What Are Travel Coaches, and Should You Hire One?When Vera Russo decided to visit Italy this summer, she didn't go online to book a plane ticket or call a travel agent. Instead, like a growing number of Americans, she contacted Francesca Owens, a travel coach, for help. Owens, who lived in Italy for about 15 years, plans Italian trips for women 50 and over.
Travel coaches are gaining in popularity now that interest in travel is again on the rise.There is no reliable data on the number of travel coaches, but anecdotal evidence suggests that it's a growing field. But what is a travel coach, and should you consider hiring one?
Most travel coaches are experienced travelers who want to share the knowledge they've gained on the road. They aren't travel agents and typically don't make a booking for you.Instead, they are closer to life coaches, who offer advice and guidance. But instead of trying to improve the quality of your life, a travel coach works on upgrading your vacation by recommending a travel plan that matches your goals.
"Travel coaches help people set intentions for their trips," says Sahara De Vore, founder of the Travel Coach Network, which accredits travel coaches. “When you can identify the 'why' for your trip, you can better decide where to go. You can also decide when to go, who to go with, how long to go for and what you need to do during your trip. That will help you gain the outcome, transformations and experiences you desire."