Like just about everything in the time of COVID-19, the biggest obstacle to travel right now is the uncertainty. While many destinations have gotten outbreaks under control and are reopening their borders to visitors with new health and safety measures in place, there are still lots of unknowns and what-ifs. That's where a travel advisor comes in. Now more than ever, it's imperative that travelers lean on a trusted advisor to help them navigate an uncertain world en route to the trip of their dreams.

Time is precious and one of the few things we can't get more of so why waste it? Working with a travel advisor who can save you hours and hours of research and price comparison, in turn, saves you loads of stress and, believe it or not, money in the long run.

For many travelers, researching destinations, hotels, attractions and excursions is part of the fun of traveling but picking out the right insurance policy, shopping flights, hotel stays and other aspects of your trip can be tedious if you're strapped for time or find yourself paralyzed by all of the different options available. Save yourself the trouble by leaning on a knowledgeable advisor who can cut through the sea of choices.

Sure, online reviews can be very helpful when planning your trip but a trusted travel advisor can paint you a much clearer picture as they're constantly receiving feedback from clients. These are real people who've had real experiences in the places you're going.

When booking travel yourself it's tempting to always go with the cheapest rate but a good travel advisor always reads the fine print and knows that the best price isn't always the best deal. Advisors save you money through their access to special offers and other perks and can make note of your preferences to personalize your trip while still finding you the best deal for your budget in the process.

Travel advisors have access that the average traveler simply doesn't have, giving them the ability to potentially score you a last-minute upgrade at your resort or arrange an off-the-menu excursion for your family or group.

Travel advisors are travelers themselves and they're passionate about the places they've been as well as the travel suppliers they've had a positive experience with. If you're looking to get away but not exactly sure what you're looking for, a passionate advisor can provide all the motivation you need and lead you down the right path.

Travel advisors are often well-connected, meaning they have reliable contacts in many of the places that they're clients are visiting. Whether it's arranging a surprise bottle of champagne at your honeymoon resort or giving you directions to an awesome restaurant that only the locals know about, travel advisors can put their connections to work to enhance your overall experience.

In the event you encounter an unexpected hiccup such as a flight cancellation or a mishap at your hotel check-in, a travel advisor can step in and correct the problem immediately. Relying on an OTA to resolve the situation will produce mixed results at best so it's wise to always work with an advisor who's working for you even when they're in the background.