Travel agent who helped you make it right

Travel Advisor vs. Costco Travel: Who Helps You Make It Right When Something Goes Wrong?

If you're planning an all-inclusive vacation, chances are you've looked at Costco Travel. It's a popular choice, and for good reason. But there's a question worth asking before you book: when something goes wrong on your trip, who's going to fix it?

A traveler recently asked exactly that in a Reddit discussion about travel agents who helped make things right. She kept hearing people recommend no-fee travel agents and wondered what one could actually do that Costco couldn't. She wasn't looking for ideas, since like most all-inclusive fans she does plenty of her own research. She wanted someone who could handle a problem for her while she relaxed at the bar.

I'm Bruce Raber, founder of Lap of Luxury Travel in Apollo Beach, and I think that's exactly the right question to ask. Here's an honest look at the answer.

The story that says it all

The most popular reply in that discussion came from a traveler whose flight to Cancun was canceled for mechanical problems after sitting at the gate for 40 minutes. At baggage claim, the scene was chaos: crowds of passengers on hold with the airline, kids crying, people shouting into their phones.

She made one call, to her travel agent, then went to the airport bar to wait. About an hour later, her agent called back with everything handled. The family was rebooked on a flight the next morning, had a voucher for a nearby hotel with a shuttle and meal money, the resort had been told they'd arrive a day late, and their ground transportation had been rescheduled. After the trip, the agent even helped with the travel insurance claim for the lost resort night.

Her verdict was that she'd never travel internationally without that agent again. That's the difference a personal advisor makes.

What Costco Travel does well

Let's give credit where it's due. Costco Travel offers bundled vacation packages, cruises, and resort stays, often with extras like a Costco Shop Card, resort credits, or breakfast included. Executive Members also earn an annual reward on Costco Travel purchases. If you want a straightforward package and you're comfortable handling any problems yourself, it can be a solid option.

Where a personal travel advisor makes the difference

You get a person, not a call center. When you book with an advisor, you have one person who knows you, your trip, and your preferences. You don't have to explain your situation from the beginning while hundreds of other stranded travelers are on hold for the same airline.

Someone who advocates for you. When a resort gives you the wrong room, a transfer doesn't show up, or a flight cancellation throws off your plans, an advisor works to make it right. Advisors build long-term relationships with resorts, cruise lines, and tour companies, and those relationships matter when you need a problem solved quickly.

Help at the resort, too. Another traveler in the discussion pointed out that all-inclusive vacations aren't always as simple as flights, a shuttle, and a resort. Resort customer service can be unhelpful, and restaurant reservations through resort apps can fill up the moment they open. An advisor can often contact the resort directly on your behalf.

The right resort for you, not just the one on sale. All-inclusive resorts vary enormously. Some are lively, some are quiet and adults-only, some are great for families, and some look better in photos than in person. An advisor helps match you with the resort that fits your travel style, and can tell you which room categories and sections of the property are worth it.

Many of the same perks, plus personal service. Travel advisors often have access to resort credits, upgrades, and promotions through their partners too. You don't have to choose between value and service.

Ask about 24/7 coverage

One commenter in the discussion offered advice every traveler should follow: before you book with any agent, ask whether they have 24/7 coverage. Problems don't only happen during business hours, and an agent who can't be reached when things go wrong isn't much help.

At Lap of Luxury Travel, our clients get Platinum Trip Overwatch. We monitor your trip before, during, and after you travel, and handle issues in real time, often before you even know about them. I provided, change “at no additional cost” to “with no planning fee from our agency,”

"But won't an advisor cost me more?"

Not with us. Lap of Luxury Travel charges no planning fees. We're compensated by the resorts, cruise lines, and tour partners we work with, so you get personal planning and support at no additional cost. We're also happy to compare options with you honestly, and if a package you've found elsewhere is the better fit, we'll tell you.

How to choose the right advisor

Not every agent is equal, and some travelers in the discussion shared bad experiences too. Look for an advisor who is licensed and insured, specializes in the kind of trip you're planning, offers round-the-clock support while you travel, and asks detailed questions about what you want before recommending anything.

So which should you choose?

If you're booking a simple package and you're comfortable managing problems yourself, Costco Travel may be all you need. But if you're planning a honeymoon, a milestone celebration, a family trip, a group getaway, your first international trip, or a luxury beach vacation where the details really matter, having a dedicated advisor in your corner is worth a lot. You'll appreciate it most the moment something doesn't go as planned.

Local advisors, global five-star partners

Our team of licensed advisors plans all-inclusive vacations, luxury cruises, European trips, safaris, and honeymoons for travelers throughout Apollo Beach, Tampa, Brandon, Ruskin, Sun City Center, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and the greater Tampa Bay area.

Let's talk about where you want to go. A quick, no-obligation conversation will help you find the right resort, and give you someone to call if anything goes wrong.

Start Planning My Trip or call 800-462-6807.