I’m all about giving you the best vacation experience possible, and working with a travel advisor can seriously up your game without costing you extra. But what if you just want some tips and still prefer booking on your own?
I’m a travel enthusiast through and through. I live and breathe travel! So, if you’ve got questions or need advice, I’m here for you. But, I’m also running a business to support my family, which means I’ve gotta focus on tasks that keep the lights on.
Giving out travel advice is fun, but I’m hoping it’ll lead to planning your next getaway with me. Travel advisors only get paid when we book your vacation and you actually take the trip.
There are no kickbacks or magic money. We work for free until you’re off on your adventure. Commissions from cruise lines, resorts, hotels, and others are what keep us going. Booking through us doesn’t cost you more – those commissions are already in the price, whether you book direct or through me.
I only get paid if my agent number is on the booking, which is why I need to handle it. And commissions? They come about a month after you’ve traveled.
I love helping people explore the world and create lasting memories. Sure, there are easier ways to make a buck, but few things beat the joy of sending someone on their dream vacation.
So, let’s chat travel, make some plans, and create memories to last a lifetime!
If I could share a few friendly tips for working with a travel advisor, here they are:
- Avoid playing agents against each other: You know, all travel agents have access to the same suppliers and rates, so there’s no need to juggle quotes from multiple agents for the same trip. While chatting with a few agents to find the best fit is totally cool, it saves time and hassle to decide on one upfront. Plus, it helps us focus on wowing you with our service and expertise!
- Respect their time: Imagine this – if you’re just fishing for free info with no intention of booking through your advisor, it can feel a bit like a letdown. If you’re unsure about the perks of using an advisor, there’s a world of guidebooks and online resources waiting for you to explore. Let’s make sure everyone’s time is valued.
- Consider booking your whole trip with your agent: You might not know this, but commissions can vary, and it doesn’t cost you extra to book through us. In fact, involving us in planning more of your trip helps us make a decent living in an industry where wages can be a bit tight.
- Be open about changes: Life happens, and plans change – totally understandable! But if you need to cancel, giving your advisor a chance to rebook something else can make a big difference. After all, we only earn commission when you travel and after you return home, so a cancelled trip means we miss out. Offering us the opportunity to help you find an alternative plan is a win-win!
These are common situations for us travel advisors, and having a mutual understanding really helps us serve you better. Thanks for being awesome and considering these points!
