Travel Agent vs DIY: Why Working With a Travel Advisor Is Worth It

When people ask me what I do, I often say, “I design seamless, unforgettable travel experiences—so you don’t have to. Think of travel advisors like a project manager for your trip.” It also leads to a longer conversation: Why would someone use a travel advisor when you can just book everything yourself online these days?

Here’s the thing—yes, of course you can DIY your travel. But should you? That’s where the debate between travel advisor vs do it yourself trip planning comes in.

For the same reason someone might use a wedding planner for their wedding, you might want to use a travel advisor for your trips. They have the knowledge, expertise, and training so you don’t have to spend your time and energy figuring out what they already know. The good news is a travel advisor doesn’t cost you anything extra (unlike a wedding planner, which can get quite costly).

Let’s break it down and explore the real value of working with a travel advisor (and how it may differ from using a traditional travel agent). I’ll also answer the most common questions I get from new clients.

Top 10 Reasons To Use A Travel Advisor

Even if you typically plan your plans yourself, you should consider trying a travel advisor for your next trip. Especially for trips like honeymoons, bucket-list journeys, family reunions, or once-in-a-lifetime escapes – it pays to have a pro in your corner.

1. Access to a global network

Travel advisors, like myself, have access to a big network of hotels, tour operators, and other destination experts so even if they don’t have first hand experience traveling in the place you want to go, they will work directly with someone in the know!

2. Access to perks & upgrades

Through partnership networks travel advisors can secure you perks like room upgrades, free breakfast, and spa credits! These benefits are at no extra cost to you.

Your booking will be at the top of a list for the hotel when they have availability for these upgrades thanks to the travel advisor’s relationships.

3. Expert itinerary design and trip planning

Figuring out the logistics of a trip can be time consuming and, especially for some countries, complicated. As a travel advisor, I will handle the itinerary planning for you. I don’t just line up hotels – I create day-by-day plans and provide recommendations for restaurants, lesser known things to do, and other helpful tips and advice.

When you arrive in a new destination it can feel overwhelming to figure out how and where to go. If you work with a travel advisor like me, I will have pre-arranged transportation for you and/or given you specific detailed instructions about where to go.

4. Time is your most valuable asset

Researching destinations, reading reviews, comparing prices, cross-checking flight routes—it adds up. I save you dozens of hours of screen time and give you back the most valuable currency of all: time.

5. Support when things go wrong

When you’ve booked everything yourself, you’re stuck on hold. When you’ve booked with me, you’ve got someone on your side to help advocate for you.

As a travel advisor I have access to direct lines for some hotels, cruises, and tour operators so that I can help get you answers quicker.

6. Less decision fatigue

There’s such a thing as too much choice. I help you avoid information overload and focus on what actually matters for your trip. I will narrow down the options based on your preferences and you choose from there!

7. I know what Google can’t tell you

I’ve walked through the boutique hotels, talked to the local guides, and eaten at the hidden gem restaurants. No amount of online research matches personal connections and firsthand insight.

If I haven’t been there myself, I have attended countless partner trainings with hotels, cruise lines, tour operators and more. Plus I regularly take destination trainings with experts who have knowledge about places I am less familiar with.

I also have a network of other professional travel advisors that I connect with and chances are – one of us has been there and/or knows the best person to help locally.

8. Personalized recommendations

Not every traveler wants to hit the top 10 sights. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, adventure junkie, or traveling with kids, I design your trip around you.

Some people love art and want to hit up the museums, other people would rather take a bike tour or go wine tasting. Trip planning is not one size fits all; I’ll make sure the trip is tailored to your interests.

9. Transparent pricing and value

Working with a travel advisor doesn’t mean you’ll pay more. In fact, I can sometimes find better deals than what’s available to the public. As previously mentioned, I can help you score perks and upgrades that you otherwise wouldn’t have access to – making working me a better deal than booking on your own.

I never upcharge for booking. The cost of booking hotels, cruises, and tours through me is usually the same or better to the rates you can find online. In some cases, there may be a planning fee for complex itineraries but that will always be clearly stated up front before working together on your trip.

I’ll help you get the most value for your budget by doing the research to find options within your budget so you don’t have to.

10. Peace of mind

You deserve to enjoy your vacation, not manage it. From departure to return, I’m behind the scenes making sure things go smoothly so you can stay present.

If you’re traveling internationally, going to a destination that is new to you, or simply don’t have the time to plan properly, you can lean on the expertise of a travel advisor to guide you.

Travel Agent vs Travel Advisor: What’s the Difference?

Travel agent vs travel advisor is often used interchangeably and both terms can apply to the same profession. But there is a reason travel advisors may prefer to use the term ‘advisor’ for more than just semantics.

A travel agent traditionally books flights, hotels, packages and pre-set itineraries. The connotation of the word ‘agent’ is that it’s a quick and generic transaction.

A travel advisor (like me) goes deeper. I spend time getting to know you, your travel style, your non-negotiables, and your dislikes. I use insider relationships, firsthand destination knowledge, and industry expertise to craft a trip that’s completely tailored to you. I’m not just making a booking—I’m building an experience.

My personal travel expertise has been built over years of international and domestic travel including living abroad in Rome and Mumbai plus month long stays in other countries throughout Europe. Wherever I may not have firsthand experience, I connect with fellow travel advisors who do so I can be sure to provide the best recommendations possible.

Travel Agent vs Do It Yourself: Comparison

FAQs About Working With A Travel Advisor

If you’re curious to learn more, here are some of the top questions I get asked as a travel advisor.

Can you use points when booking with a travel advisor?

I am unable to book travel with your points. But you absolutely can EARN points for all your travel. I often recommend people use points to book their own flights and let me handle booking the rest of the trip including your stay, transfers, and activities.

Does it cost more to work with a travel advisor?

If you work with me, the answer is no! The costs to book through me are comparable to booking yourself.

In some cases a travel advisor may charge a planning fee. This is most common with complex itineraries like international trips with multiple destinations. Planning fees vary because many travel advisors work independently and set their own rates.

Can you help with just one part of my trip?

Absolutely. I can step in to handle hotels, transfers, or help with full itinerary planning. Let me know what you’re struggling with and I’ll let you know how I can help!

This is not true for all travel advisors; many advisors only offer their services for end-to-end trip planning.

Do you only work with luxury clients?

Nope. I work with travelers who value experience—whether that’s a cozy family guesthouse or a five-star resort. My goal is to make sure your version of a perfect trip comes to life.

What is the difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor?

Generally speaking, these two titles can refer to the same profession. However, traditionally a travel agent serves as a booking agent while a travel advisor provides more personalized and in-depth custom trip planning.

What’s the process like?

We’ll start with a quick discovery call or email questionnaire. I’ll then propose a tailored plan, and we’ll refine it together.

Usually I start with accommodation options and then proceed to activity planning and transportation before finishing with final details like restaurant recommendations. You choose what you like and what you’d rather opt out of from my proposal, while I take care of the bookings and logistics.

Depending on the type of trip (safari, cruise, villa stay) the order in which items get planned may vary, but regardless you get a detailed itinerary (and a real person to call if anything comes up).

Do I need to follow your itinerary?

If you are more of a ‘go with the flow’ traveler, we can leave free time in your itinerary. Depending on your preferences, your trip can be planned flexibly or scheduled down to the minute. This all depends on your preferences and is another pro of working with a travel advisor like me, I customize your trip to you!

TLDR: Using A Travel Advisor vs. Do It Yourself Travel

We’ll start with a quick discovery call or email questionnaire. I’ll then propose a tailored plan, and we’ll refine it together. I prefer to start with accommodation, then work in activities and transfers, and end with final details. I take care of the bookings and logistics.

The travel world is huge, chaotic, and deeply rewarding. You can definitely explore it ‘doing it yourself’ but when you want something seamless, immersive, and stress-free, having a travel advisor makes all the difference.

I don’t just book trips, I curate experiences, handle the behind-the-scenes work, and turn dream vacations into real, smooth-sailing adventures.

Want to chat about your next journey? Reach out – I’d love to help.

My Client Reviews

Don’t just take my word for it. Check out what some of my travel advisor clients have to say. You can see more reviews on my advisor profile here as well.