“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”
I received some interesting comments about last week’s blog. In that post I discussed several reasons why you might actually want to plan your own trip to Europe. People asked me why, If I’m trying to offer travelers trip planning services to Italy, France, Ireland and the rest of Europe, would I suggest they go ahead and do the planning themselves? Well, I genuinely want people to do what they enjoy and I would never want to take that opportunity away from someone. In essence I said that if it’s something that you love to do (like me!) and you have time to do it, that’s awesome…go for it! This week, however, I want to discuss 3 great reasons to hire someone else to plan your travel for you, or at least assist you in planning your own trip.
1) Hire a trip planner because you don’t like planning and don’t have the time to thoroughly research destinations and develop a great itinerary
People hire professionals for tasks like lawn care, interior decorating, housecleaning, dog walking, and many other jobs they don’t want to do or don’t have time to complete. They could probably do all these things themselves but time is money and you have to make choices. I have a wonderful woman clean my house for me and have enjoyed that luxury for as long as I’ve been able to afford it. I’m really good at cleaning my own house, but I’d much rather be doing other things. I don’t like cleaning but I love having a clean house, so I’m glad to pay someone else to do it for me. It can be the same for making travel plans.
2) Hire an expert if you don’t have experience yourself but you want to spend your vacation dollars wisely
Let’s face it: taking a holiday can be expensive! But a vacation is really an important investment in making memories. Travel changes your perspective, alters one’s worldview and influences our perception of our future. Oh yes – and it’s A LOT of FUN! Like any other investment, you definitely want to spend your money wisely! It’s a good idea to hire someone who can make sure you do just that!! If you are not experienced in making travel plans you may not know where to look for the best information. Maybe you're not sure of the passport and visa requirements in different countries or how long you can legally stay there. It’s possible you could make decisions that would not be the best use of your valuable travel budget. Someone who has been where you want to go, is interested in doing the research and is willing to take all your preferences, budget, ideas, and dreams and make them into a reality – that is someone you want to hire! If that person can help you spend your travel funds wisely, that is indeed a good investment.
3) Spend your time and energy doing what you love to do!
A friend in the wine industry has a line in every piece of correspondence she sends that says “life is too short to drink crappy wine.” I love that! I live that! Life is also too short NOT to spend time doing what you love to do, for as long as you are able. If your kids are still at home you probably love being with them and watching their activities. If you’re a golfer, you might want to get out on the course any time it’s not raining! If you enjoy being active in the community and making a difference in the lives of others, then you should be spending time doing exactly that! Spend your time and energy doing what you love to do. If that’s not trip planning – but you love to travel – let someone else perform that task for you and do it well, so you can continue to do the things you love to do…and still go someplace fabulous!
So do what you love and love what you do! Travel does that for me – I would relish the chance to share that passion with you! Feel free to reach out via email — I'm always available to talk about travel!!
Wild Asparagus at the market in Beaune, France
Give Me Your Thoughts!
I love to hear from readers, so please feel free to make comments below. You can also contact me with any questions or comments you may have about The Travel Coach or an upcoming trip you need help with. I'd be happy to help out! Feel free to reach out via email — I'm always available to talk about travel!!