by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:35 AM ET, Mon May 13, 2024
While summer might be beginning its swing in destinations across the globe, many travelers have just now started contemplating where they’d like to visit this summer.
Yet, is it realistic to plan last-minute summer travel this year?
KAYAK’s 2024 Summer Travel Report found that some aspects of travel will be cheaper this summer: domestic airfare prices are down 13 percent year over year, and international airfare is down three percent. Yet, while you might be able to snag a few last-minute deals depending on your destination, there’s much more to your trip than how you get there.
That’s where a travel advisor comes in! It’s more than possible to plan a last-minute trip this year, especially if it’s for later in the summer, like August. Travel advisors can handle the planning and details, while you can focus on packing.
SaKeysha Williams, Owner and Lead Travel Advisor of Key Occasions, encourages using a travel advisor this summer: “I would highly recommend using a travel advisor for planning last-minute summer travel. Navigating the complexities of travel, especially on short notice, can be overwhelming and time-consuming.”
“Travel advisors are not only equipped to handle the urgencies that often accompany last-minute planning but also excel in turning these challenges into perfectly orchestrated trips,” Williams continued. “Their expertise and resources mean they can swiftly navigate through options and secure bookings that might not be easily accessible or known to the general public.”
The more last-minute the trip is, the harder it will be to find inventory. Yet travel advisors have the expertise and inside knowledge to find gaps in inventory, or a similar alternative to the travel you’re looking for.
“I can't emphasize enough how valuable using a travel advisor is, particularly if you have something specific in mind,” said John Frazier, Owner of Polaris Travel Experts. “We were seeing limited inventory on cruises starting back in February and have been helping clients find great summer vacations for the last few months. That knowledge is valuable and since many advisors don't charge planning fees it's free to the customer.”
Travel advisors don’t just help you find those spaces during a lack of inventory: they’re also able to give you benefits you might not find booking directly.
“An advantage is an advisor may have access to last-minute promotional offers like extra onboard credit, as cruise lines look to fill those last few cabins,” said Chris Caulfield, Owner and Cruise Consultant of CruiseOne. “Even with inventory at historic lows, the cruise lines do not like to have any empty cabins.”
When planning last-minute travel, time is often the most essential resource you need to save, but money is also a big deal, too. Travel advisors can balance both while providing you the opportunity to get excited about your next big trip.
“When it comes to last-minute travel, advisors are especially useful in getting information to you quickly so you can make an informed decision about where you'd like to go,” said Heather Grodin, CTA-ACC. “We'll take all of the details off your plate so you don't have to stress out. If you've procrastinated planning your summer vacation, chances are it's because it's overwhelming to figure out where to go, where to stay, what to do, etc. Advisors will handle everything, delivering an entire vacation package tied up in a pretty bow - so all a guest has to do is pack and show up to the airport!”
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