Introduction

You have worked hard for many years. Maybe your career was life encompassing and you are now retired. Maybe your children are grown and now more independent from you. Now the daily (or hourly) demands on you and your time have diminished. Congratulations! You deserve to enjoy your life and explore the world.

I have decided that since I spent the vast majority of my working years totally focused on my clients and my family, that I want to start getting to know my wife again and taking quality vacations from the craziness of tax season and general focused client service. No, this does not mean I am retiring for many years, but I do intend to take some rejuvenation time annually to connect with my wife and explore the world. Taking time to explore the world has always been our passion delayed. Now, we fully intend to turn our attention there. One of the biggest things holding us back was the specter of the planning, booking and management of our travel plans. So many websites, alternatives, and things to be aware of that it becomes overwhelming.

Traveling can be a rewarding and enriching way to spend your time, learn new things, meet new people, and have fun. But traveling can also be stressful, especially if you have to deal with the hassle of planning, booking, and managing your trips. That's why you should consider using a travel advisor and planner for your retirement trips. Travel advisors and planners are professionals who can help you design, arrange, and execute your travel plans according to your preferences, budget, and needs. I wanted to distill some of what we found using a wonderful and caring travel adviser as I felt it would help encourage you to take that step into the world and explore! Below we will explain the benefits of using a travel advisor and planner for your trips and how to find the best one for you.

Benefits of Using a Travel Advisor and Planner

Using a travel advisor and planner can offer you many advantages over planning and booking your trips on your own. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy:

• Save time and money. Planning and booking a trip can take a lot of time and research. You have to compare different options, read reviews, look for deals, and make reservations. A travel advisor and planner can do all that (and has probably already obtained that knowledge) for you and more. They have access to exclusive rates, discounts, and perks that you may not find online or on your own. They can also leverage their network and relationships with travel suppliers, such as airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators, to get you the best value and service for your money. They can also help you avoid hidden fees, scams, and other pitfalls that can ruin your trip and your budget.
• Get personalized and expert advice. A travel advisor and planner can help you create a customized itinerary that suits your interests, goals, and preferences. They can recommend destinations, activities, and experiences that match your taste and style. They can also advise you on the best time to travel, the best way to get there, the best places to stay, and the best things to do. They can also help you with visa, passport, insurance, and health requirements, as well as any other travel-related issues that may arise. A travel advisor and planner can also share their insider tips, tricks, and secrets that can enhance your travel experience and make it more memorable.
• Enjoy peace of mind and support. A travel advisor and planner can provide you with peace of mind and support before, during, and after your trip. They can handle all the details and logistics of your trip, such as confirmations, transfers, check-ins, and check-outs. They can also monitor your flights, accommodations, and activities, and alert you of any changes, delays, or cancellations. They can also assist you with any problems or emergencies that may occur on your trip, such as lost luggage, missed connections, or medical issues. They can also follow up with you after your trip and get your feedback and suggestions for future trips.

How to Find the Best Travel Advisor and Planner for You

If you agree that using a travel advisor and planner is the best way to plan and book your trips, you may wonder how to find the best one for you. Here are some tips to help you find the right travel advisor and planner for your needs:

• Ask for referrals. One of the best ways to find a reliable and reputable travel advisor and planner is to ask for referrals from your friends, family, colleagues, or other travelers who have used their services. You can also check online reviews, testimonials, and ratings from other clients who have worked with them. You can also look for professional affiliations, accreditations, and certifications that indicate their level of expertise and quality of service.
• Interview potential candidates. Once you have a list of potential travel advisors and planners, you should interview them to see if they are a good fit for you. You should ask them about their experience, qualifications, specialties, fees, and policies. You should also ask them about their travel philosophy, style, and approach. You should also share your travel preferences, expectations, and goals with them and see how they respond. You should look for someone who listens to you, understands you, and respects you. You should also look for someone who is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and professional.
• Compare and contrast. After you have interviewed several travel advisors and planners, you should compare and contrast their offers, proposals, and quotes. Look for the best value, not the lowest price. Look for the best service, not the most perks. Look for the best fit, not the most popular. You should choose the travel advisor and planner who can offer you the best combination of quality, price, and compatibility.

Conclusion

We were lucky to have been referred to our travel advisor, Stephanie Cunningham, CMP from Steph & Dixon. She took the time to interview us and understand our goals for the trip, investigate options along our proposed route and made tremendously successful recommendations for us. She obtained some extra benefits for us through her network and relationships. She monitored our travel plans, hotels and other arrangements, updating us along the way, and made a potentially complicated trip super enjoyable and relaxing. I highly recommend Stephanie (More info on Steph & Dixon), but do your own research as well.

Using a travel advisor and planner for your trips can be a smart and rewarding decision. It is not that expensive to get someone in your corner to assist with all the plans and elevate your trip. You can save time and money, get personalized and expert advice, and enjoy peace of mind and support. You can also have more fun and satisfaction on your trips. To find the best travel advisor and planner for you, you should ask for referrals, interview potential candidates, and compare their offers. By doing so, you can find the perfect travel partner who can help you make the most of your travel and your new-found time.

As Rick Steves says at the end of every episode, “Keep on travelin’!”

Before joining Sachetta, Stephen Ahern co-founded and served as President of Wealth Management Advisors, LLC. For over thirty-five years, Stephen has provided individual financial, investment, estate, and tax planning and small business consulting to a diverse base of clients. His clients have included key top-level executives, high-net-worth individuals, business owners, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs. As an established personal financial planner, Stephen has delivered numerous presentations on financial, investment, retirement, and tax planning to corporations and professional groups. He has also written articles on investment, education, and estate planning.