What AI Can’t Book: How Travel Advisors Deliver VIP Perks at No Extra Cost

Learn what it’s like working with a travel advisor, including how much time and money they can really save you when planning your next trip.

Can travel advisors really save you money? Should you be booking travel yourself or outsourcing the job to a professional? Hosts Megan Coyle and Sally French discuss the unexpected perks, cost structures, and potential savings of working with a travel advisor, formerly known as a travel agent. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including record-setting Fourth of July travel projections, a JetBlue challenge offering up to $5,250 in bonus points, and why the new “Points Boost” travel redemption feature from Chase may be more hype than help.

Then, Jenn Lee, President and CMO of Travel Planners International and Vacation Planners, joins Sally to discuss what today’s travel advisors actually do — and why their role has evolved far beyond just booking flights. They explore when it makes sense to use a travel advisor, how they get paid, and how they can unlock deep discounts and luxury perks you likely can’t find online. From pre-paid cruise cabins and group hotel rates to emergency support during canceled flights, Jenn shares the behind-the-scenes benefits that could make hiring an advisor a smarter and more cost-effective way to plan your next trip.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred

• Chase Ink Preferred Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/small-business/chase-ink-preferred

• Chase Launches New Sapphire Reserve for Business Card With 200K Point Bonus Offer https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/new-sapphire-reserve-business 

• Chase Freedom Unlimited Review: A Potential One-Card Solution https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-freedom-unlimited 

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Best Credit Cards of July 2025: https://www.nerdwallet.com/the-best-credit-cards 

• 9 Best Business Credit Cards of July 2025: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/small-business 

• The Best Prime Day Travel Deals 2025: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/best-prime-day-travel-deals-2025 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: travel agent vs booking yourself, travel advisor savings, JetBlue Mosaic 1 status, best travel credit cards 2025, Chase Ultimate Rewards changes, travel insurance tips, Amazon Prime Day travel deals, travel agent free hotel perks, travel concierge services, travel advisor costs, travel agent commissions, best river cruises Europe, travel agent hotel upgrades, saving on cruises 2025, travel packages savings, booking international travel, avoiding travel planning mistakes, travel planning help, VIP travel perks, Airbnb travel perks, Airbnb late checkout tips, credit card travel benefits, booking luxury travel with advisor, travel mistakes relying on Instagram, when to use a travel agent, travel agent vs AI planning, and the benefits of travel advisors.

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