Why use a Travel Advisor or Consultant?
Smartphones and the internet have brought a world of information to your fingertips. It’s a key part of the reason the travel industry is growing today. Doing some homework online is a great place to start but working with a travel professional to plan the details and get your vacation booked gives you the best of both worlds. It will save you hours spent sorting through website after website and will make sure that you are getting the best value for your vacation dollars. You also won’t have to worry if you’ve accidentally relied on outdated or inaccurate online information to plan your trip.
Think of it like using Web MD versus going to the doctor. Researching online is a good start, but you need a professional to truly get the best advice.
Plus:
First-hand Recommendations
Travel advisors are experienced travelers and have likely been to your destination. They can plan your dream vacation and make recommendations specific to your interests while keeping the local culture, weather and more in mind.
Save Time
Transportation, lodging accommodations, detailed itineraries, and more are all handled by an expert. Simply tell me your budget and destination, I’ll do all the work for you.
Rates & Upgrades
Travelers don’t pay higher rates when working with advisors. In fact, it’s often the opposite. Rio Travel Consulting has access to rates and upgrades not offered to the public.
Can’t I do it all myself online?
When all you need are the basics – a hotel room for an out of state wedding or some other event – online booking platforms are generally fine. Rio Travel Consulting can still help with your booking and may even be able to save you money, though, thanks to agency pricing that is not available to the public!
Are you planning to spend two weeks someplace you’ve never visited before? That’s when you need a professional. You’ll get exceptional personal assistance before, during, and after your vacation.
At Rio Travel Consulting, I work with you, and within your budget, to create your dream trip. I won’t pressure you to go beyond what you can afford because I know it’s impossible to enjoy a trip if you’re too stressed out figuring out how to pay for it.
My job is to provide candid advice about all resorts, hotels, and destinations to help you choose the perfect place for you. I have great recommendations, access to agency-only perks and amenities, can arrange private tours without the long lines to the must-see attractions, and make sure that your time and money are spent experiencing the “best of the best” while you are there.
Does it cost more to book my vacation with a travel professional?
No. Travel advisors have access to all the same pricing (and sometimes better!) for airlines, resorts, hotels, and all-inclusive destinations that you’ll find on the online booking sites.
In many cases, I can find discounts and other promotional offerings that are not offered publicly.
How do you get paid?
Travel professionals are paid commissions based on published pricing and fares from the suppliers.
Can you work within a fixed budget?
Yes! I can work with all realistic budgets. We will always start with a detailed conversation about your ideas and goals for your trip, which helps me make the best recommendations for your travel plans.
Does it cost money to get a quote?
I do not charge an additional fee for vacation planning services that are booked through Rio Travel Consulting.
I do charge a nominal fee in advance for travel planning, trip design, and consulting services for clients who opt to book directly with the resort, hotel, tour provider, or other supplier / vendor.
For fully custom itineraries, complicated international itineraries, or group trip planning that requires personalized crafting and significant involvement, I charge a non-refundable deposit to begin the process. The deposit is then applied to the reservations that are made on your behalf.
Do you book group travel?
Yes! I book small group travel (up to 10 people) and take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your time away.
For groups larger than 10, please contact me directly (info@riotravelconsulting.com) for a quote.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. Many trips, such as tours and cruises, involve non-refundable payments made months in advance. Travel insurance protects you from losing this investment.
Just as important is the “during travel” coverage, assistance, and support. Trip interruption due to illness or unforeseen circumstances can be very expensive, and medical care abroad is often not covered by domestic insurance plans.
Rio Travel Consulting will offer you the best option for your vacation.
How do I cancel a trip?
Contact me right away. If it’s after normal business hours, please contact the next involved travel supplier (airline, hotel, tour operator, cruise line) to cancel any reservations you will not be able to use. If you purchased travel insurance, please contact the insurance company’s 24-hour line to start the cancellation process and ensure your maximum refund.
