Benefits of having a Trusted Travel Advisor

• Travel advisors are trained to monitor situations like weather disruptions, health situations or travel warnings that may impact    their clients’ travel plans. As such, they also can work on alternative travel plans and can likely have those in place the moment the need arises. 

 • Whether traveling domestically or internationally, our number one priority is always our clients’ safety and well-being. 

 • We are advocates for our clients; and they know that by working with a true travel professional, we are there for them before, during, and after their trip should they need us – which gives them peace of mind. 

 • We strongly encourage all clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel is booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or travel emergency occurs. 



Five reasons to use a Travel Advisor

Booking with a travel advisor means placing your trust with someone who will look after you, not just during the coronavirus crisis, but at any time. 

1. Emergency contact while you’re abroad No matter where you are in the world, travel advisors are available to answer your questions. Rest assured, customers always have the comfort of knowing there’s someone there who can offer expert advice whenever they need them.   

2. One single point of contact for customer care Your travel advisor is the single point of contact for the customer and will handle all arrangements with airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, hotels and ground transportation companies. They will deal with everything on behalf of customers -- there’s no Googling the right contacts or waiting on hold. 

3. Expert knowledge  Our advisors work closely with relevant industry associations and government agencies to ensure that correct information and full facts regarding current international travel is always communicated to our customers. 

4. Value for money  Our advisors work hard to provide the very best value in the market, with exclusive rates for the world’s best hotels, cruise lines and airlines. 

5. Greater trip protection Our advisors can recommend options for travel insurance companies to protect your financial investment as well as provide medical evacuation services and trip interruption coverage, when necessary. 

There in Times of Change or Uncertainty - The Trusted Advisor

Cruise Line Executive on Travel Advisors 

The following is an open letter from Joseph A. Watters, Past President of Crystal Cruises to newspaper and magazine travel editors:

Dear Travel Editor,

"Why should I use a travel advisor?"

As a veteran travel executive, that's a question I'm often asked. Today, with the overwhelming number of sources for travel information (the Internet, cable television, newspapers, magazines, guidebooks, etc.), it's no wonder the consumer is confused. Yet that's precisely why the services of a professional travel consultant are more valuable than ever.

In January, the television news magazine, 20/20, reported the results of a test in which travel advisors beat consumers at uncovering the best airfares. However, it is much more than the "lowest fare" that provides the compelling argument for a good travel advisor.

The best thing an advisor can do is to match up a traveler with the vacation that's right for them. The professional travel consultant builds relationships with their clients to learn their interests and lifestyles, as well as their dispositions.

Below is a list of some of the important services, which are either provided free or for a nominal charge, by travel advisors:

1. Distilling the product information:

Through an on-going and time-consuming process of familiarization, continuing education and customer feedback, the advisor becomes a travel expert.

2. Investigating and supplying competitive information:

No single supplier is going to advise a consumer that a better route or a better fare is available on a competing carrier.

3. Staying abreast of the most current and timely promotions:

 Via daily faxes, advisor-only e-mail transmissions, and their relationships with their district sales managers, advisors are obtaining the most current promotional information.

4. Analyzing the current promotions:

The cheapest is not always the best.

5. Clarifying the fine print, such as cancellation penalties and restrictions:

Again, the benefits of a professional's experience can save a traveler money . . . and headaches.

6. Making recommendations for travel-related options:

Travel advisors share tips on what to pack for different travel options.

7. Simplifying the research and subsequent transaction:

 Like a personal shopper, advisors can provide one-stop shopping for travelers who require air arrangements, rental cars, cruise accommodations and hotel stays - with suggestions that are in the best interest of the client, not the supplier.

8. Enhancing the trip with value-added benefits and amenities:

 Advisors can add to the client's experience by sending a bottle of wine, providing a special land package, a specific escort or other customer amenities.

9. Using their clout to obtain the best possible in seemingly impossible situations:

Whether it's airline seats, hotel rooms or cruise space, the travel advisor has more buying power than the consumer.

10. Getting problems resolved: The advisor serves as the consumer's advocate in the event something inadvertently goes wrong.

The use of outside service providers for many transactions, such as tax preparation, isn't questioned. Similarly if one is going to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars, as well as a good chunk of valuable leisure time, it makes great sense to use a professional.

How is Booking Through You Different than Booking Through Expedia or an E-Travel Service?

Land and Sea Travel is here for you every step of the journey.

We work directly with our clients, offering face-to-face meetings and virtual support. We will be available to you throughout the planning, booking and travel process. We not only help you to plan your dream vacation, but I will also help you to prepare for it by providing logistical planning, travel document preparation support, and emergency contact services.  Travel Advisors are trained to service our clients whereas online services are trained in bookings.  We care about you, your computers do not.

If there is an issue or a need to make changes, we handle the entire process by working directly with my travel partners, vendors, and suppliers. Land and Sea Travel is your advocate the moment you become our clients for current vacations to future vacations. 



Thank you for Trusting Us with your Travel Plans!