Dear Travel Agents/Advisors,

I recently read an interesting article on Facebook about hygiene in airline travel after the pandemic. I felt that much of the advice and facts they mentioned were just as valid now as they would have been during the pandemic. Not because I am in the industry, nor because I travel quite often, but just because they are all common sense!

Why would someone walking barefoot or with only socks on in the aisle and bathroom of the airplane expect that they would be clean or sanitized? How fast can trays, seats, and seatbelts be sanitized between every flight? And, just for fun, let’s imagine that the bathroom is completely sanitized in every single corner. It wouldn’t take very long  for it to become a contaminated zone!

Now, let’s talk about another matter of common sense. Another subject also related to travel that we expect travelers to know. It doesn’t cost more for travelers to use a travel agent. It actually costs them even less if they consider their time spent researching and resolving problems when they arrive, after booking, and/or during the trip.

When prospective clients compare the cost of a hotel night booked by a travel agent versus booking online through a search engine, they are doing the same thing as the traveler walking barefoot into the bathroom of an airplane… (possibly wearing socks!) They are not thinking everything through.

When a travel agent gives a price on a hotel room, it includes taxes, full buffet breakfast, and possibly even a great upgrade (or at least a nice room with nice view) for two big reasons. First, because the travel agent cares about the client. Secondly, the source she/he uses has a good relationship with the hotel, and will ensure that the client’s satisfaction comes first. A prospective client booking through a search engine is just a combination of numbers and letters making a booking code for that hotel – Mr. or Mrs. P23CA2024.

The hotel story sounds funny, and the barefoot in the bathroom story sounds gross, but to me, and most of the world, it is just a matter of common sense.

Wishing you all more honesty and common sense in this post-pandemic life!

Cheers!

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Dear Travel Agents/Advisors,

As a travel mentor, I get many new TA’s concerned with how to promote themselves, and before they start working with me they have already spent a great deal of money on their websites. I don’t want to criticize their choice of spending money on a very complex website once they are already committed, BUT how are they going to drive people to their website? Some people buy a package that includes social media posts in addition to their website, and who knows what else. Then, the TA has to spend hours involved in learning new technology and whatever else might attract a possible prospective clientele.

I believe in spending less money, and buying t-shirts, caps, and souvenir bags in all the different countries I visit and expose clients to all the places I’ve gone. Wear the t-shirt you just bought in Jamaica, bring to church the bag from the cruise line you sailed, and wear to the supermarket the cap you got in Cancun, etc. Make each “souvenir” a conversation piece, and make your FACE get recognized as a TRAVEL AGENT/ADVISOR. Don’t give out your business card right away, only if the person asks for it. Be playful, be fun, make them notice that you are a TA.

In case you don’t have any “souvenirs” to wear, buy them! Google funny travel t-shirts or funny travel caps and buy some. You can buy bags from cruises online. Wrap your car if you want to. Make yourself shine and be the star. Make everyone in your community know who you are. Spend your time learning more about travel and destinations, get yourself a mentor or mentors and spend your time and money wisely.

Some of the best TA’s don’t even have a website because they are too busy selling and don’t have time to update the information on their website.

Think about it!

Cheers!

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

 

Dear Travel Agents/Advisors,

Let’s talk about how travel agents can travel for free, and group travel – some of my favorite subjects!

It can be very rewarding to book groups. It sounds impressive, and demonstrates your confidence and experience, which are all very good qualities in a travel agent. But, how much work is involved, and exactly how do you plan a group trip?

To plan a group trip, an agent should choose the destination and date of the trip. The size of the group will help to determine the price.  You’ll also need to decide if airfare will be included (and if so, from what gateway*). Then you’ll need to start promoting, advertising and getting deposits**.

Being the tour leader will allow you to travel for free. Make sure you have a good number of travelers so you can get your trip for free without making the group’s trip too expensive, or they might decide not to travel with you. Be creative – create a theme so people will be drawn to travel with your group.   

As I have mentioned in my previous blogs on group tours, some travelers seem to think of vacation as “no need to take my meds time,” which can make them not-so-pleasant to deal with. There can also be roommate problems, and people who like to complain just because they think they can. If you are very assertive and can deal with people with a big smile no matter what, you will definitely succeed as the tour leader  

* If using one gateway when people come from different cities and states, the travel agent needs to make sure that all connections are done properly, so everyone will be able to meet at the gateway.  Consider bad weather, flight cancellations and delays. Also make sure all participants have travel insurance. Keep in mind that people might blame you for delays and cancellations just because you booked the trip for them, or because you suggested one gateway. This doesn’t mean that it is your fault!  If everyone gets their own flights and meets at the destination, you will only take care of transfers and making sure everyone has travel insurance.

**Deposits, especially for tours that are scheduled 9 months to 1 year ahead can be a challenge. Some people give a deposit, and a few months later find something else, or change their mind, and want their money back. You are already counting on them for the group and have negotiated the price of the group based on that number of participants. Make sure the deposit is for a good amount, and NON-REFUNDABLE. That way, people will not change their minds.

I know many travel agents who make a life and a living by traveling with groups and love every minute of it.

Feel free to pick my brain and ask me questions. I have done many group tours during my years of having a tour company. I loved every single one, and developed many great friendships with participants.

Cheers!

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

 

Dear Travel Agents/Advisors,

Both new and not-so-new TA’s ask me if they need to be a good salesperson in order to have a successful business. They even ask me if it is worth it to take different courses from quite expensive, so-called “experts/ instructors.” 

Here is my answer to those who are wondering the same. Travelers are looking for genuine people who are trustworthy and ready to help, guide, and make a difference on their vacation. Most can smell a salesperson who is there for “the money” or best commission from afar.

A hairdresser who gives the best treatment and color to make a client happy will not think of selling more treatments.  A good doctor will prescribe the generic because it works just as well for a lower price, even though they might get more by prescribing the most expensive drug.  The acupuncturist who after 4 sessions tells the client that he/she is fine, instead of trying to sell 20 more sessions.  Get my drift?

Instead of spending a lot of money on classes that have a one-size-fits-all method on how to become a TA, spend your precious money buying t-shirts, caps, mugs, bags featuring places you want to sell and become a “billboard” by having knick-knacks and conversation pieces, and save more money to travel!

Be kind, be yourself, and believe that you are a gift to everyone you help. They will appreciate what you do, will recommend you, and come back for more!

Cheers!

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