Why Working With a Fantasy Travel Advisor Actually Makes Sense (And How Flights & Fables Is Different)

Here's a question I get regularly: "Why should I use a travel advisor in 2025 when I can book everything online?"

Fair question. If you're booking a standard beach resort or a domestic flight, you probably don't need me. The booking platforms work fine for straightforward travel.

But if you're planning to visit Hobbiton and Mount Sunday in New Zealand, trace Game of Thrones filming locations across Croatia and Iceland, experience Scotland's castles with Harry Potter connections, or design a European river cruise that hits all the major fantasy destinations, that's different. That's where a specialized travel advisor provides value that booking engines can't replicate.

I'm Rocky Dimico, owner of Flights & Fables, and I specialize in fantasy travel. Not generic vacation packages. Not "follow the guidebook" tourism. Fantasy travel, the kind where you're visiting the actual locations from your favorite stories, where the trip is designed around your specific obsessions, and where every detail connects to the narrative worlds you love.

This guide explains what makes working with a specialized travel advisor different from DIY booking, why fantasy travel specifically benefits from expert planning, and what makes my approach at Flights & Fables unique. Whether you ultimately work with me or plan independently, you'll understand when advisors add value and when they don't.

What Travel Advisors Actually Do (And What We Don't)

Let's clear up misconceptions first. Modern travel advisors aren't glorified ticket-booking services. We're not sitting at desks looking up prices you could find yourself on Google. That model died with the internet, and good riddance.

Here's what specialized travel advisors actually provide:

I match you to the right experiences. The difference between a mediocre trip and an exceptional one often isn't budget, it's choosing the right operator, the right timing, and the right itinerary structure for your specific priorities. I represent multiple tour operators, cruise lines, and ground handlers. My job is recommending what actually fits your situation, not what pays the highest commission.

I handle complex logistics. Multi-destination international trips involve international flights, domestic connections, hotel bookings across multiple cities, tour operator coordination, ferry bookings, ground transportation, and timing everything to work together. One delayed flight can cascade into missed connections, lost hotel deposits, and ruined plans. I manage these moving parts so you don't have to debug itineraries at 2am before your trip.

I provide destination expertise. I've been to 63 countries and lived overseas for over 10 years. I've visited Hobbiton, explored Scottish castles, walked through Dubrovnik's King's Landing locations, and experienced the European river cruise routes I recommend. When I suggest timing, locations, or experiences, it's based on actual knowledge, not marketing brochures.

I secure value you can't get direct. Tour operators and suppliers provide travel advisors with rates, amenities (room upgrades, shipboard credits, flexible cancellation), and perks that aren't available to direct bookers. You pay the same or less while getting more value. This isn't insider manipulation, it's how the travel industry compensates professional advisors for bringing qualified clients.

I solve problems when things go wrong. Weather cancels your helicopter flight to Milford Sound. Your connection gets delayed and you'll miss the Hobbiton tour you booked months ago. Your hotel in Edinburgh has a plumbing disaster and you need immediate alternative accommodation. You have someone who can actually fix these problems rather than just a customer service email queue.

What I don't do: Mark up prices for profit. Add fees for our time. Pressure you into upgrades you don't want. Push specific operators because they pay us more. Good advisors are compensated by suppliers through commission, I succeed when you're happy and return for future trips.

Why Fantasy Travel Specifically Benefits from Expert Planning

Generic travel is relatively straightforward. Paris has Eiffel Tower. Rome has Colosseum. You book flights, find central hotel, follow Rick Steves, done.

Fantasy travel is different. You're not just visiting famous landmarks, you're seeking specific filming locations, thematic experiences, and immersive moments that transform sightseeing into story-living. This requires different expertise.

Filming locations aren't always accessible. Mount Sunday (Edoras from Lord of the Rings) is on private farmland requiring permission and 4WD access. Many Game of Thrones locations in Croatia and Ireland require guided tours or specific timing. Dubrovnik's Old Town (King's Landing) has increasingly restrictive tourist quotas. Knowing which locations need specialized tours versus independent access saves you from arriving at fenced private property with no way in.

Authenticity varies wildly. Not all "Harry Potter tours" actually visit filming locations, some are just walks past places that "inspired" J.K. Rowling or London sites mentioned in books. Not all "Game of Thrones experiences" involve actual show locations. Specialized fantasy travel advisors know which operators deliver authentic experiences versus which are capitalizing on keywords.

Timing affects the experience dramatically. Visiting Hobbiton during Shire's Rest (late November-December) adds Christmas decorations and special atmosphere. Seeing Scotland's castles in October offers autumn colors and fewer crowds. Experiencing Norway's fjords during brief summer window maximizes daylight for photography. Croatian coastal locations (Game of Thrones Dubrovnik, Split) become unbearably crowded mid-summer but perfect in shoulder seasons. Generic travel advice doesn't account for these nuances.

Multi-destination fantasy itineraries get complex. Want to visit Lord of the Rings locations in New Zealand, then continue to Japan for anime/manga culture experiences? Planning Scotland's Harry Potter sites, then ferry to Ireland for Game of Thrones Northern Ireland locations, then over to Iceland for more GoT landscapes? These multi-country, multi-theme trips involve visa considerations, optimal routing, pacing that prevents burnout, and connecting experiences that share thematic elements. DIY planning this is possible but time-consuming and error-prone.

You want someone who gets it. When you tell a generic travel agent you want to visit "where they filmed the Battle of Pelennor Fields," and they look confused, that's a problem. Fantasy travelers want advisors who understand references, appreciate why certain locations matter, and can discuss Tolkien versus Jackson interpretations while planning your Middle-earth pilgrimage. Shared passion matters.

What Makes Flights & Fables Different from Other Travel Advisors

Every advisor claims they're different. Here's specifically what makes my approach unique:

I've Actually Been to These Destinations

I don't recommend Hobbiton from marketing brochures. I've walked through the Shire, drunk at the Green Dragon, and photographed Bag End from every angle. I've explored Scotland's castles, traced Game of Thrones filming locations, experienced European Christmas markets, and navigated the logistics of multi-country fantasy-themed trips.

When I tell you which Lord of the Rings tour operators consistently deliver versus which oversell and underdeliver, it's based on client feedback and industry knowledge. When I explain why autumn in Scotland offers better castle experiences than summer, I'm speaking from experience. When I recommend timing your New Zealand trip for March-April to catch golden Rohan-like landscapes, it's because I've seen the seasonal differences.

This matters because travel advice quality correlates directly with actual destination knowledge. Advisors who've never left their home state but book international trips from supplier catalogs miss nuances that make trips exceptional versus merely adequate.

I'm a Fantasy Nerd Who Gets Why This Matters

I didn't get into fantasy travel as a business opportunity. I got into it because I'm the target market. I've read Tolkien multiple times. I've watched every Game of Thrones episode and debated fan theories. I understand why seeing the actual Cliffs of Moher (Cliffs of Insanity from Princess Bride) matters more than generic Irish coastal scenery. I know the difference between locations that inspired authors versus locations where films were actually shot.

This changes how I approach trip planning. When a client says they want a "Game of Thrones experience," I ask which aspects matter most, filming locations? Medieval castle atmosphere? Dubrovnik's King's Landing? Northern Ireland's Winterfell territories? The answer determines completely different itineraries. Generic advisors wouldn't know to ask.

When someone wants to visit Scotland for Harry Potter connections, I explain which experiences are authentic (the Jacobite Steam Train, actual filming locations) versus tourist-trap "Harry Potter walked here once" nonsense. You don't pay for my time booking flights, you pay nothing extra but get expertise that prevents wasted money on disappointing experiences.

I Create Personalized Itineraries, Not Cookie-Cutter Package

Tour companies sell fixed-departure group tours. Booking platforms sell individual components. I do neither, I create customized itineraries designed around your specific interests, timeline, and budget.

Two clients both want "Lord of the Rings tours in New Zealand." One is a serious Tolkien scholar who wants comprehensive coverage of all filming locations across both islands, prioritizes remote South Island landscapes, and has two weeks available. The other is a casual fan traveling with a non-fan spouse, wants to see Hobbiton and maybe a few other highlights, and has one week total for entire New Zealand trip.

These clients need completely different solutions. The first needs a comprehensive two-island tour with dedicated Middle-earth guides and specialized access to private land. The second needs a general New Zealand tour that incorporates major LOTR highlights without overwhelming the non-fan spouse.

Generic "New Zealand LOTR tour" recommendations fail both clients. Personalized planning succeeds both.

This approach extends beyond just matching tour types. It includes timing recommendations based on your priorities (photography-focused travelers need different timing than casual sightseers), accommodation choices that enhance the theme (castle hotels in Scotland, ryokans in Japan, lodges with mountain views in New Zealand), and experience sequencing that builds narrative flow rather than just checking boxes.

I Know How to Match Clients with the Right Suppliers

The travel industry is vast and confusing. Multiple operators run Lord of the Rings tours in New Zealand, they vary significantly in group size, guide expertise, which locations they visit, accommodation quality, and value for money. Several companies offer European river cruises, they differ in ship quality, itineraries, inclusions, and target demographics.

My value isn't just knowing these options exist. It's knowing which operator fits which client based on patterns I've observed over years of planning these trips.

Budget-conscious travelers doing first major international trip need different guidance than luxury travelers expecting five-star everything. Solo travelers in their 20s seeking adventure and social connection need different solutions than retired couples wanting comfortable, well-organized experiences. First-time international travelers need more hand-holding than experienced global adventurers who just want expertise they don't have themselves.

I match clients to suppliers based on:

• Travel style: Adventurous versus comfort-focused, fast-paced versus relaxed
• Experience level: First international trip versus seasoned travelers
• Group dynamics: Solo, couple, family with kids, friend groups
• Priorities: Cost-conscious, experience-focused, luxury-oriented, photography-driven
• Specific requirements: Accessibility needs, dietary restrictions, age considerations

This matching process is intuitive after years of practice but impossible to replicate with booking algorithms. It's why my clients consistently report their trips exceeded expectations, they weren't just good trips, they were the right trips for them specifically.

I Provide Ongoing Value, Not Just Booking Service

My relationship with clients doesn't end when I send confirmation emails. I provide:

Pre-departure consultation: Detailed trip briefings covering what to expect, how to prepare, packing recommendations for specific destinations, photography tips for major locations, and answers to all those questions that arise as departure approaches.

Problem-solving during travel: Weather cancellations, missed connections, accommodation issues, health emergencies, lost documents, I'm available to help solve problems as they arise. My clients have my contact information and know I'll respond or my partners in that country will respond, not in 48-72 hours, but same-day or faster.

Post-trip follow-up: After you return, I want to hear what worked and what didn't. This feedback improves my recommendations for future clients and helps me understand which operators consistently deliver versus which are declining in quality.

Future trip planning: Most clients return for additional trips. Maybe you did New Zealand this year and want Scotland next year. Maybe you loved river cruising and want to try different routes. I remember your preferences, what worked, and can build on successful patterns.

This ongoing relationship approach differs significantly from transactional booking service. You're not just another commission, you're someone I'm helping create exceptional experiences repeatedly over years.

Addressing Common Objections to Using Travel Advisors

Let me tackle the concerns I hear most often:

"Can't I Just Book This Myself?"

Yes, you absolutely can. Booking platforms make international travel accessible to anyone willing to invest the research time.

Here's what DIY booking requires:

• Hours researching tour operators, reading reviews, comparing inclusions
• Understanding seasonal variations, weather patterns, and optimal timing
• Coordinating complex logistics across multiple countries and suppliers
• Knowing which "deals" are genuine value versus which are low-quality experiences at low prices
• Problem-solving independently when things go wrong during travel

If you enjoy this research process, have time available, and feel confident navigating international logistics, DIY booking works fine. Many travelers successfully plan their own trips.

Where advisors add value is when:

• You don't have time for extensive research
• You want expertise you don't have (which locations truly deliver, which operators to trust)
• You're planning complex multi-destination trips
• You value having someone to solve problems during travel
• You'd rather spend your limited vacation time experiencing the trip, not planning it

"Aren't Travel Agents Outdated?"

The old model, travel agents who just booked flights and hotels for markup, died and deserved to die. The internet handles straightforward booking better than humans ever did.

What survived and thrived are specialized advisors who provide expertise, access, and service that booking platforms can't replicate. We're not order-takers. We're consultants who understand destinations, know suppliers personally, recognize patterns about what works for which travelers, and provide ongoing support.

The travel industry itself has shifted toward this model. Suppliers increasingly prefer working with knowledgeable advisors who send them qualified, well-informed clients rather than dealing with direct bookers who often have unrealistic expectations.

"Will This Cost Me More?"

No, and often it costs less. Here's how the economics actually work:

Suppliers compensate advisors through commission. Tour operators, cruise lines, and hotels pay advisors a percentage when we book clients. This commission comes from the supplier's budget, not added to your cost. You pay the same price booking through me as booking direct, but you get my expertise, service, and problem-solving included.

Advisors often secure better rates. Because I book volume with preferred suppliers, I have access to rates and amenities that individual bookers can't get. Room upgrades, shipboard credits, flexible cancellation, early booking bonuses, these add value without increasing cost.

We help you avoid expensive mistakes. Booking the wrong tour, choosing poor timing, selecting accommodations in inconvenient locations, these mistakes cost money. Expertise prevents expensive errors that wipe out any perceived savings from DIY booking.

The exception: If you're booking simple point-to-point travel with no complexity, using an advisor is unnecessary. Book directly and save yourself the consultation time. But for complex, multi-destination, specialized-interest travel, advisors provide value that exceeds their cost (which is zero direct cost to you).

"I Like Planning My Own Trips"

Honestly? You might not be my ideal client, and that's okay.

If you genuinely enjoy the research process, have time and interest to become semi-expert on destinations you're visiting, and prefer maintaining complete control over every decision, DIY planning suits you better than working with any advisor.

Where people who "like planning their own trips" sometimes benefit from advisors:

• You enjoy planning the fun parts (choosing destinations, dreaming about experiences) but hate logistical details
• You're planning something outside your expertise zone (first international trip, first cruise, destinations you don't know)
• You want to validate your own research (book consultation, not full planning service)
• You're short on time this particular trip despite usually planning yourself

But if you're the person who reads 47 TripAdvisor reviews before choosing a hotel, creates detailed spreadsheets comparing tour options, and enjoys this process? You probably don't need me. Travel advisors add most value to people who want exceptional trips but don't want to become amateur travel agents themselves.

When You Should Work With Me (And When You Shouldn't)

To be completely transparent, here's when working with Flights & Fables makes sense and when it doesn't:

You Should Work With Me If:

✅ You're planning fantasy-themed travel (LOTR, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, anime/manga, castles, Vikings, vampires, D&D-inspired destinations)

✅ You're booking complex multi-destination trips (New Zealand to Japan, Scotland to Ireland to Iceland, European river cruise with extensions)

✅ You value expert guidance over DIY research

✅ You want personalized itineraries, not cookie-cutter packages

✅ You're willing to have a consultation conversation before booking (I need to understand your priorities)

✅ You're booking significant trips (generally $3,000+ per person, smaller trips don't justify advisor time investment)

✅ You want ongoing support during travel, not just booking service

You Probably Shouldn't Work With Me If:

❌ You're booking simple point-to-point travel (domestic flights, standard hotel bookings)

❌ You genuinely enjoy DIY planning process and want total control

❌ You're extremely price-sensitive and willing to sacrifice experience for lowest cost

❌ You're booking very short trips (weekend getaways typically don't benefit from advisor planning)

❌ You're not interested in fantasy/themed travel (my expertise is wasted on generic tourism)

❌ You don't want consultation, you just want someone to execute bookings you've already decided on

I'm not trying to convince everyone to work with me. I'm trying to help you understand when advisors add value and when they don't, so you make the best decision for your situation.

How Working With Flights & Fables Actually Works

If you're considering working with me, here's the practical process:

Step 1: Free Consultation Call (20-30 minutes)

We talk about:

• Where you want to go and what you want to experience
• Your timeline, budget, and travel style
• Whether your vision aligns with what's realistically possible
• Whether we're a good fit to work together

This isn't a sales pitch. It's a conversation to determine if I can add value to your specific situation. If I can't, I'll tell you honestly and point you toward better solutions.

Step 2: Proposal & Planning

If we're a good fit, I create a customized proposal including:

• Recommended itinerary with specific experiences and timing
• Accommodation options at different price points
• Transportation coordination (flights, ferries, ground transport)
• Estimated costs with detailed breakdown
• Optional add-ons and extensions

You review, we refine based on feedback, and iterate until the itinerary matches your vision and budget.

Step 3: Booking & Coordination

Once you approve the itinerary, I handle all bookings:

• Tour operators and guided experiences
• Accommodations across multiple cities
• International and domestic flights
• Ferry bookings, train reservations, transfers
• Travel insurance
• Any special requests or requirements

You receive confirmation details, but I manage the coordination to ensure everything connects properly.

Step 4: Pre-Departure Support



Before your trip:

• Detailed trip briefing with what to expect
• Packing recommendations for specific destinations and seasons
• Photography tips for major locations
• Final confirmations and any last-minute adjustments
• My contact information for during-travel support

Step 5: During-Travel Support

While you're traveling:

• Available to solve problems as they arise
• Coordinate with suppliers if issues occur
• Provide real-time advice if you need to adjust plans
• Peace of mind knowing you have expert support

Step 6: Post-Trip Follow-Up

After you return:

• Debrief on what worked and what didn't
• Address any issues with suppliers
• Start planning your next adventure (most clients return for additional trips)

Ready to Plan Your Fantasy Travel Adventure?

If this approach resonates with you, specialized expertise, personalized itineraries, ongoing support, someone who genuinely understands why seeing Hobbiton or walking through Dubrovnik's King's Landing matters, let's talk.

The consultation call costs nothing and obligates you to nothing. We'll discuss your fantasy travel goals and determine whether working together makes sense for your specific situation.

Schedule your free consultation call here

Whether you ultimately work with me, plan independently, or choose a different advisor, I hope this guide helped you understand when travel advisors add value and how to evaluate whether professional planning benefits your specific travel goals.

The fantasy destinations are out there waiting. Hobbiton's rolling green hills, Scotland's ancient castles, Croatia's King's Landing, Norway's fjords, they're all real places you can actually visit. The question isn't whether these trips are possible, it's how to make yours exceptional rather than merely adequate.

That's where expert planning makes the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost to work with a travel advisor?
A: Nothing additional. I'm compensated by tour operators, cruise lines, and hotels through commission when I book clients. You pay the same price (or less, due to advisor-exclusive rates) as booking direct, but you get my expertise, planning time, and support included at no extra charge.

Q: What types of trips does Flights & Fables specialize in?
A: Fantasy-themed travel including Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand, Harry Potter experiences in the UK, Game of Thrones sites across Europe and Iceland, European castles, Viking heritage in Scandinavia, vampire lore destinations, Japan anime and pop culture travel, and European river cruises with fantasy/historical themes.

Q: Do I have to book a full package tour or can you help with parts of my trip?
A: Both. I can book comprehensive tour packages, custom private tours, or individual components like hotels, experiences, and guided tours if you're building your own itinerary but want expert advice on specific aspects.

Q: How far in advance should I start planning?
A: For major international trips (New Zealand, multi-country Europe, etc.), start planning 6-12 months ahead, even more if you know when you want to travel. Popular tours and peak season accommodations book up quickly. For simpler trips or shoulder season travel, 3-6 months works. Last-minute planning is possible but limits options.

Q: What if I need to cancel or change my trip?
A: This depends on supplier policies and when you cancel. I always recommend travel insurance for international trips. As your advisor, I handle all communication with suppliers about changes, work to minimize penalties when possible, and help you understand your options. This is part of the ongoing support that makes advisors valuable.

Q: Can you help if I've already booked some parts of my trip myself?
A: Sometimes. If you've booked non-refundable elements, I can work around them to plan the rest. However, DIY bookings sometimes create constraints that limit what I can optimize. It's always better to consult before booking anything, but I'll assess what's possible in your specific situation.

Q: Do you only work with travelers from certain locations?
A: I work with clients throughout the United States and can assist international travelers visiting destinations I specialize in. Most planning happens via video calls and email, so physical location doesn't matter as long as we can communicate easily.

Q: What happens if something goes wrong during my trip?
A: You contact me directly (I provide my contact information to all traveling clients). I work with suppliers to resolve issues, rebooking missed connections, finding alternative accommodations, coordinating with tour operators, helping with emergency situations. This real-time problem-solving is one of the key values advisors provide that booking platforms can't replicate.

Q: Are you affiliated with specific tour companies or do you work with multiple operators?
A: I work with multiple operators across different destinations. My job is recommending what fits your needs best, not what pays me most. I have preferred suppliers who've consistently delivered excellent experiences, but I'm not locked into promoting specific companies if another option better suits your situation.

Q: Can you help me plan a trip even if I don't know exactly what I want yet?
A: Absolutely. Many clients start with vague ideas ("I want to see Lord of the Rings locations" or "I'm interested in Game of Thrones travel"). The consultation conversation helps clarify priorities, realistic options, and what type of trip actually matches your interests and constraints.

Q: What's included in the free consultation call?
A: We discuss your travel goals, timeline, budget, and travel style. I assess whether your vision is realistic and whether I can add value to your planning. You learn what options exist for your specific interests. There's no pressure to book, it's a conversation to determine if we're a good fit to work together.

Rocky Dimico is the owner of Flights & Fables, specializing in fantasy travel experiences. With 63 countries visited and extensive experience planning Lord of the Rings tours to New Zealand, Rocky helps fantasy enthusiasts turn their favorite fictional worlds into real-world adventures.