How to Find a Good Travel Agent:
Why Education Matters
It’s easy to search “travel agent near me” and see a list of names. What’s much harder to know is whether the person who appears on your screen is someone you can trust to plan your dream vacation.
Working with a travel advisor can transform your vacation into something seamless, inspired, and unforgettable. But just like in any profession, there are varying levels of experience. A few poor experiences can give the entire industry a bad name.
As a Certified Travel Professional®, I’ve seen plenty of stories online of travelers disappointed by advisors who weren’t the right fit. My goal is to help you avoid that. When you know what to look for, you can find an advisor who has your best interests at heart, someone who, like me, wants nothing more than for you to return from a perfect trip already thinking about your next one.
Red Flags to Watch For
Becoming a travel agent today is simple on paper, which means some people start without realizing the full responsibility involved. Being an advisor is much more than providing a quote or reserving a room.
If you notice that your advisor is hard to reach, gives your vacation only halfhearted attention, or doesn’t listen to your vision, it may be a sign to look elsewhere.
So how do you know if an advisor is right for you? Start with questions during your first consultation:
- What is your process for planning trips?
- How do you continue your education in this field?
- What does ongoing client care look like in your business?
The way they answer will be revealing. A great advisor will add value to your trip through thoughtful customer care, reminders for important deadlines, and unique insights that make your vacation truly memorable.
And just like in other professions, the best way for travel advisors to refine their skills is through continuing education such as masterminds, memberships, and events like Wanderlust Campus and the Wander Beyond Retreat.
Why Advisor Education Is Essential
Education is the foundation of trust. You want your hairstylist, CPA, or doctor to stay current on their craft. It is just as reasonable to expect the same from your travel advisor.
Through Wander Beyond, I’m able to choose courses and workshops that directly enhance your travel experience. Some examples include:
- Marketing, so I connect with travelers who align with my services in an authentic way
- Client care, with tools to better serve and anticipate your needs
- Leveraging AI for smoother, more streamlined processes
- Goal setting and mindset growth to keep my business sharp and focused
Wanderlust Campus makes sure there is something for every advisor, whether they are brand new or seasoned professionals.
What Makes Wander Beyond Different
There are countless opportunities for advisors to travel and learn each year. Many of them are hosted by suppliers such as cruise lines, resorts, and other companies who naturally focus on selling their product. These trainings are valuable, but they are not the same as Wander Beyond.
Wander Beyond is different because it is not sponsored by suppliers. Instead, it is dedicated to the growth of travel advisors themselves. That means every session is about building stronger businesses, elevating service, and aligning growth with passion and mission rather than sales quotas.
Supplier hosted training has its place. But Wander Beyond fills a unique gap by giving advisors like me the tools to grow in ways that directly benefit my clients.
Collaboration Over Competition
The travel industry is commission based, which often breeds competition. It is easy to feel like everyone is fighting for the same client.
Wanderlust Campus takes a different approach. The entire community is built on abundance, the belief that there is enough business for everyone. That means we can celebrate each other’s successes, share ideas freely, and build each other up instead of tearing each other down.
This mindset creates a supportive network. When challenges come, I have trusted colleagues to brainstorm with. When exciting new opportunities arise, we encourage one another. That sense of collaboration ultimately strengthens the service I can provide to you.
The Benefit of Gathering With Like Minded Advisors
Innovation thrives in community. Just like any profession, travel advisors spark new ideas when we gather together.
Because most agencies are home based, it can be difficult to make space for in person collaboration. That is why I’m so excited about Wander Beyond. It creates time and space for connection, growth, and shared learning.
Last year’s retreat included:
- Networking sessions built into workshops and classes
- Space for conversations over dinner and evening activities
- Opportunities to connect directly with experts in the field
One standout moment was the chance to meet the founders of Tern, a Client Relationship Management system designed specifically for travel advisors. They listened closely to what agents needed in today’s digital age and offered hands on support during the retreat. Advisors left with tools to manage their businesses more effectively and serve their clients with greater ease.
These gatherings are invaluable. The open exchange of ideas often sparks new solutions, processes, and even long term collaborations. For me, that translates into time saving systems, improved service, and better recommendations for the clients I care for.
Why Education Ultimately Benefits You
The travel industry is not heavily regulated, which makes continuing education even more essential. The best advisors carry certifications, invest in professional growth, and understand that being an advisor is about more than simply loving to travel.
Yes, traveling is part of the job, but a truly excellent advisor is also focused on growing the business side of their role, prioritizing collaboration, and learning new ways to support their clients.
This is why I am so passionate about investing in education like Wander Beyond. The knowledge I gain directly impacts how I serve you. Whether it is a time saving planning tool, a new approach to client care, or a fresh perspective on destinations, I bring those insights back to create better, smoother, and more inspiring vacations.
Want to hear more about what I am learning at Wander Beyond 2025? Sign up for my newsletter and join me on the journey.
