Why Use A Travel Agent?
- Anne Marie Brown
- Apr 21, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 25, 2025

Ease –
Not a planner? We make your trip feel like a vacation from the start. You're busy — juggling kids’ schedules, work commitments, and a packed social calendar. Travel planning shouldn’t be another source of stress.
These days, the internet is overflowing with information — but it’s hard to know what’s trustworthy. OTAs (online travel agencies) like Expedia and Booking.com may offer discounted rates, but they’re often impersonal, occasionally unreliable, and rarely advocate for you when plans change. They also won’t get you valuable VIP perks like room upgrades, breakfast included, extra resort credit, and more.
Expertise –
Think of us like your well-traveled and in-the-know best friends. We’re the ones who read all the articles, scout out the best new hotels, and venture to far-flung destinations — often with our own families — to vet the experiences firsthand. We are able to recommend and match you with the best properties and destinations based on your specific preferences.
We also have personal on-the-ground connections with General Managers, Sales Directors, and hotel staff who will ensure your experience is exceptional from start to finish!
Our team brings decades of travel and hospitality experience to the table. We've been around the world and back (sometimes more than once) — and we’re here to help make your travel dreams a reality.
Coordination –
Planning a milestone birthday, family reunion, executive retreat, or bachelorette party? You shouldn’t be the one chasing credit card info, managing group chats, or sweating logistics.
Let us make you look like a rockstar — while we handle all the behind-the-scenes coordination.
Value-Added Benefits –
At almost every five star hotel worldwide (and many four star hotels as well), we’re able to secure valuable benefits for our clients such as:
Resort credits that can be used towards dining, spa, or activities
Complimentary daily breakfast
Priority room upgrades on arrival (when available)
Early check-in / late check-out (when available)
Preferred Hotel Partnerships –
We are in all the elite hotel and cruise Preferred Partner Programs, as well as Virtuoso, (the world’s leading luxury travel network). This means we get our clients preferred rates, extra perks, and VIP treatment at the following brands:
Four Seasons Preferred
Rosewood Elite
Belmond Bellini Club
Hyatt Privé
Impresario (Waldorf Astoria, LXR, Conrad)
Marriott Stars and Luminous
Mandarin Oriental Fan Club
Peninsula Pen Club
Dorchester
Preferred Hotels and Resorts
Relais and Chateaux
Leading Hotels of the World
Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Rocco Forte
Ritz-Carlton Yacht
Silversea
Uniworld
…and many more.
Peace of mind –
Things happen — flights get canceled, plans shift, luggage gets lost, passports disappear. We’ve handled it all: re-routing travelers in the Galápagos due to volcanic fog, helping clients during political unrest, securing temporary passports, and adjusting itineraries mid- trip. When things go sideways, we’re here to help.
FAQ
How are we paid? Do we charge fees?
We are typically paid a commission by hotels, cruises, and tour operators. For straightforward hotel bookings when you already have an idea what you’d like to book, we don't charge a fee to make the reservation on your behalf. We are typically able to secure added benefits, (like room upgrades, free daily breakfast, resort credit, etc.), in addition to the best rate, so it's a win-win for you!
We do, however, charge a modest planning fee for trips that involve more extensive upfront research, multiple quotes, or itineraries with more involved logistics and planning services (i.e. tours, transportation, reservations, etc.).
Our fees reflect the time, care, and expertise we bring to each trip. We’re a high-touch agency, and we put a lot of heart into our work.
Can we book any hotel?
Our niche, and where we’re able to provide the most meaningful extra-benefits to our clients, is luxury travel (with hotels that are typically upwards of $500+/nt and custom itineraries starting at $10,000 per week per couple).
We can also assist with private vacation homes and villas, but we are not able to book Airbnbs or Vrbos. Some small inns or bed-and-breakfasts may also not be the best fit for our agency.
Can we book flights?
While we don't personally book airfare, we work with affiliated Air Partners that can assist with First or Business class tickets, as well as Private Flights. This service includes reservation management and if anything goes wrong, we’ll handle all the logistics and save you the frustration. Additional ticketing fees apply to these services.
The airline world is complex, you may want to use your miles or points on a flight, and it’s usually better for travelers to be in direct contact with airlines for flexibility and support.
Alpenglow is a new agency, can you trust us?
Absolutely. While Alpenglow is new, our experience is anything but.
Anne Marie comes from a family that ran a hotel company for three generations. She’s worked in luxury travel for 18 years, running small group tours, luxury safaris, cruise charters, events, and custom travel for two major destination clubs.
Kylee is a specialist in curated, high-touch experiences — from private yacht charters and African safaris to bucket-list sports events and cultural immersions across 50+ countries.
Jessie has over a decade experience in the luxury travel industry which has equipped her with a wealth of firsthand experience and deep widespread connections around the globe. She is the founder of the highly successful luxury travel agency, J. Scott Travel, and has been recognized as a top-producer for her agency, as well as a Travel + Leisure “Rising Star.”
Bri, Lauren, and Jackson are newer agents, but all come with a wealth of personal travel experience and a passion for crafting unforgettable journeys.
Who should use Alpenglow Travel?
We work best with clients who value our expertise and want a partner in planning — not just a booking engine. If you love the thrill of planning yourself, want to bargain every detail, or are traveling on a very tight budget, we may NOT be the best fit.
We’re a great fit for travelers who:
Are passionate about meaningful, high-quality travel
Spend at least $500/night on hotels or $10,000 per week on full experiences
Have a general idea of where they want to go and value thoughtful recommendations
Prefer five-star experiences and seamless coordination
We specialize in:
Five-star hotels around the world
Luxury cruise lines (like Ritz-Carlton Yacht, Silversea, Seabourn, Uniworld, etc.)
Adventure travel (Southeast Asia, Patagonia, Antarctica, etc.)
Luxury safaris
Milestone celebrations and small group travel
Iconic events: Kentucky Derby, Wimbledon, The Masters, US Open
Culinary and wine-focused travel
Honeymoons and romantic escapes
We would love to work with you on your next adventure! To plan your trip with us, please fill out the form on the “contact us” page or email Info@AlpenglowTravel.com


































Comments