5 things I’ve learned as a travel advisor

1. Flights are not guaranteed to be cheaper to purchase on Tueday’s and Thursdays.

Flight prices are based on supply and demand. Prices generally go up as flights sell out, seats are held and released by the minute and a good travel advisor will be able to look at the ticket price to determine if the price is similar to what we saw the year prior but can never predict future rates. It could be less expensive on Sunday and sky rocket Tuesday. Book the flight and don’t look back. 

2. Consider Travel Protection.

Although we cannot advise on policies or encourage you to insure your trip we can share too many stories of clients affected positively and negatively when it comes to travel protection. Ask us about those who were able to utilize insurance during an emergency or those who didn’t have it and wish they had. You can also follow this post to view our top five reasons to purchase travel protection.

3. Europe is possible at all budgets.

Prior to my career in travel I thought Europe was only for the elite or that once in a lifetime vacation. Nowadays, flights to Paris or Dublin are comparable to a flight from North Dakota to Mexico or Florida and can be even cheaper from major airports. Of course it’s always fun to travel on a larger budget but the challenge of creating a bucket list vacation at any price point is very rewarding for our travel team. If Europe is on your bucket list reach out to your preferred advisor. You don’t know what you don’t know.

4. The world is not as dangerous as I had assumed.

Now this one could get me into trouble so please know I am NOT advising on the safety of any destination, domestic or abroad. I do know that my own eyes have been opened up to the naivety I had towards any place other than home and stepping outside of my comfort zone has opened up adventures I didn’t realize I needed.

5. The 2 P’s: pack your patience and protect your passport 

Just this week we had a dog snack on a passport, a client jump into the pool fully clothed with passport in pocket and witnessed someone leave theirs on their seat as they deplaned. Luckily these all worked out with an emergency expedited option, the US Embassy + speedy in country partners and a very aware and loud voiced seat mate. Imagine hearing someone yell your name as your stepping onto the steps to walk off the plane. What a relief! However, that’s not always the case so leave it locked up tight. Pack your patience? Yes, we’re guilty of losing our cool during travel but things always have a way of working themselves out. Take a breathe, call your travel agent and grab an airport coffee or resort cocktail. We’ll work it out together.

Hopefully these tips provide a little bit of insight into what we see every day in the travel industry and help you trouble shoot during the planning or travel process!