Most travel agents have stayed at maybe ten resorts in their career. I’ve stayed at 115+, most of them more than once. I’m an annual passholder at Walt Disney World with stays at nearly every Disney resort, and I’ve sailed the cruise lines I book most. When you ask me whether the sargassum at Secrets Playa Blanca matches the brochure photos, or which Disney resort makes the most sense for a family of four when the kids are early risers, I’m not reading marketing copy. I’m telling you what I saw last time I was there.

I also hold elite status with the resort groups and cruise lines I sell most: Hyatt Prive, Iberostar Top Producing Star Agent, Virgin Voyages First Mate (Gold), and others. That access is granted by the brands based on volume and knowledge, not paid for, and it’s what lets me unlock perks you can’t book on your own: room upgrades when available, resort credits, early check-in, and onboard credit on Virgin that adds up fast.

If something isn’t right for your trip, I’ll tell you, even when it costs me the booking. You get the trip you’ll love, not the one with the better margin.