What exactly can a Travel Advisor do for you?

As a Travel Advisor, the main thing I do is, well, advise.

In the past, a Travel Agent may have been needed to actually book the various components of a trip or to get the best deal, but that's no longer the case today. You can absolutely book everything online for yourself.

So why work with me?

I offer my knowledge and expertise to give you peace of mind, knowing you're making the right decisions for your vacation.

I alleviate the stress and overwhelm that comes with planning all the various aspects of a trip. As a mom, I know decision fatigue is real! Letting someone you trust narrow down the options and remember all the details saves you time and lightens your mental load.

Let's look over a couple of examples to give you a clearer idea of what I do for my clients.

Example #1: Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is the Most Magical Place on Earth! (but also one of the most complicated vacations to plan)

For most vacation packages, Disney includes a commission for travel advisors (whether you use one or not). When you work with me, I do the following at no additional charge to you*:

Send quotes that fit within your budget and discuss the pros and cons of different resorts, ticket options, and itineraries. (Build in a rest day - trust me!)
Make the actual booking for you.
If a new discount becomes available that applies to your trip, I'll be the first to hear about it and will apply it for you. (Sending surprise "I saved you $$$" emails is my fave!)
I'll make those hard-to-get Advanced Dining Reservations 60 days in advance at 6:00 AM EST (that's 5:00 AM CST for me!)
If a problem arises, I'll be the one on hold with Disney (sometimes for hours!) while you go about your day knowing I've got your back.
Make any necessary changes to your reservation if your plans shift (e.g., adding or removing a guest, changing dates, etc.).
Keep you up-to-date on the latest Lightning Lane process and ensure you're ready to book them confidently for your trip.
Give you my best tips and tricks for navigating the parks.
And answer all your questions along the way!

*Select ticket-only options may incur a planning fee, but I'll always be transparent about it upfront!

Example #2: Cruises

Cruises seem straightforward at first, but allllll the options can quickly become overwhelming!

Here are several different aspects we'll discuss, so I can recommend options that will work well for your trip:

Where do you want to go? Caribbean? Bahamas? Europe? Alaska? Trans-Pacific? Cruises can take you around the world! Narrowing in on a location is the first step.
When do you want to go? If you can only cruise during a school break, I recommend booking early as cruise ships fill up fast. On the other hand, if you can go during an off-season or shoulder season, those cruises are generally less expensive, saving you money.
Which cruise line? Each cruise line has its own vibe and caters to different clientele. Depending on who's going with you and your priorities, I suggest a couple of cruise lines that would be a good fit.
Which port(s)? Cruises depart from various ports, which can change depending on the time of year. Is a round-trip cruise the best option (beginning and ending at the same port), or would a one-way cruise work better (starting at a different port from where you end)? For instance, I prefer one-way cruises in Alaska because you get to see more of the state.
What stateroom type? Suite? Balcony? Oceanview? Interior? There are pros and cons (and cost considerations) to each.
What stateroom location? Once you pick a stateroom type, which deck and location on the ship is best? Forward? Midship? Aft? Higher or lower deck? I have recommendations for this too!

Once we've narrowed down our options, I provide the following services at no extra cost to you, as cruise lines include a commission for travel advisors in the base fare (whether you use one or not).

Send quotes that fit within your budget and discuss the pros and cons of each.
Make the actual booking for you.
If a new discount becomes available that applies to your sailing, I'll be the first to hear about it and can apply it for you. (Sometimes new discounts won't actually save you money - but I'll always check!)
Remind you when you can book onboard activities, specialty dining, and shore excursions (it's a little different for each cruise line).
If a problem arises, I'll be the one on hold with the cruise line (sometimes for hours!) while you go about your day knowing I've got your back.
Make any necessary and allowable modifications if your plans change.
Remind you when final payment is due (it's a little different for each cruise line).
Give you my best tips and tricks for an amazing cruise experience.
And answer all your questions along the way!

I adore planning vacations!

And I would be honored to help you plan your next trip.

Simply shoot me an email at katiematz@fantasticalvacations.com or hit the button below to fill out my Vacation Quote Request form.

Let's get you a vacation on the calendar!

Vacation Quote Request: just a click away!