Why Your Travel Advisor Matters (and How to Choose One Wisely!)
Greetings, Wanderers!
Before I dive in today: Happy 5th Birthday, Rhys!
As some of you may know, I’ve been speaking at local libraries recently about travel to Europe—covering all the “Need to Know” details for Ireland, Italy, Greece, and Spain. My goal? To educate and inspire people to visit these incredible places! While I do mention Clemente Travels, I’ve kept it brief, focusing instead on something even more important: why it’s essential to know who you’re entrusting with your milestone trips.
These aren’t just vacations—they’re experiences you’ve saved for, dreamed about, and want to be nothing short of unforgettable. So how do you ensure your travel advisor is the right one?
Start by checking their credentials. Are they verified (and a member) by The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), or other key industry organizations? These affiliations aren’t just fancy titles; they’re signs that an advisor is connected, vetted, and continuously learning. Clemente Travels, of course, has all three (wink, wink). I love it when people ask me about my partnerships—after all, I’ve spent years building these relationships for my clients!
A great example? I often hear of people booking their Disney vacations with a so-called “Disney Expert.” Sure, your friend who’s been going since childhood may seem like an expert, but are they a Disney Certified Expert? Do they work directly with Disney? These are the kinds of questions you should be asking before putting your travel plans in someone’s hands.
Speaking of trusted partners, last month, I attended an event at The Aviator in Cleveland with my colleagues at Globus Family of Brands. Have you heard of them? With nearly 100 years of experience, they specialize in guided group tours, independent adventures, and dreamy Avalon River Cruises. I even got to learn firsthand from a guide from the Netherlands because when I recommend a trip, I want to know exactly what my clients can expect!
So why does this matter to you?
While I’m constantly staying on top of industry trends, it’s my partners that truly elevate my clients’ experiences:
They’re there when my two clients traveling through Thailand next month need 24/7 support (because let’s be honest, time zones can be a nightmare!).
They’re there when a client’s flight gets rerouted, and they’re at risk of missing their tour.
They’re there when my travelers want something extraordinary—whether it’s a private experience, a behind-the-scenes moment, or an insider’s perspective. As I said in a recent newsletter: No one knows Paris like a Parisian.
The list goes on! When my clients travel, they have me—not a 1-800 number where they’re placed on hold ten times before getting help. They have real, in-destination support and personalized service.
5 Questions to Ask Your Travel Advisor Before Booking Your Next Trip
Are you a verified member of ASTA, CLIA, or other professional organizations?
What direct partnerships do you have that will enhance my trip?
How do you handle travel disruptions or emergencies?
Do you have firsthand experience with the destinations you’re recommending?
What level of support will I have during my trip?
Your vacation should be seamless, memorable, and stress-free—so if your advisor doesn’t have solid answers to these, it might be time to find one who does!
Know someone looking to travel soon? Be sure to pass this along so they know what to ask! Or are you thinking about a guided adventure? Check out Globus tours and reach out so we can get you booked —I’d love to help you plan something incredible.
Cheers,
Hannah
