Questions to Ask Before Working With a Travel Advisor
A travel advisor works for you, and a good one welcomes clear questions. The goal of asking is not to test the advisor but to understand how they work, what access they offer, and whether their approach matches the way you want to travel.
These questions help you start that conversation with confidence.
Do you charge a booking fee?
This is the first question for a reason. Some advisors add booking fees on top of supplier pricing; others, like Coggin Travels, charge none. Understanding the fee structure up front clarifies the true cost of your trip and the value you receive in return.
We never charge a booking fee over direct supplier pricing, and our rates match or beat direct while adding preferred partner amenities.
What partner access do you hold?
Access is where an advisor's value becomes tangible. Preferred partner status with cruise lines and operators unlocks stateroom upgrades, onboard credits, and complimentary experiences that direct bookers never see. Ask which partners an advisor holds and how those relationships benefit you.
Coggin Travels is a preferred partner with AmaWaterways and works with boutique operators including Windstar.
Who is my point of contact?
A dedicated advisor means one person knows your journey from inquiry to return. Ask whether you will have a single point of contact or be routed to a call center, and how you can reach them during your trip.
Our clients work with a named advisor who owns their journey end to end.
What support do you provide while I travel?
The moment something goes wrong is when support matters most. Ask whether the advisor monitors flights, rebooks connections, and can be reached outside business hours. The difference between a message and a crisis often comes down to who answers.
We monitor flights for disruptions and rebook connections directly throughout your journey.
What is your experience with my kind of trip?
Different trips demand different expertise. A wine cruise, an alpine rail journey, and a safari each reward an advisor who knows the region and the suppliers. Ask about the advisor's experience with your destination and travel style.
Our founder Jeff Coggin is a WSET Level 3 certified sommelier who has personally hosted wine cruises, and our team has coordinated journeys across Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
- Ask about fees, partner access, and who your point of contact will be
- Confirm what support you receive while you travel
- Choose an advisor with experience in your kind of trip