Choosing the right Travel Advisor

I recently attended the largest invite only conference for top Travel Advisors in the travel industry.  It was Ascend by ALGVacations in Cancun, Mexico (Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations, Travel Impressions, United Airlines Vacations, Southwest Airlines Vacations).  This is my 4th year in a row being invited to this conference.  

This got me to thinking... How do you go about choosing a Travel Advisor?  What is important to you as the traveler in choosing a Travel Advisor?  I think you should try to find one that keeps up to date on all things in the industry.  Find an Advisor that continues their education on destinations and resorts in those destinations.  Traveling to and touring resorts is THE best way to keep fresh on what is going on.  This helps us qualify our clients on what resort is best for them.  Attending conferences like Ascend not only gives us updates on resorts and destinations (it's not just Mexico at the conference), it also lets us network with so many destinations, tour operators and destination management companies.  Above all, I also get to network with so many other travel agents.  We have a great community in our industry and although we are technically competitors, we believe there is enough business to go around!  I have so many Travel Advisor friends now from this conference that it is now our yearly reunion! 

We also have a ton of FUN!!  ALGV really knows how to put on a show!  From SNL Alumni to Run DMC as the performer at our farewell party at Hard Rock Cancun, we Advisor's know how to work and have fun!