The difference between a travel advisor vs. travel agent is being of service vs. providing a task. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the term Travel Agent was first used in 1885, and is defined as: a person engaged in selling and arranging transportation, accommodations, tours, or trips for travelers. In other words, an order taker/fulfiller. Communication between an agent and client was based on individual transactions and largely reactionary. An agent was more like an extension of the travel supplier, e.g. airline or hotel, and not a valuable counselor to the client.
The relationship I have with my clients, as a Travel Advisor, is much different. I work for you. I advocate exclusively for you. I do not represent nor am I an extension of a particular hotel, cruise line, etc.
My role as an advisor is to get to know your likes and dislikes, your needs, your dreams of travel—this builds a full picture upon which I can be proactive in my suggestions, anticipate concerns, and continue that work for the next generation as well. My goal is to create a long-term relationship for you and your family.
A Travel Advisor is not a tool. The Internet is. As your Travel Advisor, I use the tool to assist in creating a robust proposal for your future travel, and then I use my extensive personal relationships with hoteliers and other suppliers around the world to deliver a VIP experience to you.
I will pick up the phone or send a text message or write an email to you during a pandemic, hurricane or other time of need. Artificial intelligence has not yet learned to replicate these human behaviors.
The internet is useful for me to:
- communicate speedily and accurately with clients and suppliers all over the world
- research options through proprietary web sites not available to consumers
- share consumer-directed sites that will benefit your own research, if you choose to
Step 1: A Conversation
The first and most important step in trip planning is a comprehensive discussion between a potential client and me. We discuss everything trip-related, from trip location, goals and interests, to must-haves and deal-breakers. I estimate the potential fees associated with the booking. If it seems that the client and I would be a good fit, I collect the non-refundable travel planning & support fee and begin my work.
Step 2: Proposal Collaborative Refinement
Based on our ongoing conversations, I create an initial proposal for your journey. We continue to work on the finer details of the proposal until you feel that it’s exactly what you envisioned.
Step 3: Booking and Anticipation of Travel
I’ll make sure that your pre-departure travel documentation is complete and provide it to you in digital (or paper, if you prefer) format so you have easy access to it before and during your travel. I’m here to answer any and all of your questions, and I will keep close watch on your future journey in case there are any additional opportunities to add additional benefits to your plans.
Step 4: Travel
While you’re away, I’m here for you—just a phone call, email or text away, and I’ll give you local contact details so you don’t have to wait on hold in destination. That’s my job to listen to music. It’s also my job to provide you direct access to me for emergency support. When I am away from the office, I have the full backup of my colleagues at Evolution of Travel.
Step 5: Returning home with feedback
I want to hear all about what worked and what might have been better. This feedback enables me to make necessary adjustments for your future travels.
I do have my favorite destinations, like Australia and New Zealand, but I am a client specialist, not a destination or transportation specialist. My role as your Travel Advisor is to understand the nuances of your preferences. I have been fortunate to have traveled extensively, via land, sea, and independent touring. At my disposal are the vast resources of the Internova Select supplier network as well as the accumulated knowledge of my Travel Advisor peers, and my superpower is planning/logistics. I am a Certified Luxury Specialist.
I only book 4 and 5-star accommodations to ensure a quality stay and experience for my clients. In addition, I require a minimum budget for itineraries based on the level of services that are right for you. For fully custom itineraries, I require a minimum working budget of $1,500 per day (based on 2 people traveling). This budget does not take into account incidental spending in the destination, airfare, or additional fees incurred while traveling.
To allow me to properly service each booking, I do not book economy airfare. I do offer booking of business class airfare, and I am happy to recommend routes and dates based on your inquiry. I recommend clients review airfare pricing before solidifying their itinerary dates.
This minimum is in place to maintain the high quality my clients expect and falls in line with the current average trip cost for the destinations I plan for most often. This also allows me to work with fewer clients to ensure I can give as much attention to each client as they deserve.
All inquiries, regardless of budget, are vetted to ensure a good fit, and clients with less than the minimum budget are taken on a case-by-case basis. Budgets are discussed during your complimentary intake call to ensure your needs and wants align with the amount you wish to spend. I'm happy to suggest alternatives if I don’t feel confident I can deliver within your budget.
Planning a meaningful trip takes real research — not just checking availability, but understanding what you're actually committing to. My planning fee reflects the time and expertise I bring to that work: researching the right properties, reading the fine print, coordinating across suppliers, and staying available before, during, and after your trip. The fee adapts to the scope of your experience. My Planning Service Options outline what's included at each level, so you can see exactly what you're investing in before we begin.
I'll research and present flight and accommodation options and read the rules and conditions of each one for you, not just confirm what's available. I'll build your itinerary around how you actually travel: the right balance of activity and rest, knowing which areas to prioritize and when so you avoid the crowds at the moments that matter most. Before you leave, I'll prepare your complete travel documentation in digital format — a copy for you and one for someone at home. I'll make sure you have the right travel insurance for your specific itinerary. Leading up to departure, I'm here for your questions, and no question is too small. While you're away, I'm reachable directly, and I'll give you in-destination contacts so you're never left waiting on hold. If something unforeseen happens, you call me. And after you return, I'm here for that conversation too.
Yes, I charge a planning fee. It reflects the research, access, and judgment I bring to every trip; not just a booking, but the kind of preparation that comes from years of being on the ground, knowing the suppliers, and understanding what questions to ask before you're already there. My Planning Service Options explain what's included at each level.
For a custom European trip, the ideal booking window is 6–12 months in advance, especially for summer travel, which requires 5–6 months minimum. Flights are best booked 3–5 months out (or up to 11 months for points), while popular hotels and private tours fill up 6–9 months ahead.
