Why People are Using Experts to Plan Unique Vacations for 2021

Even though this year has made travel substantially more difficult, there is no question that the desire to travel remains strong. Planning your next vacation right now may seem daunting with safety concerns and destinations continuing to change their entry policies and procedures. 

That’s why we recommend considering a custom designed trip by one of our expert planners.

There’s never been a more sensible time to work with a travel specialist who can listen to your specific needs and interests and create an itinerary to match while handling the increased logistical hassles before, during, and returning from your trip. You don’t need to let the new risks and challenges stop you from reasonably safely enjoying wonderful places far from home.

Through 2021 every destination will have different risks and tradeoffs, changing rapidly. Working with an expert trip designer will enable you to find the right balance for your comfort-zone without getting overwhelmed. And as a plus, travel has become A LOT more affordable AND dramatically less crowded in most top places.

What do Custom-made trips include?

• Planned by a local expert
• Private guided or self-guided
• Itineraries designed for your preferences with expert knowledge
• Flexible plans that balance free time with organized activities
• All in one price to meet your budget

Broadly speaking, a custom-made trip can be whatever you want it to be! You'll work one-on-one with a travel expert, explaining what you want to see and do and, of course, where you want to go.

Custom trips are extremely flexible. They can feature a private guide and/or driver for some or all of the trip, or they can be entirely self guided. They can include many activities and day tours or they can be structured loosely to allow for independent exploration, with advice and suggestions from your local planner.

Group tours can be limiting if you’re worried about the schedule now allowing enough free time to explore on your own. They also may be less desirable in the current Covid-19 climate.

Tour companies have made considerable changes to address safety, including lowering their max capacity. Even so, traveling with a group of strangers could cause more stress than you need on your vacation (and more stress is not something we want to add right now!). Things like group meals and activities will be harder to arrange, so the experience could be somewhat sub-par to what it would be in normal times. 

Using an expert trip designer will help ensure you get the best experience, personalized to your interests and catered to your comfort level. 

No longer the agents of yester-year

Before complicated flight booking became easier and more accessible for consumers, through sites like Kayak and Hipmunk, this was the agents bread and butter. They helped arrange flights, hotels, and car rentals while the traveler typically created their own itinerary of activities.

In the post internet era, the role of the “travel agent” has significantly evolved. The term itself no longer truly encapsulates the modern version - most travel agents have officially rebranded as “Travel Advisors”.

Today the value of a travel planner has gone well beyond flight arrangements. Responding to the travel consumers desire for a more “authentic” experience, a local point of view, and unique off the beaten path destinations, travel advisors and trip designers now create entire itineraries as local experts.

They can offer you plenty of insights when it comes to hidden gems and the best times to visit major tourist attractions for avoiding crowds.

Great Value

Not only is this type of travel a great value for your time, it’s a great value for your money, especially now. Of course depending on your desired destination and accommodation level, the price range for working with a custom travel planner will vary widely.

Now is a great time to get in touch. Many expert trip planners have access to lower rates than normal since travel demand is lower. Plus, there's generally a lot less crowds and amazing opportunities to see things in more pristine and private ways than any other time in the last 50 years. But that will change quickly!

Peace of Mind

Peace of mind is something we all need when traveling, now more than ever. When you work with a local expert, you have someone with strong connections on the ground - who is available 24/7 should any issues arise.

Travel planners and advisors are not only experts in the fun stuff: the destination, culture, best restaurants and hidden gems etc. They are also experts in the “boring” side of travel: insurance, bookings, and part of their job is being willing and able to jump in and solve any problems you encounter. From a hotel room mix up to a missed boat ride because you ran into traffic to scheduling a visit to a doctor or helping you get home early if needed.

Why Choose an Expert Planner?

• Create a truly perfect trip for your interests, budget & style
• Get the right balance of adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing
• Have the boring but important logistics and details managed by someone who's done it before
• 24/7 help from a real human expert if any issues arise, Covid related or otherwise, during your trip

Connecting with a Trip Planner on Travelstride

On Travelstride, we’ve carefully curated the best custom travel planners, local experts, and travel specialists. When you fill out a custom trip request, we match you to one of these fully vetted experts based on your budget, destination of choice, and interests.

Ready to get started? Connect with an Expert