When booking platforms put the world at your fingertips, it’s easy to assume travel advisors are a thing of the past. But the opposite is true: the industry is growing, and travelers are turning to professionals for personalized guidance, niche expertise, and help navigating a crowded digital landscape. This post explores what’s driving the shift — and how travel advisor Riza Ayson built a thriving business helping others see the world.
When you can book flights, hotels, and full itineraries with a few clicks, why hire a travel advisor?
A lot of people are asking — and answering — that question. According to the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), 50% of Americans say they are more likely to use a travel advisor now than they were in the past.
And it’s not just a dream job — it’s a growth industry. Travel advising as a career is expected to jump 11% by 2032. Advisors bring human nuance and real-world experience to an industry increasingly shaped by AI and automation.
Travel Advisor Riza Ayson wearing Pang Wangle bug repellent Essential Wrap in Sandshell aboard a Royal Carribean Cruise ship to Ensenada, Mexico.
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Riza Ayson is part of that movement.
A couple of years ago Riza decided to sell her thriving kick-boxing gym and transfer her passion for travel into a new career as a Travel Advisor. After a flurry of trainings, certifications, affiliations, and travel recon trips, Riza packed up her life in Los Angeles, moved back to her hometown of Pensacola, Florida, and officially launched Ayson Travel.
“People want more than just a list of flights and hotels,” she says. “They want insight. They want confidence. They want to know what actually works once they’re on the ground.”
Travel Advisor Riza Ayson watching the sunset over Grand Canyon.
Most travel advisors develop a niche and Riza stays busy booking cruises - especially river cruises - and travel to Asia. "I would like to focus more on the Philippines, that's where my family is originally from," explains Riza. "It has more than 7,000 islands! There's so much to do there."
Criss-crossing the globe, Riza always packs her bug repellent Pang Wangle Essential Wrap. "I love having something that looks great, packs light, and solves a problem," Riza says. "You never know when the bugs are going to show up and I'm always ready."
Riza Ayson in Flagstaff, Arizona, wearing her bug repellent Essential Wrap in Rust.
According to ASTA, people who use travel advisors report greater satisfaction with their trips — and spend less time planning them. With tools and platforms constantly changing, it turns out having someone who knows the terrain still matters.
Where’s Everyone Going Right Now?
Top Travel Destinations in 2025 (So Far)
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Portugal – Affordable, scenic, and full of charm. Bonus: fewer bugs than the tropics.
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Japan – Culture, great food, very safe, plus cherry blossoms. We love it.
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Costa Rica – Rainforests, beaches, and plenty of places where the Essential Wrap comes in handy.
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Croatia – Island hopping, turquoise waters, and Game of Thrones vibes.
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Mexico City – Foodie paradise meets art, music, and amazing weather.
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South Africa – Safari one day, wine tasting the next. Plan for bugs.
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Montana – For when you want adventure without leaving the U.S.
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Bali – Still trending, still magical, and still full of biting bugs. Bring backup.
👀 Thinking of planning a trip? Riza can help. And we’ve got your back with breezy, bug-repellent travel gear so you can go along cheerfully.
/paNG waNGlə/ v. 1. To go along cheerfully despite minor misfortunes.
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