Dear Travel Agents,

Those who read my blogs know how much I like to encourage travel agents to do their best; to show their clients and prospective clients all the reasons to enjoy and plan fun travels.

Today, I want to talk about “when life happens.” How to keep your head up, avoid throwing in the towel, and keep yourself strong because – life happens! To you, and everyone you love or care for!

As a travel agent, travel insurance is the most important thing you can offer to provide peace of mind to those who have planned a trip. It is a great investment and saves travelers headaches and money. As a friendly travel agent and friend, remind them that rebooking a trip is a nice way to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and is a great way to celebrate when life allows plans that were once put on hold to be put back on track.

Life is precious and we all should take a moment to be thankful for all the great things we have, appreciate all the loving and kind people who cross our paths, and believe that life is a marvelous miracle that God, or a supreme force, creates every day.

Life is beautiful. We should celebrate every day, and honestly, I believe that traveling is the best gift we can give to ourselves, not only because it is a gift, but because it is one of the best ways to learn more about ourselves.

God bless you all with lots of learning and travel, with the help of awesome travel agents.

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Twitter @travelRosana
Blogs @travelwithrosana

Dear Travel Agent,

During a summer week in July, I took my Brazilian friend on a 4-day vacation to Las Vegas, where it was 105F. It was crowded and expensive because Microsoft was having a convention for 40,000 people, and if I did not make it clear enough, it was hot!

People from all parts of the US were there, lots of kids (?) and foreigners, (even my friend from Brazil).

I was wondering what it is that makes this such a great destination – especially in the summer.

Why do families bring kids to a smoking, drinking, and gambling environment?

Why do people go to such an expensive destination to experience walking into an oven, even at 10pm?

Maybe you are wondering why I chose Las Vegas to take my friend. Actually, it was more her choice. I would have preferred a more low-key place that is less crowded, with cooler weather and definitely not a smoking or gambling destination. She loves the glamour of Las Vegas, and I was happy to please my friend, despite it all.

What are your thoughts?

Follow me at:
Facebook @travelwithrosana
Instagram @travelwithrosana
Twitter @travelRosana
Blogs @ http://www.travelwithrosana.com

Dear Travel Agent,

There was a time, some time ago, long before the Millennials, when travel was only for the rich. Most Americans couldn’t afford to travel to foreign countries. And, forget about the Chinese or Russians, or people from other nations.

Travel was basically for rich Americans dressed in Hawaiian shirts with flashy cameras around their necks.

I remember it well, living in Brazil where everyone had to speak English for them.

Fast forward to today, the world has changed. Travel has become more affordable. In Brazil, for example, people are learning Chinese, Japanese, Russian and other languages to accommodate the demand of incoming tourists. Travel for Americans is now for people of all classes, not only just the most affluent can go.

Tour packages and cruises are more affordable, and people can pay in installments.

Travel is not a luxury, it is a necessity for people to discover themselves, re-energize, meet others with the same interests, and make the world a much more loving place.

And how about travel agents? Like good jeans, they have gone through changes. Some are more fit, others offer more flexibility, but they never go out of style. They’re always comfortable and ready to be used, and are reliable for ALL occasions, even for those fun black tie events!

Follow me at:
Facebook @travelwithrosana
Twitter @travelRosana
Instagram @travelwithrosana
Blogs @ http://www.travelwithrosana.com

Dear Travel Agent,

There is a saying that says: if you lie, you need to have a good memory.
Well, I guess I have been blessed with bad memory, LOL!
I am not good at lying and honestly, I prefer to tell my clients (previously travel agents) the truth. We create a better bond and trust is established.
Why am I writing this?
How many times do we not know anything about a destination, but don’t want to sound “stupid” to our clients? How many times do we completely forget to send a quote to a client? Or, even request a quote for them?

Come on, we are humans. We’re not perfect and life, real life, gets in the way.
But, we want to sound professional. Almost as perfect as our beautiful business cards or website. Even as good as our social media presence. So what if we tell a “white” lie: the email stayed at the draft box, we sent it, but don’t know why you didn’t receive it, or, sure I know all about Tanzania but let me call you back, another call is coming in.

Well, how about you smile, even over the phone, throw up your hands and say, your business is important to me and I care about you but all I know is Tanzania is close to Australia. But, I will find out everything you need to know – give me …… hours/days (a realistic time) and I will do an amazing tour for you and your family. I can guarantee you will love it so much that you will recommend me to your friends, family, and people you don’t even know well.

Be honest, be yourself, be you! Life happens. You’re different than search engines and machines. You and your prospective clients are human, and that makes the best connection a most sincere and honest one!

Follow me at:
Facebook @travelwithrosana
Twitter @travelRosana
Instagram @travelwithrosana
Blogs @ www.travelwithrosana.com