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Here ’ s the truth : Travellers no longer need tour operators and travel advisors to help them book flights , reserve hotels , and plan in-destination activities . Most of us are capable of doing this on our own because the world is now available at our fingertips . But travel agents will tell you , while the internet makes travel planning seem easy , there ’ s much to gain by turning to the experts when it comes to finally taking that bucket list trip .

Just ask Elena Cortesi , a Toronto-based travel advisor who ’ s experienced the benefits of guided travel first-hand . “ The first thing to consider is value ,” says Cortesi . When it comes to planning out complex trips that include transportation , accommodations , sightseeing , cultural experiences , the best food , and the best tour guides , she says guided travel is the hands-down winner in a costbenefit analysis .

“ When you use a guided tour company , you know the value is there ,” she says . “ Because if you were to book everything separately , you ’ re looking at a minimum of twenty to twenty-five per cent more in actual payments .” Still , Cortesi argues that the benefits of guided travel extend far beyond the cost .

“ Many guided tour operators focus on different , immersive experiences ,” she says . “ It ’ s stuff that you ’ re not going to be able to find on your own .”

And while stereotypes exist about rigid itineraries and fast pacing within the guided travel industry , Cortesi says it all comes down to finding the right tour operator . “ A guided tour is actually about experiencing the culture , the cities , the food , the language ,” she says . “ Because you ’ re not busy with the logistics of travel planning , you have the opportunity to actually experience things and really absorb them .” This can include anything from home-hosted meals with locals to cultural experiences unique to your destination — like watching a sheepdog demonstration at a local farm in Scotland or visiting with a Vietnam War veteran in Hanoi to learn from their experience .

If you ’ re on the fence about going guided or planning your own trip , Cortesi has a word of advice for you : “ Any way you slice it , a guided tour has better value and a better price point .” Beyond that , she says , “ It ’ s also a completely relaxing experience . And that ’ s the objective . As advisors , we want travellers to have an incredible experience . It ’ s that simple .”

This article is brought to you by Collette . For more information visit www . collette . com / arta , call 855.694.8687 , or contact your local travel advisor .

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