As a travel writer, I’ve always taken pride in handling every detail of my trips solo.
I’ve spent years unearthing hidden boutique hotels, interviewing travel experts, and helping readers craft itineraries packed with under-the-radar experiences — all in a day’s work.
But this year was different. I wasn’t just balancing deadlines and assignments; I was also caring for infant twins.
Between bottle schedules, nap routines, and trying to hold on to a sliver of personal time, I didn’t have the energy for my usual deep-dive planning.
That’s why, for a long-awaited five-night trip to Paris with my mom and sister in June, I turned to a travel advisor — something I never thought I’d do, especially given my job.
To get started, I reached out to travel agency Fora, and was connected with one of their advisors. Though the one I ended up working with didn’t charge for her services, each advisor sets their own rates.
I loved how personalized the process was
Our advisor kicked things off with a thorough 30-minute introductory call to learn about us as travelers.
Not only did we discuss where we wanted to go, but also how we liked to spend our days, what types of hotels felt right, and what kind of experiences would make the trip memorable.
I appreciated that she welcomed feedback, taking the time to explain why certain spots suited our travel style and why some of my initial “must-stay” picks might actually fall flat.
For example, she gently steered us away from a more traditional property near the main tourist sights and instead proposed a modern, design-forward hotel in a different neighborhood that might better match our vibe.
Our advisor also helped me avoid my usual habit of overplanning each day by suggesting a more thoughtful and realistic day-by-day approach, so we wouldn’t feel rushed or exhausted before dinner.
Plus, she tailored the itinerary to our budget, allowing us to skip pricier experiences, like a private Seine boat cruise, while still enjoying thoughtful alternatives (more on those later).
The experiences made the trip
Thanks to our advisor’s planning, we had a lineup of experiences that felt personal and truly unforgettable. Plus, most of them were pre-arranged, so all we had to do was show up.
One of my favorite parts of the trip — despite having zero baking skills — was a small-group macaron-making class.
We also spent a day in Champagne with a private guide, who stopped at landmarks along the way, including the abbey where Dom Pérignon is said to have perfected his famous sparkling wine.
Our advisor handled almost all of our restaurant reservations, as well, saving us from last-minute panic and endless “Where should we eat tonight?” debates.
She sent a list of vetted, well-researched options tailored to our preferences, recommending places that felt special but not overly stuffy, and steering us toward neighborhood gems we likely wouldn’t have found on our own.
One of our favorites was Bistro Marbeuf, an elegant French bistro located conveniently across the street from our hotel.
I learned to let go and enjoy the trip more
Initially, handing over the reins to a travel advisor felt strange, especially as someone who not only obsesses over every detail but also makes a living helping others plan their trips.
But instead of feeling disconnected, I was more present on this trip than I had been on any vacation in years.
I could simply show up and enjoy, without second-guessing whether I’d picked the perfect dinner spot or booked the right museum time slot. As a new parent, that freedom felt especially luxurious.
In the end, I realized the best trips aren’t about obsessing over every detail. They’re about giving yourself the space to actually enjoy the experience — even if it means letting someone else handle the planning (gasp).
Read the full article here
