The American Society of Travel Advisors, the national trade organization for travel planning professionals, is proud to celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day on January 30, 2024. They expert travel advisors share essential tips, with a focus on dispelling myths, protecting against scams, and highlighting the value of their services. 

Beware of AI-assisted phishing: With the aid of artificial intelligence, scammers can employ more sophisticated phishing techniques, so exercise caution when receiving emails, messages, or calls claiming to be from travel agencies, airlines, or hotels. Verify the authenticity of the communication by contacting the company directly using official contact information, not the details provided in the suspicious message. You can also verify your travel advisor with the American Society of Travel Advisors. 

Look beyond promotions: Avoid the mistake of solely chasing the cheapest “deal.” It’s also important to remember that price and value are not always the same. Travel advisors can also offer things like free upgrades, late check-out and other amenities that add up to more value!  

Don’t believe everything you read online or see in your feed: This is a common pitfall. There are a lot of inaccurate portrayals of travel experiences on social media and in popular travel blogs. This might seem like common sense, but it’s worth repeating - social media is not always reality and everything you read online isn’t always true. Travel advisors play the role of a fiduciary, meaning it’s their job to do what’s best for you, not for them. Can your favorite travel influencer say the same? 

Enhance the security of your bookings: Ensure online security by looking for "https://" in the URL. Avoid entering sensitive information on unsecured websites. Also consider opting for credit cards when making travel bookings, instead of debit cards, for added protection, fraud resolution services, and travel points. If you were to experience a case of fraud, you have a better chance of being reimbursed if the funds were on a credit card rather than a debit card. 

Booking last-minute doesn’t save money: Gone are the days of flash deals and steep last-minute discounts. The price of that airline ticket is likely going to increase over time. Hotels and tours in popular destinations are selling out fast during peak seasons. With the continuing increase in demand for travel, inventory is selling out faster. Even off-season travel is fading away in popular destinations.  Travel advisors recommend planning your trip 6-8 months in advance. 

Prioritize travel insurance: Recognize that travel insurance is as vital as choosing your hotel and flight; it can cover trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Even if you and your loved ones are healthy, insurance is a safeguard for the investment in your vacation. 

Travel advisors are for everyone: The role of a travel advisor or agent has changed. Today, they call themselves travel advisors because they play a wholistic role in creating a seamless travel experience. With so much automation in the travel industry, personalized customer service is the new luxury. A good advisor will tap into their insider network for access to some of the most sought-after experiences and destinations. Through travel advisors’ first-hand knowledge and a vast network of industry connections, they match your preferences with the best fit for your overall budget. Work with a Verified Travel Advisor, backed by the American Society of Travel Advisors, to plan your dream trip at findatraveladvisor.com