A Slice of Kate

So big news. I’m sure it shocks you all (as readers of my travel blog) to know that I am an avid traveler, travel planner, and travel daydreamer. For years, I’ve had friends, family, and co-workers coming to me asking for recommendations and help planning trips. Recently, I learned about the opportunity to become a certified Travel Advisor through the Fora company. This post will serve to both 1) announce that I am now a certified Travel Advisor and 2) answer some of the questions I’ve been getting about that it means to be a certified Travel Advisor.

Question 1: What is a Travel Advisor?

• Think of it as a modern version of a travel agent. The old-school travel agency is sort of a thing of the past now that the internet provides anyone and everyone the opportunity to book flights, reserve hotels, research restaurants and tours, etc. As a Travel Advisor, I have access to Fora’s network of partners, which allows ME to find YOU the best hotels, activities, tours, etc. without you having to do any legwork. Maybe you aren’t a planner and the idea of booking an international trip overwhelms you — no problem, I’ve got you. Or maybe you’re too busy to sit down and research activities for a trip you already have planned — I’m happy to do it for you. Those are just a couple of examples of how I can enhance your next trip or vacation experience, but there’s a lot more.

Question 2: Is it going to cost me more money to go through you?

• Nope. Fora Travel Advisors earn purely through commission. In truth, most hotels already embed commission into their prices.

Question 3: I like planning my own trips. Why would I use a Travel Advisor?

• Because I have access to Fora’s Partner network, I can add value to your trip by getting you VIP treatment (think early check in, resort credits, free breakfast). You’re more than welcome to do the legwork of finding where you want to go and what you want to do. Let me do the tedious part of booking it and putting it all together for you.

Question 4: Do you just book big trips, or can you help me with something small?

• I’m happy to book your hotel for your cousin’s wedding in a few months. I’m also happy to book your next girl’s getaway, bachelorette party, Eurotrip, or anything in between! Traveling for the holidays? I can help. Looking for things to do after your work conference wraps up for the day? I can do that too. Just reach out to me!

Question 5: Can you book flights for me?

• Can I? Yes. Should I? Probably not. Why? Because if there’s an issue at the airport, it’s going to be a whole lot more difficult for you to resolve that issue when you’re not the one who made the booking. I’m more than happy to research flights for you and make recommendations about which would best fir your itinerary and price point, but it really should be you making the final purchase.

Question 6: Where can I contact you for more information about booking a trip?

• You can email me at kate.kempler@fora.travel or you can go to my Fora Advisor page and fill out the contact form.

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m also working on a bank of suggested itineraries for both domestic (U.S.) and international destinations, so let me know destinations you would like to see included in that. I’m super excited to be starting this adventure, and can’t wait to start booking for you!