren’t my customers, offering advice to those struggling to get refunds or even to get through to their travel company.
When the world turns normally, my role is to use my understanding of my customers to create a trip that's memorable and unique to them. I get to know my customers, so I can build a long-term relationship with them. This way I understand what they want and need from their trip. I then work with them to help them make the most out of their experience. So, if their passion is volunteering, if they want luxury travel or are seeking a one-of-a-kind adventure, I can help them plan a trip that offers wonderful memories and experiences of a lifetime.
Why would I use a travel consultant when I can do it myself on the internet?”
Online travel agencies (OTAs) provide a one-size-fits-all service, and don’t take into account the numerous variables that are in play. I tailor my services to my customers’ individual needs and if they have concerns, I can talk them through them. If they need a hotel that can cater to allergies or other specific requirements, I can speak directly to the hotel to make sure it’s taken care of.
I can recommend various travel destinations, based on many things such as geography, weather, history, language and customs. I can book flights, hotel rooms, excursions, transfers, insurance, car hire, airport parking, lounges and more. I also advise my customers what entry requirements their destinations have and signpost them to health and vaccination information. It's my job to attend to every detail of their trip so that they don’t have to.
I’m on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Should problems arise on a trip, even if it is the middle of the night here, we have a 24-hour duty office for all emergencies. If a flight is cancelled, for example, I, or the duty office, can rebook the flight so my customer doesn’t have to stand in a long queue of disgruntled passengers who need to make their own arrangements. As people around the world struggled to get out of certain countries ahead of the recent travel ban, or spent hours on the phone fighting to get their money back on trips they had to cancel, the pros of a human travel consultant versus an OTA have hopefully come into sharp focus.
“Would using a travel consultant cost me money?”
There are no extra fees for using my services. I’m paid on commission by the travel providers and, as a Travel Counsellor, I’m truly independent so will recommend the trip that is best for you, not the trip that will make me the most money! I’m competitive on prices with many other travel companies but I don’t compete with online travel agencies as the service I provide is vastly different to that offered by an OTA.
I believe that, with what we have been through for the past three months, the future of travel will have an emphasis on a travel consultant. And when you are ready to book your next adventure, I look forward to hearing from you.