Dear Travel Agents/Advisors, 

I enjoy reading the conversation threads on Facebook in the different groups I belong to. It is fun to see other people’s opinions, and I love to learn from them.  I read an interesting question recently. They asked what do you, as a travel agent, suggest to a person who has never traveled before?

I believe that a person who has never traveled before and is looking for a travel agent is thinking more about traveling to a foreign country, rather than traveling locally.  In that online discussion I suggested travel to an English-speaking country or to any country where the person feels comfortable with the language. So, for Spanish speakers I would suggest a Spanish speaking country, and so on.

I remember the first time my husband and I went abroad after coming to the US from Brazil. We traveled to Spain and Portugal because we are both fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Even though we had a tour package, we felt comfortable knowing we could speak to the locals and understand them.

Some travel agents suggested a cruise. That is a very specific suggestion. Some travelers might be uncomfortable being on water all the time. Others find a large ship overwhelming and sometimes crowded. Honestly, one only knows after having the experience, but it would not be my first choice. They will either love it, or hate you for suggesting it. LOL!

Some travel agents suggested local places, or countries where one doesn’t need a passport for entry. To me, this compares to when a kid is about 16 and starting to drive with the limitations of a learner’s permit. How great it feels once they finally pass the exam and have their own driver’s license!  Having a passport is important for all citizens. It allows travelers to feel the freedom to book a trip anywhere. Each page holds the secret of a future destination, and the owner of that passport has every right to fill it.

Cheers! 

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