Travel advisors dos and don'ts
Becoming a successful travel advisor requires more than just a passion for travel. It's a professional career that demands a specific skill set, a business mindset, and a commitment to serving clients. Here are some of the key dos and don'ts to keep in mind:
Dos:
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Specialize in a just a few areas of travel. Instead of trying to be a "jack of all trades," focus on a few specific areas that either you are familiar with or you believe your potential clients will be interested in. This allows you to develop deep expertise and become a go-to specialist.
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Prioritize client relationships. Building strong, lasting relationships is crucial. Get to know your clients' likes, dislikes, and travel goals. Ask probing questions to understand their needs so you can provide personalized recommendations and create a curated experience.
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Embrace continuous education. The travel industry is constantly evolving with new regulations, destinations, and suppliers. Stay up-to-date by taking training courses, attending industry events, and researching new trends. These are all free opportunities to stay informed - take advantage of them.
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Treat it like a real business. A travel advisor career is not a hobby. You need to invest time and effort into marketing, networking, and business management. Develop a solid business plan, and be prepared to put in the work to build a profitable brand.
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Be a problem-solver. Things can and will go wrong during a trip, such as cruise itinerary changes, cancellations, or other unexpected issues. Your job is to stay calm, be resourceful, and find solutions to ensure your clients' trips are as smooth as possible.
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Be highly organized and detail-oriented. Travel itineraries have many moving parts, and even a small mistake can lead to big problems. Double-check all dates, names, and booking details. Creating and using pre-departure checklists can be very helpful.
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Set clear expectations with clients. Be upfront about your process, fees, and what your services cover. A good travel advisor clearly articulates their value and the benefits they provide, such as access to exclusive deals and 24/7 support.
- Copy yourself on all email communications with clients or potential clients. Keep them organized so that you can find them. Change the subject line on each email where the subject content changes. Confirm all oral instructions by sending your clients an email asking for confirmation of your understanding of their instructions. Make no changes until you receive confirmation back that your understanding is correct.
- Always get approval on reservations PRIOR to making deposits. Send the client a copy of the reservation and the data entered to make it. You must get written confirmation of the accuracy of the reservation prior to making the deposit.
- Send the guest the guest copy of the reservation. There are two copies of the reservation. One is for the guest and the other is for agency/advisor. The agency/advisor copy has the commission on it. Send guest copies to yourself so you can review them and then after you are sure it is guest copy you caN sent if to your client.
Don'ts:
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Don't neglect marketing and networking. Your business won't grow on its own. Use social media, attend industry events, and network with other professionals to expand your reach and find new clients.
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Don't over-rely on technology. While technology is essential for bookings and management, it shouldn't replace the human touch. Clients hire a travel advisor for their personal expertise, advice, and service.
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Don't promise "deals" at the expense of value. Focus on providing your clients with the best possible value for their investment, which includes a curated experience, excellent service, and peace of mind.
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Don't be afraid to charge a fee. Many professional travel advisors charge a planning fee for their special services. This is a standard practice and reflects the value of your time, expertise, and the service you provide.
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Don't underestimate the time and effort involved. Building a successful travel business takes time and consistent effort. Don't expect overnight success; it's a marathon, not a sprint.
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Don't ignore client feedback. Pay attention to what your clients say after their trip, both positive and negative. This feedback is invaluable for improving your services and addressing any issues promptly.
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Don't work alone without a support system. Find a host agency or join a professional organization that provides you with a support framework. Having a team of people to back you up, especially in emergencies, is crucial.
- Never make changes in reservations unless and until the client has authorized those changes to made in writing (email). Never take directions over the phone - ask that the instructions be made via email; or, have them confirm your email back to them of what you understood the instructions to be.