We live a digital age where information is readily available but is that a good or bad thing when it comes to travel?

Firstly, it can be overwhelming to decide which country to visit for your travel destination. Next, you have to decide on the best flight route, the perfect lodging, worthy restaurants, which travel tours to trust and the travel planning list goes on…

If you google a question, you will get over one hundred responses from different websites claiming to know the right answer. How do you filter through all of this information?

A Travel Consultant.

Everyone knows of travel agents but at Dream Aloud Travels we use the term “consultant” because our expertise is based on our first hand experience in over seventy countries. We curate the personalised trips for you by consulting with knowledge from our own encounters. We have experienced it so you can trust us to get it right for you. 

Here are 9 reasons why you need a travel consultant: 

 

  1. First Hand Experience  

How do you know that it’s best to buy a ‘Skip the Line’ ticket to the Palace of Versailles? Because I’ve seen over a hundred people wait in a queue for over an hour in the scorching summer sun. If your desired goal is to have a great vacation in France, go to someone who has had a great vacation in France. Your most valuable asset is time.  The best advisors spend a lot of time on the road themselves – scouting out hotels, deepening relationships with tour guides, and finding the best restaurants and things to do. There are many things in life that we can do ourselves but can choose not to. Take for example making coffee, why is that you still choose to go to your favorite coffee shop instead of making it at home? Perhaps because they make the best latte in what seems like little to no time. Well, travel consultants will make you a French vanilla cappuccino with whipped cream and chocolate powder sprinkled on top.

Checking in with our honeymooners in Paris

 

  1. You – centric 

A good travel consultant gets to understand the personality and travel style of each client. I’ve had clients who love adrenaline and rollercoasters but I’ve also had clients who hate heights and don’t want a hotel room above the third floor. We understand that you are unique and strive to bring tailor-made touches to each trip. No two trips can be the same since no two travelers are the same. Travel consultants listen to your needs and find the best ways to satisfy you. Humans need to connect with humans – not a booking tool machine.  We take the time to understand what’s most important to you and your traveling companions. You may want to take a cooking class or a private tour or you may not want to leave the resort pool. Perhaps you want to use travel to educate your kids, plan a surprise proposal, an unforgettable anniversary trip, or celebrate a milestone birthday with friends and family. We have plenty of suggestions on what might work best for you. Travel consultants are invested in their clients’ happiness and satisfaction and want to make sure each and every trip is packed full of positive lifelong memories. They listen, suggest, adjust, understand and become a friend … not just a search engine or an anonymous voice. They are with you before, during and after your trip. Travel statistics show that, there is 28% satisfaction with booking online while there is 78% satisfaction when booking with a consultant.

 

  1. You have Things to Do

Some of you may want to plan your trip but you just don’t have the time. You’re running your own business, constantly meeting deadlines at work, managing your children’s schedules, trying to decide what’s for dinner, trying to plan a wedding. When it comes to planning your dream trip, leave all the stress to us while you focus on the important everyday things in your life. It can take over 35 hours to research, plan and book an itinerary. Sure, reading about places to go is fun — but planning a trip is hard work, and you never know what to believe from what you have read. Travel consultants travel the world, looking at everything, from the size of the rooms in hotels and cruise ships to the dining options on-site and nearby. If they haven’t personally been where you want to go, they know someone who has. They can answer your questions quickly and correctly.

 

 

  1. Safety

 If you are venturing into a country that you have never been. Your travel consultant will know where you are and have all your travel details including your room number. Your family members won’t be able to help as much as we can if something goes wrong. We ensure that you get to your destination safely and return home safely. We also advise you on which travel insurance would be a good fit depending on your age and health status to make sure that you know the different risks associated. Indonesia is known for earthquakes so any good travel consultant would advise you to get a plan which would include evacuation coverage in case of natural disasters. We are always a step ahead and anticipating your needs. Be it connecting you with trusted drivers or building relationships with the hotel concierge, we try to place you in safe hands.

 

  1. Connections

 Let’s face it. Sometimes it’s about who you know. As a travel consultant, you know managers around the world on a first name basis. We secure special benefits that you can’t get on your own, such as complimentary breakfast, welcome gifts, spa credits, and upgrades at hotels. 

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  1. Problem Solving

There are always issues that will arise on a trip. It could be visa problems, flight cancellation, late pick ups, food poisoning… we have heard it all. Travel consultants are creative thinkers and it is our job to offer alternative solutions. Our number is your personal help line. Unlike calling a large booking website, you won’t be on hold for hours. We are the “fixers” who know how to quickly turn things around for the better.

 

  1. We know travel

Travel is an art and a skill. It is ever changing and vibrant. Imagine googling restaurants to try then getting a recommendation from a random blog, to then arrive at the suggested place and see that it’s no longer open. Travel consultants study the industry trends and have to constantly remain updated. A great travel consultant will help you think creatively about where to go and what to do. Italy, France, and Indonesia will always be popular. But your consultant can open your eyes to New Zealand, Galapagos Island, Namibia and many other unique destinations. Together, you can plan your next dream trip or weekend getaway. Travel consultants are on top of what’s new and exciting. We eat, sleep and breathe travel. Just like how you trust your doctor with your health, your financial advisor with your finances, a Michelin starred restaurant to serve delicious food, trust your travel consultant with travel. The world is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether it’s the Tokyo Olympics, World Cup in Qatar 2022, Dubai Expo in 2021, we can grant you access to these exclusive events.

 

  1. We often save you money

 Even if your travel consultant charges a fee, the value you receive will be bigger than what you paid. Hiring a travel consultant is an experience in and of itself. I once saved my client $1700 USD by reactivating her hotel membership for points. Ask anyone who has used a travel consultant before. They always say it was worth the money. “I really enjoyed working with Dream Aloud Travels. From start to end, the experience was pleasant and the service was excellent. I have no doubt that the trip would have gone differently if I had planned it on my own. I didn’t have to overthink anything; it was well planned and thought out, and at every step, the children were considered (they even arranged transportation with booster seats). The itinerary suggestions were so great, there was nothing much to change. It was a breath of fresh air working with them; they always had prompt answers to my questions and even when it was my fault that I didn’t book our hotel in time, they found an alternative that was even better. Thanks again for everything! Their LUXE Personalised Itinerary was well worth every penny.” – The Hinds Family

 

  1. We advocate for you

The recent coronavirus is a good example. I had a client who booked a non-refundable room in Italy for travel in when. I had to make multiple phone calls and emails until she was finally refunded. Your best interest is always at heart. Whether it’s global warming, viruses, natural disasters, now more than ever, travel is volatile so you need someone to stand with you when things don’t go as planned. Whether the problem is getting there, getting in or getting out, your travel consultant will get you where you want to go.

 

There is no do-over for a vacation gone wrong. Life is busier and more demanding than ever. Your leisure time is valuable. Schedule a consultation call with us today by emailing [email protected].