As a travel advisor, I receive a lot of questions from clients every day—and honestly, I love it! Planning a vacation should be exciting, not stressful, and asking questions is one of the best ways to make sure you’re prepared for an amazing trip.
Whether you’re planning your first cruise, a family vacation to Disney, a romantic getaway to Hawaii, or an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, here are some of the most common questions I receive and my answers to them.
🌎 1. Why Should I Use a Travel Advisor?
This is probably the question I hear most often.
Many people are surprised to learn that using a travel advisor often costs little to nothing extra for most vacation packages. Travel suppliers build commissions into their pricing whether you book directly or through an advisor.
When you work with me, you get:
- Personalized recommendations
- Assistance before, during, and after your trip
- Help navigating travel changes
- Destination expertise
- Someone in your corner if something unexpected happens
Think of me as your vacation advocate from start to finish.
💰 2. Can You Help Me Stay Within My Budget?
Absolutely!
One of the first things I ask clients is their budget. My goal isn’t to sell you the most expensive vacation—it’s to help you find the best vacation for your budget.
Sometimes a small change in travel dates, destination, or room category can make a huge difference in price while still giving you an amazing experience.
🚢 3. Do I Need Travel Insurance?
My answer is almost always: I highly recommend it.
Travel insurance can help protect your investment if unexpected situations arise before or during your trip.
Things happen:
- Illness
- Weather delays
- Flight cancellations
- Family emergencies
- Lost luggage
No one plans for something to go wrong, but it’s nice to have protection if it does.
🛂 4. Do I Need a Passport?
The answer depends on where you’re traveling.
For international destinations, a passport is usually required.
Some closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port) may allow alternative documentation, but I generally recommend traveling with a passport whenever possible.
A passport provides flexibility should an emergency arise while traveling.
🏨 5. Should I Arrive the Day Before My Cruise?
YES!
If there’s one piece of cruise advice I give over and over again, it’s this:
Fly in at least one day before your cruise.
Airlines can experience delays, cancellations, weather issues, or missed connections. Arriving early gives you peace of mind and helps ensure you don’t miss the ship.
Plus, it’s a great excuse to explore a new city before your cruise begins!
🎢 6. How Far in Advance Should I Book?
The earlier, the better.
Booking early often means:
- Better pricing
- More cabin choices
- Better resort availability
- More flight options
- More time to make payments
For Alaska, Hawaii, cruises, Disney vacations, and popular holiday travel, I often recommend booking 9-18 months in advance.
👨👩👧👦 7. What Destination Is Best for My Family?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer because every family is different.
Some families love:
- Disney destinations
- Cruises
- All-inclusive resorts
Others prefer:
- Hawaii
- National Parks
- Alaska adventures
That’s one reason I spend time getting to know my clients before making recommendations. The best vacation is the one that matches your family’s interests, travel style, and budget.
🍹 8. Are All-Inclusive Resorts Really Worth It?
For many travelers, absolutely!
All-inclusive resorts can provide excellent value because many expenses are included upfront, such as:
- Meals
- Drinks
- Entertainment
- Activities
- Resort amenities
They can be especially great for couples, families, and groups looking for a relaxing vacation with fewer surprise expenses.
📱 9. Do I Really Need the Cruise Line or Theme Park App?
Yes!
Many travel suppliers now use their apps for:
- Online check-in
- Dining reservations
- Activity schedules
- Shore excursions
- Mobile room keys
- Communication onboard
Downloading the app before your trip can save you a lot of time and make your vacation smoother.
❤️ 10. What’s Your Favorite Destination?
This question is always hard!
If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you probably know my top favorites include:
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Cruises
- Disney Destinations
- Yellowstone and the American West
Each offers something completely different, which is why I love helping clients discover which destination is the perfect fit for them.
Final Thoughts
The truth is, there are no bad questions when it comes to travel. In fact, asking questions helps ensure you have the best possible vacation experience.
My goal is always to make the planning process simple, stress-free, and fun so you can focus on what matters most—making memories with the people you love.
If you’re thinking about planning your next vacation and have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Chances are, if you’re wondering about it, someone else has asked the same thing!
Happy Travels,
Ashley Evans
Dream Travels Co. ✈️💙
“The best trips begin with a simple question: Where do you want to go next?” 🌎✨