Bouse Travel Advisors
Let us help plan your next great adventure!
In most cases, there’s no added cost to work with a travel advisor because we’re compensated by the travel suppliers you book with (cruise lines, resorts, tour operators, etc.).
In some situations, an advisor may charge a planning or service fee, most commonly for:
- Highly customized, multi-stop itineraries
- Complex international travel
- Group travel coordination
- Ticketing-only requests where suppliers pay little/no commission
If any fee applies, you should always be told up front—before any work begins.
Usually no. Most travel advisors are paid by the travel suppliers (like cruise lines, hotels, and tour operators), not by you.
Sometimes a planning fee is used for complex trips or extensive research. If a fee applies, it should be clearly disclosed in advance so you can decide whether to proceed.
Planning fees (when used) help cover the time and expertise involved in building a trip that’s tailored to you—especially when the itinerary requires a lot of research, coordination, or custom options.
Typical examples include:
- Multi-city or multi-country itineraries
- Special requests (accessible travel, milestone trips, complicated air routing)
- Large family trips or groups
- High-season travel where options sell out quickly
Fees can be flat-rate or based on trip complexity. The key is transparent pricing before planning begins.
- Expert guidance based on firsthand training and supplier knowledge
- Time savings—no more endless searching and comparing
- Value-add perks (when available) like onboard credit, upgrades, or extras
- Personalized recommendations based on your budget and travel style
- An advocate who can help with changes, disruptions, and supplier communication
- One point of contact to keep all the details organized
Often, yes—either through better value or by helping you avoid costly mistakes.
A travel advisor may help you:
- Find promotions you might miss (bundles, fare sales, added perks)
- Choose the best option for your budget (not just the lowest price)
- Avoid hidden costs (resort fees, transfer costs, poor location choices)
- Book the right fare/cabin/category the first time (reducing change penalties)
Even when pricing matches what you see online, the added support and strategy can be the difference-maker.
Absolutely. A travel advisor works with you—not instead of you.
Share your must-haves, preferences, and even your own research. Your advisor will:
- Validate options
- Point out tradeoffs you may not see online
- Recommend the best-fit itinerary
- Handle bookings, confirmations, and details
Travel advisors add the most value for:
- Cruises
- Group travel
- Honeymoons or destination weddings
- International trips
- Multi-stop or custom itineraries
- Luxury or all-inclusive vacations
For simple “one-off” bookings, you can book yourself—but an advisor may still add perks, better value, or peace of mind.
If you booked through an advisor, you’re not alone.
Your advisor can help:
- Rebook when flights are canceled or schedules change
- Coordinate with suppliers on disruptions
- Fix reservation issues (room type, transfers, missing confirmations)
- Advocate for appropriate solutions when policies allow
Think of it as having a travel advocate before, during, and after your trip.
Look for someone who:
- Specializes in the type of travel you want
- Communicates clearly and listens to your needs
- Is transparent about any fees, policies, and timelines
- Has training, certifications, or supplier relationships relevant to your trip
- Offers support during travel—not just at booking time
You still can! A good travel advisor won’t take over—they’ll enhance what you’re already doing.
Many clients like to research on their own and then use an advisor to:
- Confirm the best option
- Compare true “apples to apples” pricing
- Add value (perks, strategy, protection planning)
- Be a point of support if anything changes