Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Travel Advisor

Once you've decided the advantages of a certified travel advisor are worth it for your trip, the next step is finding the right one. Here's what to ask.

"Are you certified, and with which organizations?"

Certification means training, accountability, and access to supplier networks. If someone can't answer this clearly, that's a signal.

"Have you personally been to this destination?"

Firsthand experience is hard to replace. If they haven't been, ask who on their team has, or how they stay current on the destination.

"What's included in your planning fee, and when is it charged?"

Good advisors are transparent about what they charge and when. Understand this up front so there are no surprises.

"What happens if something goes wrong while I'm traveling?"

This is the single most important question. A good answer sounds like real support during your trip — not a generic "call the hotel."

"Can you show me an example itinerary you've built?"

Seeing their actual work tells you more than any pitch. Look for personalization, not a template with your name swapped in.

"What's your specialty?"

Some advisors focus on luxury resorts, others on multi-generational family trips or complex multi-country itineraries. Make sure their focus matches your trip.

Have a few questions of your own? Ask us anything — we're happy to answer.