There’s something especially rewarding about planning a trip for a first-time, or relatively inexperienced, traveller. Your expertise is likely to be valued, welcomed and, perhaps most importantly, listened to.

Less-experienced travellers need more guidance. They simply don’t know what they don’t know. Questions that seem obvious to us: How much cash should I carry? Do I tip? Is it safe to take the train? may never occur to them until they’re already in destination.

That’s where you can add tremendous value.

Consider creating a simple, customized ‘cheat sheet’ for these clients, answering some of the questions they may not even know to ask. Here are a few things to include …

What’s included and what isn’t?
Even at an all-inclusive resort, not everything is necessarily included. Certain activities, excursions, spa treatments and specialty dining may come at an additional cost. The same is true on a cruise. Make sure your client understands what they’ll be paying for beyond the cost of their vacation. In many European destinations, for example, hotels charge a local city or tourism tax that cannot always be prepaid and must be settled at checkout. A small detail to us can be an unwelcome surprise to a first-time traveller.

Money matters.
Depending on the vacation and destination, suggest travelling with two credit cards as well as some local currency, and carry only a modest amount of cash while out exploring. If U.S. dollars are commonly accepted, as they are in many Caribbean destinations, that’s a good tidbit.

And then there’s tipping. What’s customary? Is gratuity already included in restaurant bills? Who should or shouldn’t be tipped at an all-inclusive resort? Cruising has its own set of practices, and while cruise lines generally make the process fairly seamless once onboard, explaining it ahead of time can make your client much more comfortable.

A few words about security.
Experienced travellers may instinctively know how to protect themselves from pickpockets, but the more inexperienced travellers may not. Share a few practical tips about keeping wallets, phones and passports secure, particularly in busy tourist areas and on public transportation. And prepare them for local practices that may initially seem unusual. In some destinations, for example, a hotel may ask to hold a guest’s passport temporarily for registration purposes. Knowing what to expect can prevent unnecessary worry.

Getting around like a local.
Public transportation is often one of the easiest, most efficient and affordable ways to explore a destination. A client who wouldn’t dream of getting on a bus or train at home may be surprised at how simple and enjoyable it can be elsewhere. Give them some basic guidance on how the local system works and whether they’ll need a transit card, app or advance ticket.

If they’re renting a car, make sure they understand local road signs, driving customs and any rules that differ significantly from those at home.

Learn three little words.
Wherever your clients are heading, encourage them to learn at least a few words in the local language. Hello. Please. Thank you. It takes very little effort, but it can go a surprisingly long way in connecting with local people while showing respect for the destination.

For seasoned travellers, much of this may be second nature. For someone taking their first big trip, it can make the difference between feeling uncertain and feeling prepared.

And that’s one of the things a great travel advisor does best: not just answering the questions clients ask but answering the ones they didn’t know they should ask.