If you’re wondering how it works to work with a travel advisor and whether you should, I’m about to give you all the details. But first, I have a confession to make: I used to be pretty anti-travel advisor.
I realize that’s an interesting statement coming from somebody who is now a travel advisor, but hear me out.
I started traveling, caught the bug, and have since visited more than 25 countries (and planned even more!). My love for this industry started with traveling myself and wanting to help others explore the world. I started my travel blog, Leisurely Linds, as a place to document some of the bucket list trips my husband and I were taking when we first started dating. It was really just a place for myself to be creative and I never imagined it would become a full-time job.
Naturally, people started asking questions like, “Where should we stay?” and “Can you help us with our trip?” Some wanted more hands-on support and didn’t want to read through pages of blog posts to find the answers they needed. That’s when I decided to start my travel agency and left my full time job, which actually happened to be in the travel industry. I had been working at a tourism board and at hotels before that. It was a pretty natural progression.
So, I’ve been around travel advisors from all angles: working at hotels, at a tourism board, and now as a travel advisor myself, not to mention my experience as a traveler and travel blogger.
I share all of that because you might be like me, wondering: Why do I need a travel advisor? Do they even travel? I like planning my own trips. Can they really add more value to my stay? Can they get me hotel perks I can’t get on my own? When should I use one, and why? And, importantly, does it cost me anything?
These are all very fair questions and they’re questions I’ve asked myself, too. Now that I’m on the other side as a travel advisor, I’m going to tell you exactly how it works, when you need one (and when you don’t), and how to get the most out of the service. Class is in session!
Booking a luxury hotel? Here’s why I recommend using a travel advisor.
Yes, you are a competent adult who can book your own hotel room, but here’s why you should let a travel advisor handle it.
If you’re booking an eligible luxury hotel, you may be able to enjoy added perks like daily breakfast for two, $100-200USD in hotel credits, and potential room upgrades, without paying an additional advisor booking fee.
My clients also get the benefit of my price tracking alerts so when the rate drops on a refundable reservation, I rebook you! I was genuinely shocked how often this happens at luxury hotel when I became an advisor.
I can offer personalized help or you can use my client portal to book over 9,000 hotels around the world on your own with my preferred rates. Just request access (just need your name and email) and you are in to use any time 24/7!
The Quick Answer: Should I Work With a Travel Advisor?
My answer depends on what you’re booking. If you’re booking a luxury hotel, I absolutely think you should be booking through a travel advisor. If you’re planning a more complex itinerary, a milestone trip, or a vacation with lots of moving parts, having an advisor in your corner can be even more valuable.
Travel advisors of today are not your old school booking agent typing behind a desk. We’re out there traveling ourselves, vetting hotels, and have true firsthand experience.
Let’s break down the difference.
1. Should I Book Hotels With a Travel Advisor?
I’m going to give you the quick answer for those of you skimming: if you’re booking a luxury hotel, you should absolutely be booking through a travel advisor. And here’s why.
Travel advisors like myself can have access to preferred hotel programs like Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Belmond Bellini Club, Rosewood Elite, Virtuoso, and others. These programs can provide extra perks at the same rate you would normally pay when booking on your own, depending on the property, rate, and availability.
These perks can include:
- Complimentary daily breakfast for two: This can be worth up to $100 per day or more, depending on the property.
- A potential room upgrade: If available, you may be upgraded to a better room category.
- A complimentary hotel credit: Often around $100 for standard rooms and sometimes $200 for suites, depending on the property and program. You can use it toward eligible hotel experiences, such as dining or spa treatments.
- Early check-in and late checkout: Subject to availability, these can be easily overlooked but a huge game changer for your arrival and departure experience.
- Special welcome amenities: Some properties offer welcome cocktails, treats, champagne waiting in your room, or other thoughtful surprises.
- Additional hotel offers: Depending on the property, you may find special promotions, such as third- or fourth-night-free offers, or other value-added packages.
Who doesn’t love champagne on ice waiting in their room? And discounts on spa treatments are always a big perk for me!
Most travel advisors, myself included, don’t charge an additional fee for eligible hotel-only bookings. That means you can often pay the same rate you would have paid anyway while receiving added value and having a real person to help if something goes sideways.
Of course, perks vary by hotel and booking program, and upgrades or early check-in aren’t guaranteed. Rates and offers can also vary, so it’s always worth comparing what’s included before you book.
My Honest Take: If You’re Booking a Luxury Hotel, Use a Travel Advisor
Honestly, I think everyone booking a luxury hotel should at least consider using a travel advisor. If you can receive additional benefits at the same rate, why wouldn’t you?
Between daily breakfast for two, hotel credits, potential room upgrades, and other amenities, the value can really add up over a few nights to thousands of dollars. And it’s not just about the perks. Having someone who can help you choose the right property, understand room categories, and communicate with the hotel when needed can make the entire experience better.
For example, when I stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston recently, I had a $100 hotel credit that we used at the hotel bar and for lunch plus free breakfast. And at Il Sereno Lake Como, we got upgraded to a much bigger suite which was SO nice with a toddler in tow!
It’s one of the simplest ways to potentially add value to a luxury hotel stay without necessarily spending more.
Another Perk I Love: Hotel Price Tracking
One of my favorite benefits of booking hotels through me is that the service doesn’t stop once your reservation is confirmed. I also track hotel prices, and if the rate drops, I can rebook your stay at the lower price, as long as your reservation is refundable and the new rate is available under the applicable booking terms. Yes, really!
Honestly, I was shocked by how often hotel prices change after booking when I became a travel advisor! It’s easily one of my favorite perks to offer clients because it’s a way to potentially save money without changing your plans or giving up the hotel you really want to stay at.
I saved THOUSANDS of dollars on my own trip to Spain this year when two of my hotels dropped in price. One of which dropped by 1800 Euros PER NIGHT!!!
How Do Travel Advisors Get Paid for Hotel Bookings?
You might be wondering: if booking a hotel through me often doesn’t cost you anything extra, how do I get paid?
When you book an eligible hotel through me, the hotel typically pays me a commission for bringing them your booking. A commission of around 10% is common, although it varies by property and booking arrangement.
And here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: the cost of working with a travel advisor usually isn’t added on top of your hotel rate. Hotels factor distribution and marketing costs into how they do business, whether they’re taking bookings directly or working with partners.
Online travel agencies like Expedia also earn commissions from hotels, and those can be higher than the commissions paid through some advisor programs, depending on the agreement. When you book through a travel advisor who has a relationship with a hotel, the hotel may also offer preferred partner benefits to make your stay more special.
That’s one reason I love this model. You can book at the same rate or better, receive extra perks like breakfast for two or a hotel credit, and have a real person helping you choose the right property. The hotel gets a booking, you get added value, and I earn a commission for helping make it happen. It’s a win-win!
Do All Travel Advisors Have Access to the Same Hotel Perks?
Now, you might be wondering who to use. Depending on the networks and preferred partner programs they belong to, many travel advisors can access similar hotel benefits. Some advisors also have individual relationships with hotels, especially if they’ve personally visited a property or sent a lot of clients there.
My recommendation is to find one travel advisor you like and trust and work with them for all your trips around the world. You don’t need a new one every single time.
The more your advisor gets to know you, your travel style, and what matters to you, the more personalized your trips can become. They can remember which hotels you’ve loved, which room categories you prefer, how you like to spend your time, and what you want out of your next vacation.
How to book your next hotel with free VIP perks
A little insider tip: your hotel stay could come with extra perks at no additional cost.
When you book with me, you may enjoy:
- ✓ Daily breakfast for two
- ✓ Complimentary room upgrades when available
- ✓ $100 hotel credit, often $200 for suite bookings
- ✓ VIP recognition and status at your hotel
- ✓ Early check in and late checkout when available
- ✓ Personal support if anything goes sideways
- ✓ Exclusive offers, including third or fourth night free at select properties
No fees or markups for hotel only bookings. Just extra perks to make your stay even better! Benefits vary by property, program and availability.
2. What About Full Itinerary Planning?
Full itinerary planning is a little different and whether it’s worth it will depend on your situation and the type of trip you’re planning.
Travel advisors can help put together your entire itinerary, including the less exciting logistics like ground transfers and domestic flights, along with hotels, activities, private tours, restaurant recommendations, and more.
One of the biggest benefits is having someone who can help you choose the hotels that best fit your preferences and budget. We also have experience selecting room categories and understanding the differences between them. For example, an ocean-view room might sound wonderful, but is it a true ocean view or only a partial view? These are the details we look at all day, and knowing what to look for can make a real difference in your stay.
For more involved itineraries, we can also work with on-the-ground destination partners who help arrange experiences and logistics. Depending on the destination and the partners available, this can open the door to special local experiences and private tours that might be difficult (read: impossible) to organize on your own.
If you want a more exclusive, high-end trip that’s tailored specifically to you rather than a cookie-cutter itinerary, working with a travel advisor like myself might be a great fit.
How Much Does Full-Service Travel Planning Cost?
Travel advisors have different fee structures. We’re often compensated by our travel partners, particularly hotels, but more involved itinerary planning typically requires a separate planning fee.
Depending on the advisor, trip length, what’s included and complexity, fees might range from around $300 to $1,000 or more for a weeklong trip.
I definitely used to scoff at the idea of a planning fee. I thought paying $500 just to have someone plan a trip sounded ridiculous. But now that I understand how much work and time goes into travel planning, I’ve completely changed my perspective. Time is money!
There’s so much research, back-and-forth communication with destination partners, itinerary refinement, booking coordination, and preparation before a trip even begins. And the support doesn’t necessarily end when you leave. Advisors may also help coordinate with partners during your trip if something changes or goes wrong.
Quite frankly, I now understand why those fees exist, and I think good travel planning is worth paying for when you need that level of service. You’re not just paying for a list of hotels and activities. You’re paying for expertise, personalized recommendations, coordination, and someone helping bring all the pieces together. And sometimes for months leading up to your trip.
When Is Full-Service Travel Planning Worth It?
There are a few types of trips where I think working with a travel advisor can make a particularly big difference.
Milestone trips and bucket-list vacations
If you’re planning a big bucket-list trip to Africa, for example, I think working with a travel advisor is a fantastic idea. These trips often involve multiple destinations, transfers, guides, unique experiences, and logistics that can be complicated to coordinate independently.
Honeymoons
For honeymooners, having a travel advisor is a little like having another trusted vendor on your wedding planning team. We can help you plan the trip, coordinate the hotels and transfers, and organize the experiences you want to enjoy together.
You may also need help with room blocks or arrangements if you’re combining your honeymoon with a destination wedding. And when wedding planning is already a lot, having someone else take the travel logistics off your plate can be a huge relief!
Group and multigenerational trips
I also think travel advisors are especially helpful for group trips and multigenerational vacations. When you’re trying to please a lot of people with different preferences, budgets, and needs, having one point of contact to coordinate the details can make everything easier.
Ideally, you can focus on enjoying the trip together rather than being the person responsible for organizing everything for the entire group.
Complex itineraries with multiple stops
If you’re planning a trip through several Greek islands, for example, you’ll need to think about ferries, flights, transfers, hotel check-in times, and how everything connects. Ferry schedules can change, and a disruption can affect the rest of your itinerary if you don’t have enough flexibility built into your plans.
The same applies to a trip through Italy, especially if you’re visiting multiple places like Rome, Florence, and Lake Como. A travel advisor can help coordinate hotels, trains, transfers, private tours, and other logistics so everything works together. That can be such a headache!
How to Work With a Travel Advisor: The Process
Okay, great! You’re interested in using a travel advisor, but how does it all work? What does the process look like?
Here’s how it works when you work with me at Leisurely Travel Co.
Step 1: Submit an Inquiry
First, you’ll fill out my inquiry form and share as many details as possible about the trip you have in mind.
You don’t need to know exactly where you want to go yet. Maybe you have a destination in mind, or perhaps you just know you want a relaxing beach vacation, a European adventure, or a special trip with your family.
The more I know upfront, the better I can understand what you’re hoping to plan.
Step 2: Get to Know Each Other
After you inquire, I’ll reach out so we can schedule an initial consultation call.
This isn’t a five-minute conversation. I like to allow at least 30 minutes because this is where we really get to know each other and make sure we’re a good fit.
It’s a discovery call for me to learn as much about you as possible so I can plan a trip that genuinely suits you. I want to understand your tastes, travel style, likes, dislikes, and priorities.
Do you love a boutique hotel or prefer a larger resort? Are you looking for a relaxed trip with plenty of downtime, or do you want to see and do as much as possible? Do you prefer private tours, or would you rather explore independently?
I’d argue this is one of the most important parts of the process because the better I understand you, the more personalized your trip can be.
Step 3: I Get to Planning
Once we’ve had our call, agreed to work together, and you’ve paid the applicable planning fee, I’ll get started.
Depending on the trip, I’ll connect with my on-the-ground destination partners and begin putting together an itinerary that fits your preferences. This may include your hotels, transfers, activities, private tours, and other experiences.
I’ll also work through the overall pricing with you. From there, we’ll refine the details together until the itinerary feels right for you.
Step 4: We Confirm and Book
Once you love your itinerary, we’ll move forward with booking.
I’ll coordinate the reservations for your hotels, tours, transfers, and other included arrangements, then provide you with a final itinerary document that brings everything together.
Depending on the trip and the destination partner, you’ll typically pay a deposit toward your trip, with the payment structure and terms explained upfront. When a destination partner coordinates multiple arrangements, this can also simplify the process by consolidating certain payments rather than requiring you to manage lots of separate bookings yourself.
You’ll know what’s included, what’s confirmed, and what the next steps are.
Step 5: Get Ready for Your Trip
As your departure approaches, we’ll reconnect to make sure you have the information you need.
I’ll help ensure you have your confirmations and itinerary, and we can go over any final details. If you need packing tips, restaurant recommendations, or advice on what to expect at your destination, this is the time to get those questions answered.
Step 6: We Catch Up After Your Trip
After your trip, I’d love to hear all about it. This is genuinely one of my favorite parts of working with clients because it helps me understand what you loved, what worked well, and what you might do differently next time.
Did you love the hotel? Was the pace right? Were there activities you could have taken or left? Was there something you wish you’d had more time for?
That feedback helps me make future recommendations even more personalized. And once we’ve had a chance to catch up, we can start dreaming up the next trip!
Can I Just Book a Hotel Without Having My Whole Trip Planned?
Absolutely! You don’t need to book a full itinerary through a travel advisor to benefit from working with one.
I offer a hotel booking service for travelers who want help booking a hotel but prefer to plan the rest of their trip themselves. This is a great option if you already know where you’re going and simply want to book the right property while taking advantage of any eligible preferred partner benefits.
And remember, my hotel service also includes price tracking for eligible refundable reservations. If the price drops and the terms allow it, I can rebook your stay at the lower rate.
Want to book a hotel with me?
Do Travel Advisors Get Better Hotel Rates?
Not necessarily, and I think it’s important to be honest about that. Sometimes we get access to exclusive 3rd or 4th night free promos which is amazing.
A travel advisor won’t always find a lower nightly rate than the one you see online. In many cases, the rate may be the same as booking directly with the hotel. The value often comes from the added benefits, preferred partner amenities, personalized recommendations, and support you receive alongside the reservation.
A reservation that includes breakfast for two and a hotel credit may offer more value than a slightly cheaper rate that doesn’t include those benefits.
Do I Have to Book Everything Through My Travel Advisor?
No! You can absolutely book some parts of your trip yourself.
For example, you might work with me to book your hotel and a couple private experiences and then arrange your own flights, restaurant reservations, or activities. Or you might choose full-service itinerary planning for a complex trip and still have the flexibility to make independent plans where it makes sense.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong During My Trip?
This is one of the benefits of having a travel advisor that people don’t always think about until they need it.
Travel doesn’t always go according to plan. Flights get delayed, weather disrupts itineraries, reservations need to change, and sometimes a hotel stay doesn’t meet expectations.
When you’ve worked with an advisor, you have someone who understands your trip and may be able to help coordinate with the hotel, destination partner, or other travel providers involved.
The level of support depends on the type of booking and the advisor’s service agreement. For a full-service itinerary, your advisor may be coordinating with on-the-ground partners throughout the trip. For a hotel-only booking, support will generally be focused on that reservation.
How Do I Choose the Right Travel Advisor?
My biggest recommendation is to find someone you genuinely like, trust, and enjoy working with. I am certainly not the right fit for everyone and that is okay!
Travel advisors today aren’t your old school booking agents typing away behind a desk. We’re out there traveling ourselves, vetting hotels, experiencing destinations firsthand, and building relationships with the people and properties we recommend. For me, that firsthand experience is a huge part of what I bring to the table as both a travel advisor and a longtime travel blogger.
Here are a few things I’d consider when choosing an advisor:
- Their travel style and specialties: Do they understand the type of trips you like to take? If you love luxury hotels, family travel, or more personalized experiences, look for someone who understands those priorities.
- Their approach: Do their recommendations feel thoughtful and tailored to you, or do they seem generic?
- Their communication style: You’ll want someone who communicates clearly and sets expectations about timelines, fees, and support.
- Their planning fees and services: Understand what’s included, whether a planning fee applies, and what kind of support you can expect before, during, and after your trip.
- Their hotel relationships and resources: Ask about preferred partner benefits and how they help clients choose the right hotels and experiences.
Most importantly, don’t feel like you have to work with someone just because they can book a particular hotel or destination. Find someone who understands what matters to you and whose recommendations you trust.
Over time, they’ll learn the little things that make a trip special for you, and that can make every future vacation a little easier to plan.
Why I Recommend Having One Travel Advisor You Trust
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this post, it’s this: you don’t need to find a new travel advisor for every trip.
In fact, I think there’s a lot of value in finding someone you genuinely like, feel comfortable with, and trust, then continuing to work with them over time. Just like you have the same person cut your hair every single time. Because they know you and you trust them!
Think about it. The first time we work together, I’m learning about your travel style, your preferences, your budget, and what matters most to you. The next time, we already have that foundation.
Maybe I know you prefer smaller boutique hotels over large resorts. Maybe I know you always want a room with a separate sleeping area for your kids, that food is one of the most important parts of a trip for you, or that you’d rather spend more on a great hotel than on a packed itinerary. And importantly, anything you didn’t like about previous trips!
Those details help me make better recommendations without having to start from scratch every time.
Over time, we can build on what worked well, learn from what didn’t, and continue refining the experience.
I also get to know your family as your travel needs change. The hotel that worked beautifully when your children were babies might look different when they’re older, and the kind of vacation you want this year might be completely different from the one you planned last year.
Having someone who understands that history can make planning future trips much easier and better!
Is a Travel Advisor Worth It for Family Travel?
I think a travel advisor can be especially helpful when traveling with children because the right hotel and destination can make such a difference to the overall experience.
When you’re traveling as a family, there are so many extra details to consider: room configurations, connecting rooms, kids’ amenities, pool setups, kids’ clubs, dining options, transportation, and how much you can realistically fit into a day with little ones.
A hotel that looks beautiful online might not be the best fit for your family, and a room category that works for two adults might feel cramped once you add a crib, stroller, or extra luggage.
This is where having someone who understands your priorities can help you narrow down the options and choose a stay that works for everyone.
I especially love helping families find luxury hotels that welcome children thoughtfully, without sacrificing the design, dining, and overall experience that make a hotel special for adults, too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working With a Travel Advisor
Will a Travel Advisor Make Me Spend More?
Not at all! A good travel advisor works with your budget and travel goals, not against them. My job isn’t to convince you to spend more than you’re comfortable with. It’s to help you make the most of the budget you have, whether that means finding the right hotel, prioritizing the experiences that matter most to you, or helping you understand where it’s worth splurging and where you can save. The goal is to plan the best trip for you, not the most expensive one.
Does it cost more to book a hotel through a travel advisor?
Nope! Many travel advisors, including me, don’t charge an additional fee for eligible hotel-only bookings. You may receive preferred partner benefits at the same rate you would otherwise pay.
Can a travel advisor get me a free hotel upgrade?
A room upgrade may be included as a benefit of certain preferred partner programs, but it’s subject to availability and isn’t guaranteed. Sometimes they do promise an upgrade a time of booking, but that is more rare.
When should I contact a travel advisor?
As early as you can, especially for a milestone trip, a popular destination, or travel during a busy season. Booking early can give you more options, although the ideal timing depends on where you’re going and what you’re planning.
For a hotel-only reservation, you can reach out as soon as you start considering your options. And if you’ve already booked a refundable hotel reservation, it’s worth asking whether it can be reviewed or rebooked through an advisor!
Do I need a travel advisor for every trip?
No. Some trips are easy to plan yourself and you may enjoy doing that. I think a travel advisor is particularly valuable for luxury hotel bookings, complicated itineraries, milestone trips, and vacations where you want more personalized recommendations or support. Or if you just don’t have the time and want someone else to figure it out!
Ready to Work With a Travel Advisor?
Becoming a travel advisor has shown me just how much value the right person can bring to the experience, from the hotel you choose to the little details that make a trip feel special.
For me, it’s about getting to know my clients, understanding how they like to travel, and helping them find experiences that feel right for them. It’s also about building a relationship over time, so that each trip gets a little easier and more personalized than the last.
I am not the right travel advisor for everyone, but if you think we might be a good fit, I would love to chat!
Ready to get started?
- Inquire about full-service travel planning with Leisurely Travel Co.
- Explore my hotel booking service and sign up for the hotel booking portal.
I can’t wait to hear where you’re dreaming of going next!
Save it for later! | How it works to use a luxury travel advisor
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