A Vacation, Designed for You: The Difference Between a Travel Agent and a Travel Advisor
Have you ever found yourself in front of a computer screen, overwhelmed by countless tabs and conflicting advice while planning a vacation? You’re not alone. Many people turn to a "travel agent," but what if there was something more? At Vacations To Remember, we believe that travel isn't just about booking a flight or a hotel—it's about designing a memory. While many people think of us as a travel agency, we're actually something different… something more: we are a travel design firm.
You have a dream vacation in mind. Maybe it's a romantic getaway to Italy, a thrilling safari in Africa, or a family adventure to a tropical island. The question is, who do you trust to help you plan it? Many people think a "travel agent" and a "travel advisor" are the same thing. After all, they both help people travel. But at Vacations To Remember, we see a big difference—one that can transform your trip from a simple vacation into an unforgettable memory.
So, what’s the difference? It’s a bit like the difference between a general contractor and an interior designer.
The Travel Agent: A Booking Agent
Imagine you want to remodel your kitchen. You hire a general contractor and tell them, "I want these cabinets and this countertop, exactly as you see them." A good contractor will do just that. They are a booking agent for your kitchen, executing your specific plan.
A traditional travel agent works in a very similar way. They are a booking agent for your trip. You tell them, "I want to go to this resort on these dates," and they will book it for you. This is a perfectly fine service for many people. These agents often don’t charge a fee, as they earn a commission from the hotels, cruise lines, or theme parks they book. This model works well for them, but it means their primary business relationship is with the travel suppliers, not the traveler. They are there to fulfill your order, not to provide creative input or comprehensive guidance.
The Travel Advisor: Your Personal Designer
Now, think about that kitchen remodel again. What if you hired an interior designer? They would sit down with you and talk not just about cabinets, but about your life. "How do you use your kitchen?" they might ask. "Do you entertain often? Do you need a more efficient layout for cooking?" They might suggest moving a wall or adding a feature you never considered, because they have the expertise, experience, and knowledge to make the space the best it can possibly be. They are invested in the outcome and the experience of your kitchen, not just the sale of products. This is why you happily pay them a fee for their time and expertise.
A professional travel advisor is your personal designer for your vacation. We don't just book what you tell us to—we work with you to understand your travel dreams and design an itinerary that brings them to life. We ask thoughtful questions like:
What is the purpose of this trip? Is it for romance, adventure, or relaxation?
What pace feels right for you? Do you want to be on the go, or do you prefer to slow down and savor the moments?
What hidden gems would make this trip truly special and unforgettable?
We have extensive expertise, deep knowledge of destinations, and a network of contacts that go far beyond what any website can offer. We know which experiences are truly worth the investment and which are a waste of your valuable time. We work with travel companies that aren’t available to the general public. We're here to offer advice, reveal possibilities you might not have known existed, and handle all the details—big and small.
We'll advise you on things you might not have known or even considered, such as:
The perfect time of year to visit a destination to avoid crowds.
Unique local experiences that aren’t listed in guidebooks.
The best neighborhoods to stay in that match your personality.
Creative ways to connect with local culture.
Travel insurance and all the reasons why it’s so important!
When you hear the name "Vacations To Remember," you might think of a traditional travel agency. And while you’re not wrong in thinking we help with travel, what we do is much more than just a booking service. In fact, it’s a whole different profession.
The truth is, the travel industry has changed dramatically over the last couple of decades, and the internet has put a world of information at our fingertips. With a few clicks, you can book a flight, a hotel, and even a cruise. So, if you can book a trip yourself, why work with a professional at all?
This is where the difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor becomes important.
Our Story: A New Way to Travel And A Message From Our President
My name is Julie Lanham and for ten years, before founding Vacations To Remember in 1997, I worked in the traditional travel agency model. I loved helping people explore the world, but I also saw how the industry was changing. With the rise of the internet and online booking websites, I knew that simply booking a trip was no longer enough. The transactional model was becoming obsolete and so much was missing from the standard travel agency of the 1980’s. I wanted to offer more than just a transaction; I wanted to provide a truly professional service.
I saw that people needed more. They needed a professional travel EXPERT to help them navigate a world of overwhelming options. They needed someone who could add creativity and insight, helping them do more than just book a trip—someone who could design an entire experience.
That's why Vacations To Remember was born. We professionally design travel itineraries. We are not a travel booking website or your grandmother’s travel agency. We are a team of experts dedicated to providing a service that others simply cannot. This is why we charge a fee—because our time, knowledge, and relationships are a professional service, just like a financial advisor or an interior designer. Our fee ensures that we are working for you, the traveler, and not for a hotel or cruise line.
Our purpose is to take the stress and overwhelm out of travel planning for busy people, so they can focus on what matters most: making memories. When you work with us, you’re not just getting a ticket and a hotel reservation; you’re getting a meticulously designed, stress-free vacation that is truly yours.
We are designers. We are advisors. We are here to help you turn your next trip into a vacation to remember.