Why Using A Professional Travel Advisor Is More Important Than Ever

September 23, 2021 Bruce Parkinson

Travel agents – who now prefer the term travel advisors – have had a tough couple of decades, working to stay relevant as online booking sites transformed the industry. Then came COVID, and business fell off a cliff.

But what goes around often comes around, and after my first international flights since early 2020, I think the role of travel advisor has become exponentially more valuable.

Flying and crossing borders is more stressful and challenging than ever. Of course it hasn’t been a picnic since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which revealed major vulnerabilities in airport security. Since then, we’ve been taking off our shoes, pouring out banned liquids and holding up our beltless pants as we shuffle through security.

To add to the complexity, many countries have their own requirements for entry, often in the form of online forms that can be confusing and poorly translated. Successful completion gets you a QR code or other documentation to be printed out or kept handy on your phone. I strongly suggest you do both, in case of phone battery death or lousy Internet connections.

We’ve had 20 years to adapt to that new reality, but the global pandemic has compounded the confusion. Added to the post 9/11 security measures are temperature checks, mask mandates, proof of vaccination requirements, negative COVID test documentation, restricted lounge seating and more.

Flying and crossing borders is more stressful
and challenging than ever.

The new and frequently changing rules are definitely a drag for travellers, but they provide a real opportunity for travel advisors to shine. Arming clients with the information they need to travel with confidence in difficult times is demanding and time-consuming, but it’s a clear demonstration of value.

For travellers, working with a trained professional to help plan your trips makes more sense than ever. They have easy access to current regulations and requirements, and keep up to date with a constantly evolving situation – so you don’t have to.

My recent trip took me to Spain through Germany, into Italy on a cruise ship and home from Rome, with another Frankfurt transfer. It was fantastic to be on the road again, but the stress of ensuring I had the right documentation, test results and successfully completed online entry forms for Spain and Italy added a new level of anxiety.

Even getting back into Canada comes with new hurdles. Fliers are required to download the ArriveCan app, upload proof of vaccination, and answer a series of questions.

Also required is a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of returning home. I had one, but neglected to photograph the document as a back-up. On arrival at Pearson, tired and stressed, I struggled to find the right paper. Eventually I did. “Good thing,” said the CBSA agent. “If you didn’t, it’s a $5,000 fine.” $5,000? Yikes!

My takeaways: when travelling during COVID, the stakes are high, the processes are confusing and the rules can change at any time. It’s daunting, even for experienced travellers.

That’s why having a travel advisor provide you with clear, step-by-step information on what you’ll need for each stage of your journey is a valuable service. And while you’ll pay a small fee for the service, from my perspective, it’s well worth the money.