How I Prepare for a New Destination as a Travel Advisor

One of the questions I get asked all the time is:

"How do you know so much about so many destinations?"

The truth is... I don't just wake up knowing. Before I recommend a destination to my clients, I spend hours researching, learning, and, whenever possible, experiencing it myself.

Here's a little behind-the-scenes look at how I prepare before sending anyone somewhere new.

Step 1: I Learn Everything I Can

The first thing I do is study the destination.

Not just the pretty Instagram photos—but the details that actually matter.

I research:

• Best time of year to visit

• Weather and seasons

• Entry requirements

• Transportation

• Safety tips

• Local customs and etiquette

• Currency and tipping

• Areas to stay (and areas to avoid)

Knowing these details helps me make recommendations based on my clients' travel style, not just what's trending online.

Step 2: I Read Real Traveler Reviews

Brochures only tell part of the story.

I spend time reading reviews from travelers who have actually been there.

I'm looking for patterns.

If hundreds of people mention the food is amazing—that matters.

If dozens of people complain about cleanliness, transportation, or customer service—that matters too.

The goal isn't to find perfection. It's to know exactly what my clients can realistically expect.

Step 3: I Train With Tourism Boards and Suppliers

As travel advisors, we have access to destination training that most travelers don't even know exists.

We complete certifications from tourism boards, hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators to stay updated on new attractions, renovations, and travel requirements.

Learning never stops in this industry.

Step 4: I Ask Other Travel Advisors

One of the best resources we have is each other. I belong to a travel advisor community, Where we share honest experiences, recommendations and insider tips.

If another advisor recently returned from a destination, I want to know:

• What surprised them?

• What would they do differently?

• What hotel exceeded expectations?

• What excursion wasn't worth the money?

That kind of firsthand information is priceless.

Step 5: I Experience It Myself

This is my favorite part.

Research can tell me a lot, but nothing compares to actually being there.

Whenever I have the opportunity, I visit the destinations I recommend. I walk through the hotels, taste the food, try the excursions, explore the neighborhoods, and pay attention to the little details most people overlook.

I want to know things like, Would I send my own family here? Is this resort really as good as the photos? Is the food worth talking about? Is the atmosphere relaxing, lively, or somewhere in between?

I also believe in being honest. If I love a destination, I'll tell you why. If something disappoints me, I'll tell you that too. My goal isn't to sell every destination—it's to help you choose the one that's truly right for you.

Every trip I take is more than a vacation. It's an opportunity to learn, experience, and come home with firsthand knowledge that helps me create better vacations for my clients.

Step 6: I Match the Destination to the Traveler

This is probably the most important step.

Just because I love a destination doesn't mean it's right for everyone.

A honeymoon couple wants something completely different from a family with young children.

Someone celebrating a quinceañera cruise has different priorities than someone taking their first trip to Europe.

My job isn't to sell the most popular destination.

My job is to recommend the right destination.

Travel Is About More Than Booking a Trip

Travel isn't just about finding the lowest price or checking destinations off a bucket list.

It's about creating experiences that fit your travel style, your goals, and the memories you want to make.

Behind every recommendation I give are hours of research, training, conversations with industry professionals, traveler feedback, and, whenever possible, my own firsthand experiences.

When you work with me, you're not just getting someone to book your vacation. You're getting someone who is constantly learning, exploring, and investing time to make sure your trip is everything you hoped it would be.

Because at the end of the day, my goal isn't just to help you travel—it's to help you travel with confidence, create unforgettable memories, and fall in love with seeing the world.

Coming Soon: Behind the Scenes of My France River Cruise

Next week I'll be exploring France aboard my very first river cruise. I'll be sharing hotel tours, excursions, local food, transportation tips, and everything I learn so I can bring that knowledge back to my clients. Stay tuned!