HOW TO BOOK YOUR NEXT TRIP

Got credit card points and/or airline miles to use up? Let’s do this!

If you’re like most people you love racking up credit card points and accumulating airline miles to score deals on your next vacation. Really: who doesn’t love free travel, right?

But here’s the thing: just because you’re booking your next trip on points doesn’t mean you don’t need a travel advisor. In fact, having a Fora Advisor (like me!) on your side is essential to make sure that you’re still getting the best quality experience.

Here’s how we’ll work together to maximize your next getaway and ensure you’re treated like the VIP you are.

#1 USE POINTS WISELY

First thing’s first: it makes a difference where you use your points, so spend them wisely!

Pro tip: Use points for your flight; skip them for your hotel.

Many travel experts agree that points are best spent on flights and other transit. Seats are seats, and your place in line is the same whether you use cash or points to book. 

On the other hand, when you use credit card points for hotels, your booking is considered a third-party booking — so you can say goodbye to personalized touches.

A travel advisor, on the other hand, has personal relationships with the hotels, so more often than not I can get you a better room and ensure you’re treated like a VIP. Once you stay in a hotel through a travel advisor, you’ll never want to go back.

The takeaway: If you want the best travel experience possible, use those points/airmiles to pay for your flights.

#2 SAVE YOUR TIME & ENERGY

Time is money, right? So, why spend all your time on hold waiting for a call centre rep? Or destroying your eyesight staring at a computer screen trying to find something other than same old top-10 lists rated by a bunch of people you don’t know — and who don’t know you, either.

A Fora Advisor isn’t just another person with a three-ring binder: they’re a travel expert who will collaborate with you to plan your dream trip, complete with insider recommendations and local insight. Your own personal travel therapist, if you will.
Since I am connected to a vast community, I’ve got up-to-date knowledge about hotels at all price points and the best new restaurants.

#3 EMBRACE THE PERSONAL TOUCHES

Hotels love it when you book through a travel advisor.
Why, you ask?
Hotels pay me a much lower commission fee than they pay online travel sites. As a bonus for putting the profits back into the hotel itself, hotels often hook up Fora travellers with the same (or better) perks compared to brands like Amex.

Beyond the perks you get when booking with Fora, you’re benefiting from an actual human doing the booking, and ensuring your stay is as special as possible. Your advisor will add the personal touch to make sure you’re cared for, whether that’s emailing the hotel and letting them know about your dietary restrictions, or letting them know about a special occasion, or arranging a customized welcome gift in your room.

#4 SOMEONE’S GOT YOUR BACK

If, by the unfortunate chance something does go wrong during your trip… You’ve got an actual person to help you sort it out. Here’s an example from a fellow Fora Advisor, who booked a stay via Amex Travel at a 5-star hotel. In her words: “Oh, boy it was a mess.” The hotel had deleted the room reservation without cause or warning, and Amex (a call centre, I might add) couldn’t help.

In a world of automation and technology, it seems like getting connected to an actual human is harder than ever. That’s where your Fora Advisor makes all the difference.
Because travel advisors spend time getting to know the places they’re recommending, and cultivate relationships with Fora's preferred partners around the world, means you can forget feeling like a number. You’ll be at the top of the management team’s list and know you’ll be cared for, always. That’s what the spirit of hospitality has always been about, right?

#5 SUPPORT A SMALL BUSINESS

Not only does booking with me save you money, but you can feel good about supporting a small business! Rather than spending your money via a corporate engine like Booking.com, you’re helping a small business owner thrive. 

I’m building a business of my own because I know I can provide a ton of value through planning and booking incredible trips for my clients. When you book with me, you’re supporting a big dream and a new career. That’s no small thing!

And remember, a travel advisor gets compensated via commissions from the hotels, tours, and car rentals we book… NOT from your pocket. There are NO hidden fees or extra charges.

So, what are you waiting for?

Totally customized experiences. Better perks than you get from Amex and the like, and an actual person helping you out. Time — and money — savings. Supporting a small business owner. AND you can still use your points?

Really… it can’t get any better than that.

Get in touch to start planning your next adventure!