When Travel Gets Real: Why You Need a Pro

​Last week, I shared what it truly means to be a travel advisor—part artist, part detective, and full-time dream maker after nearly 30 years in this industry. Today, I want to dive a little deeper into why having a travel professional matters most when your trip gets complicated or unexpected twists arise.

We don’t just “sell travel” like a commodity. Instead, we connect countless moving parts to create personalized journeys that flow smoothly. From negotiating and advocating to educating and problem-solving, our role goes far beyond bookings. As fiduciaries, we help you get the best value while protecting your travel dreams.

Ever tried reaching an airline during a delay? Or wrestled with an OTA only to be bounced around with no real help? That’s when true travel professionals shine. We’re your safety net, cutting through the stress to sort things out so you don’t have to.

Just recently, I spent two intense weeks meeting more than 30 tour operators, hoteliers, and destination reps in Croatia and the stunning, somewhat hidden gems near Lake Garda and Lake Iseo in northern Italy during face-to-face meetings. These places offer authentic culture, outdoor adventures, and rich history—often overlooked but perfect for travelers who want to go beyond the usual hotspots like Milan, Venice, or Lake Como, and many regions of Croatia.

Travel seasons have stretched out. High season used to be June, July, and August but now runs from May to October. Crowds have grown in some spots, like Sirmione, but there’s still magic to uncover off the beaten path. By traveling extensively myself—five hotels in Croatia, plus more by Lake Iseo—I gain firsthand experience to recommend places and create itineraries that avoid the crowds but deliver unforgettable moments.

Many imagine travel advising as mostly fun and glamour—or simply booking flights and hotels. But it’s much more: hard work, ongoing learning, and constant connection with global partners. Without passion, expertise, and a genuine gift for troubleshooting, this job wouldn’t work. And personally, if I didn’t love it, enjoy it, and most importantly, if it didn’t make me happy, I wouldn’t still be doing it nearly 30 years later. I put my heart and soul into it every day—weekends, evenings, holidays, sometimes losing sleep. This is not a job for me; it’s a passion that drives me constantly. It’s not easy—otherwise everyone could or thinks they could do it.

At Wandering Puffin, we’re not order takers. We’re your trusted guides, advocates, and collaborators—helping you navigate every bump, anticipate surprises, and ensure smooth, memorable journeys. Whether you call us the Wandering Puffin or the Travel Guru (shout out to my colleague Loulu!), and all my other colleagues out there, we embody this spirit every day! We are not competitors but collaborators.

So remember, when your travel plans take off, it’s worth having a passionate professional by your side. Because travel is an adventure best experienced with someone who truly has your back. We are here for you, and if you did things on your own, you’d be just that: on your own. We’re not always the least expensive option—possibly, but not always—but we provide the whole value. And that’s a word more meaningful than “cheaper” or “deal,” neither of which are in my vocabulary.

By the way, we’re still voting on the new name for this blog, and your input means the world to me! Drop me your thoughts, ideas, or favorite picks—let’s find the perfect name together as we continue this journey. The list is in a previous post, and I’d like to make a decision by the first of November, so you have all of October to share your thoughts. If there is a tie, I think Rosa will make the final tie-breaking decision. She’s still my life partner and my secret weapon here in Rome.