Why use a Travel Designer?!
What can a travel designer actually do for you,
that you can’t do on your own?
Recently, a client of mine says to me, “I’ve been thinking about your travel agent business. Being a new customer myself, I think you should post on your feed more about what a travel agent can do for a person, and less about really beautiful destination photos.” “We are all dreaming of travel” he says, “but what I want to know, is where can I go now? What can I afford? Why should someone use you instead of doing it on their own?”.
So here it is! The inside scoop!
A recent conversation between a client and future client:
“So she basically got you the package you wanted, but double the stuff, for less the money?”
“Yes!”.
Let’s break that down.
Client, we will call him Alabama, approaches me about his Honeymoon next spring. I’m stoked!! He works with my husband in the Coast Guard, I already know a little about this love story, but now I get to ask all the details and it’s not weird at all because I am planning the Honeymoon! Swoon!! I love my job! And THIS is why! Helping with these special trips that folks will remember their whole life, is what lights me up inside!
I. Am. Planning. Their. Honeymoon!!! Eeeeek!
As it turns out Alabama is the IDEAL client! He already knows exactly what he wants. He’s done the research. He knows how much it costs. He knows what room he wants. And the resort he’s chosen in Jamaica is one of my favorites!!! Win!! Now I take all the information Alabama has so graciously shared with me (please share info with your agent!!! It only helps both of you!), I go about my wicked business, and I thoughtfully and intentionally put together a personalized package for him & his bride, using my suppliers and contacts in the travel world.
My price for the Honeymoon that Alabama has already researched, comes in $1k less than his, with all the same inclusions. He’s stoked, I’m stoked!
the extras.
Now that I’ve found his dream honeymoon at a lower rate, I pick his brain about why he chose Jamaica and if he’s ever been there. This will be his first time! Great! This is where I shine. Why? Because I’ve sent loads of folks to Jamaica. I know exactly how to make this the epic and memorable honeymoon they deserve!
I’ve told you he’s already picked one of my favorite resorts, here’s why that benefits him:
I have working relationship with the staff,
Alabama & his bride will have a honeymoon ribbon across their resort room door when they arrive,
they’ll be flagged as VIP guests because they’re my folks,
and they don’t know it yet, but I personally arranged a few added amenities and surprises for them to enjoy!
Good luck getting Expedia to do that!
Not to mention, now I get to suggest awesome romantic things to do that will really create memories to last a lifetime.
With the $1,000 savings, we added a Luxury Sunset Sail on a catamaran complete with an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a stop at a snorkel and swim spot. How romantic?! When I did this, I got to see the revered ‘green flash’ as the sun sank below the horizon line. It was one of the coolest things that has happened to me on the ocean and I hope they have an equally memorable experience.
That’s not all though! I upgraded them to private transportation because it was under $100 difference and wouldn’t you rather ride in a private car than a shared vehicle during your special trip?
AND! We added Travel Protection with a Cancel Anytime clause because military life and COVID.
Oh, and he still has a live link of additional excursion options and a list of recs from me to discuss with the fiancé in the meantime. If he chooses to book anything with that live link, I get a notification and then I add it to their itinerary and keep track of that along with all the other details of their booking. How fancy, right?
All those extras thrown in, plus the original flights, resort, and transportation, were STILL less than what Alabama was able to find on his own!
But wait, there’s more!
He also has a person to call (ME!) at ANY point during this whole process. From now, to the moment he returns to his front door I’m available to answer any questions, or handle anything that may go awry, as things sometimes do, on vacations. I am here to hold their hands as they navigate traveling during the ever-evolving COVID regulations. It’s my job to stay informed and ensure my travelers have the most streamlined and stress-free experience possible.
As if all those other elements of personal touch weren’t enough, this alone should be reason enough to book with a human.
This is what a travel agent can do for you:
I utilize my vast expertise and continued destination and supplier education to handcraft the perfect experience for you, at the right price, every single time. Booking with a person gets you the personal touches. I spend time getting to know my clients, what’s important to them, and what they’re looking for in a travel experience...and that makes all the difference.
Thanks to my client’s encouragement, I’m able to tell you exactly why you should book with a person.
Because I care about you, your family and friends, and your travels.
So, where would you like to go next?
