Travel Advisor vs. Travel Agent: What's the Difference and Do You Need One? 

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In early 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic forced the closures of international borders and stay-at home orders became the norm, many travelers were left scrambling. Along with expensive rebooking and cancellation fees, travelers were faced with long lines at borders and even longer wait times with customer service representatives. But for consumers who had employed a travel agent, or travel advisor, to book their trips, it was a different story.

"We saw travel advisors grabbing flights with no change fees; negotiating future travel credits; doing the legwork on behalf of their clients to avoid their clients having to pay anything out of pocket," says Erika Richter, the senior director of communications for the American Society of Travel Advisors. As Richter puts it, "Travel advisors were made for that moment." 

So, what's the difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor? There isn't one. It's a matter of updated terminology within the industry.  Thanks to a 2018 rebrand by the ASTA, travel agents are now known as travel advisors.

They are still able to help those planning everything from epic honeymoons to family vacations to far-flung international trips, in addition to assisting travelers with other perks. Though a travel advisor may seem obsolete (with the prevalence of travel booking sites like Expedia and the ease of booking flights and accommodations directly online with an airline, a hotel or a vacation rental property), Richter explains that travel advisors are no longer just transactional. "They do so much more than booking tickets and pushing a button, and we know now that it's going to be a little more complicated than just pushing a button," Richter says. "There's a lot more to consider." 

As borders reopen and the vaccination rollout continues, you may be eager to plan a trip and wonder if a travel advisor is right for you. There are many benefits of using a travel advisor, including ways an advisor can help you navigate the ever-changing testing, vaccine and quarantine requirements, as well as the hotel capacity and international border restrictions. Travel advisors can assist with and to learn several savvy tips to help you find the right travel advisor for your next trip.

Though COVID-19-related restrictions across the U.S. and the globe are starting to loosen, there are still a lot of variables for travelers to keep in mind. A travel advisor can help you navigate the evolving state-by-state and country-by-country accommodation and dining restrictions and help you better understand local regulations. And if you're hoping to travel abroad, you'll have to contend with even more regulations, including testing requirements or proof of vaccination. 

In addition to helping you understand the rules and requirements of the destination you're hoping to visit, a travel advisor can also educate you on your travel insurance options. Travel insurance is more important than ever. If it's the worst case and you're abroad and you are COVID-19-positive abroad and you don't have travel insurance, you're in a lot of trouble. 

The guidance and assistance from your advisor doesn't stop after you've booked your trip. Should you encounter any trip disruptions during your vacation, such as a canceled flight, you can rely on your advisor to help you so you're not in a position that you would have to go it alone and navigate refunds or future travel credits or be on hold for hours on end trying to get your money back – that's what travel advisors do.

By Ann Hensen, U.S.News May 19,2021