What Working With a Travel Advisor Actually Looks Like

There’s a lot of confusion around what travel advisors actually do, and what working with one really looks like in practice.

Some people assume it’s simply booking hotels. Others think it’s only for luxury travelers or overly complicated trips. Most don’t realize there’s a deliberate process behind thoughtful travel planning—one that starts long before reservations are made.

For me, travel planning isn’t about maximizing landmarks or filling every hour. It’s about creating trips that feel grounded and enjoyable while you’re actually living them. If you’ve read my post about finding joy in simple moments while traveling, you already know this idea shapes how I approach travel itself. That same philosophy guides how I plan trips for my clients.

Here’s what working with me at Ryan Garcia Travel actually looks like.

The process always begins with clarity. Before I suggest a hotel, a route, or a destination pairing, I take time to understand how you want the trip to feel. Pace matters. Priorities matter. Budget comfort matters. This happens through a detailed intake form and, when necessary, thoughtful follow-up questions. Rushing to recommendations without this foundation usually leads to trips that look good on paper but feel exhausting in reality.

Once that foundation is in place, I design the trip from the ground up. This is where structure comes in. I map out the right order of destinations, choose accommodations that truly fit your needs, and think through how each part of the trip flows into the next. I’m always paying attention to transitions, downtime, and the rhythm of the journey. A well-planned trip shouldn’t feel like a checklist—it should feel natural.

From there, we refine. You’ll receive a clear itinerary or proposal, and we’ll make adjustments where needed. This stage isn’t about endless revisions or second-guessing every detail. It’s about making sure the trip feels right. By the time we move forward, you should feel confident in the plan and understand why each piece is there.

As the details come together, I handle the logistics and booking support. Hotels, experiences, and timing are coordinated so everything fits together cleanly. Instead of juggling multiple tabs, emails, and confirmations, you have one cohesive plan that makes sense.

By the time you leave, you’re traveling with clarity. You know what to expect, where flexibility exists, and which moments matter most. And if questions come up along the way, you’re not navigating them alone.

This process works best for travelers who value intention over volume. It’s for people who want their trips to feel considered rather than rushed, and who understand that good planning isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what actually fits.

If you’re planning travel this year and want a trip designed around your pace, priorities, and preferences, I’d love to help.

You can start by filling out my travel planning form. From there, I’ll take care of the structure so you can focus on enjoying the experience—including the simple moments that make travel meaningful in the first place.