Some people become travel advisors without fully understanding what the job requires. Being an advisor is so much more than sending a quote or booking a hotel room.

Watch out for these warning signs:

• They’re hard to reach.

• They don’t listen to what you want.

• They seem to take a halfhearted approach to planning.

If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to look elsewhere.

During your first consultation, ask questions like:

• How do you handle deadlines?

• What kind of training or certifications do you have?

• Do you invest in continuing education?

The answers can reveal how seriously an advisor takes their role in your vacation planning.

One of the best ways to understand the difference is to compare:

• A true Travel Advisor anticipates deadlines, sends reminders, suggests hidden gems, provides tips to avoid stress, and is there to troubleshoot if things go sideways.

• An order-taker simply sends a price, books what you ask for, and leaves you on your own.

If you’re only getting the second experience, you’re missing out on the true value of working with a professional advisor.

Just like you’d expect your doctor, CPA, or hairstylist to stay up to date in their field, your travel advisor should, too. Travel is constantly evolving, from technology tools to destination updates to service best practices.

As a Certified Travel Professional through Wanderlust Campus, I understand the importance of continuing education. That’s why I prioritize professional development. For me, that means investing in conferences, certifications, and workshops designed specifically for travel professionals.

For example, this October I’ll be attending the Wander Beyond Retreat, a continuing education event created by Wanderlust Campus that focuses on helping travel advisors grow in ways that directly benefit their clients. There, I’ll get hands-on training in everything from improving client communication to leveraging new tools that make planning easier and more fun for families.

Education like this helps me:

• Stay on top of industry trends that matter to families.

• Refine processes so planning feels stress-free.

• Build relationships with other trusted professionals who become resources for my clients, too.

One of the things I value most about retreats and trainings is the chance to connect with other travel professionals. Since so many agencies are home-based, these events give advisors rare opportunities to brainstorm, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate wins together.

This collaborative spirit matters because it means I’m constantly learning and growing alongside peers who share ideas, insights, and solutions. That knowledge directly impacts how I’m able to serve my clients.

This year, I chose to attend Wander Beyond as a VIP. That decision gives me an extra day of learning, site visits, and even professional headshots. It’s a full day designed to deepen knowledge and sharpen skills.

The VIP experience also allows me to:

• Visit select resorts and destinations in person, so I can offer first-hand recommendations.

• Connect in smaller groups with industry experts for direct Q&A.

• Gain additional tools and resources that help me simplify planning for families.

I know these investments will ultimately help me serve families better when planning their vacations.

At the end of the day, being a great travel advisor isn’t just about knowing the parks or cruises (though I love that part, too). It’s about professionalism, education, and a commitment to continually improving so that every trip feels magical for the families I work with.

If you’re ever wondering how to find a travel advisor you can trust, look for the ones who are dedicated to their craft and investing in their education. That’s the kind of advisor who will always have your best interest at heart.