Planning a holiday to Europe or anywhere else can be overwhelming. It is almost as if there is too much information available via google, Instagram, and Facebook. Italy is certainly one of those places saturated with information, some of which is great advice, but more often than not leads to even more confusion. At this point in the travel planning journey, time has been spent on your holiday, yet few decisions have been made. What if there was a person who could just do it all for you? Enter the travel agent and travel planner.
Is there a difference? Yes!
Some companies use these two terms interchangeably, but there is actually a big difference.
-Travel Agents
A travel agent is someone who specializes in packaged tours that often include flights, hotels, tours/activities, and some meals included in a bulk package price. This package appears to be a good deal and sometimes it is! If you are comfortable in small group tours, then this is a good fit. These tours have little flexibility and have a very basic itinerary that is followed. However, these itineraries often conquer the biggest attractions and sights. The agent then marks up this package to sell to the client. This mark up is the agent’s commission.
There are some great agents who do more customized trips by charging a small planning fee and then market commissionable hotels, tours, activities, and transportation. These are better suited to independent travelers who want bookings done for them and the guess work taken out of the equation. These agents still base their income off commissions so they may push an accommodation property offering better commissions over another property better suited to the traveler.
Travel agents often work with multiple destinations. Agents do not usually specialize and will serve clients interested in European cities, African safaris, and travel throughout Asia. Agents who tackle these complicated trips use Destination Management Companies (DMC’s) to better organize itineraries and bookings, but this also has a large mark up for the client.
-Travel Planners and Consultants
Travel Planners/Consultants tend to be more niche in a single country or a few destinations. They have true expertise and personal connections with these countries. These planners travel frequently to their destinations or live in these locations full time. Many also speak native languages, which is very helpful especially when trying to make local connections. Travel Planners/Consultants are usually fee based so they are not beholden to commissionable properties and tours but do more curated itineraries, tours, activities, and logistics. They can also book all your restaurants and plan your holiday with all your wishes and requirements.
Travel Planners still use Host Agencies and IATA numbers to make certain bookings. Some experiences like luxury trains require an IATA number. I use my host agency FORA to find the best room rates for clients looking for 5 star hotels. Host agencies have special relationships with certain brands like Four Seasons, Belmond, and Rosewood properties. Fora allows me to VIP my clients. This means they can get added perks like room upgrades, resort credits, and late check out. However, not everyone is looking for 5 star hotels.
Travel is not a one size that fits all activity.
In my case, Italy has fantastic properties that are not promoted through agents or even on large booking sites. These are “mom and pop” agriturismi/organic farm stays, bed and breakfasts, and private villas that do not offer commissions but make for an incredible experience.
Travel Planners/Consultants rarely do mark ups. They pass the supplier rate directly to their client and are always looking for the best deal or in many situations the best fit.
-Which one is better?
One is not better than the other. It is all about what a traveler is looking to accomplish. If you are more comfortable traveling with a group and having every step planned, along with hitting the major attractions, a package group tour is probably the best choice for you.
If you are working with a travel agent who can guide you through an uncomplicated itinerary and you like to stay in larger hotel chains, an agent can absolutely guide you.
However, if you are looking for authenticity, private experiences, seeing all the best sites, but also getting off the beaten path, a travel planner/consultant may be more ideal.
Many of the properties, restaurants, drivers, and guides are highly vetted by travel planners providing more VIP services to clients.
-Italy Awaits Travel
I am a travel planner/consultant that works with clients who are looking for a seamless experience that fits their individual wants and needs.
E.g. hiking in the Dolomites, renting a Ferrari in Modena, private charters off the Amalfi Coast, truffle hunting in Umbria, or finding a perfect villa for your family in Tuscany.
There are so many different experiences that are tailored to each client’s interest.
My Itinerary planning caters exclusively to the client and their personal tastes. I also do bookings for Belmond Venice Simplon Orient Express (Italy to France) and Orient Express Dolce Vita trains (throughout Italy) adding unique experiences for the most discerning traveler.
As a travel planner it is very important to balance holidays with both sightseeing and downtime. Too often, people try to see everything on one vacation but then forget to experience what makes a place like Italy so special, La Dolce Vita!
If you need assistance with curated holidays to Italy or are looking for a travel planner that plans phenomenal holidays to other destinations, feel free to contact me so I can do a free consult or recommend another travel planner in my network.
Buon Viaggio!!!
Comments