From Wanderlust to Worldly Wisdom - 10 Qualities to Look for in a Travel Advisor
Published Thursday, August 17th 2023 - Updated Wednesday, September 18th 2024Are you tired of scouring the internet for the perfect travel itinerary, only to feel overwhelmed and unsatisfied? Do you feel like you need a vacation from just planning your vacation? Look no further, because a knowledgeable and well-connected travel advisor can take your wanderlust dreams to the next level.
But not all travel advisors are created equal. To truly elevate your travels, finding the right travel advisor with a specific set of qualities is crucial. Here are 10 qualities to look for in a top-notch travel advisor:
Situational Awareness: Your safety should be a top priority for any travel advisor. Find someone who is in tune with current events, and travel advisories, and has experience navigating tricky situations. If a good travel advisor recommends caution regarding some of the plans or destinations you want, it will behoove you to listen and weigh out their recommendations.
Integrity and Knowledge: A great travel advisor acts with honesty, and transparency, and has a deep understanding of the destinations they recommend. Look for someone who is well-read, well-traveled, is a research fanatic, and is confident in their recommendations.
Resourcefulness and Empathy: No trip goes perfectly to plan, so it's essential to have an advisor who can think on their feet and offer or find solutions. Empathy is also key to understanding and responding to any unforeseen issues that may come up for their clients. There are too many variables out of the control of a travel advisor when dealing with multiple destinations, and thousands of different travel suppliers, airlines, tour conductors, transfer services, resorts, lodging, and many cruise lines. Though that is precisely why a travel advisor is such an asset, they have put in the time, and the work, they have dedication, and want your travels to succeed, so they know who to work with and who not to. One issue is too many, in the thoughts of a travel advisor. Unfortunately, life happens, it's how it is resolved with empathy and understanding for the inconvenience/stress the client is experiencing.
Excellent Communication Skills: Unleash the power of excellent communication skills with a travel advisor who truly understands your needs. Say goodbye to wasted time and hello to someone who asks the right questions, listens attentively, and simplifies complicated travel arrangements in a way that resonates with you. Your perfect travel advisor possesses the remarkable skill of truly hearing what you're not saying - the underlying conversation that speaks volumes about your desires. So, even in a world where privacy is paramount, it's essential to let your travel advisor get to know the real YOU, because ultimately, it's all about creating a vacation that perfectly suits your preferences. Don't hold back - share your likes and dislikes to rein in and plan the dream getaway from a sea of limitless options. And here's the cherry on top: your travel advisor is an invaluable asset who tackles overwhelming choices with unmatched dedication, experience, relationships, and relentless research. Say goodbye to decision fatigue and let them guide you towards an unforgettable travel experience.
Personable and Easy To Talk To: You want to work with someone you actually like and feel comfortable around. A great travel advisor is friendly, approachable, and genuinely interested in getting to know you. Hey, it's a big plus if they can make you laugh, just saying!
Feedback-Oriented: The Key to Success in the Travel Industry. Want to have the best travel experience possible? Look no further than a good travel advisor. They understand that learning and improvement are crucial to success in any field. That's why they actively seek feedback from travelers like you to constantly enhance their offerings. But it doesn't stop there. These advisors also use your feedback to assist travel suppliers worldwide - from resorts to cruises and tours - in improving their services. In fact, they value the input of travel agents, advisors, and planners as they strive to enhance their business. After all, who wants to send their clients somewhere with a bad reputation? So, if you're looking for a travel advisor who truly cares about your experience, seek one who welcomes feedback.
Research & Negotiation Skills: A skillful negotiator and researcher can secure you the best possible discounts and deals on cruises, hotels, and tours. Having this skill can save you significant amounts of money, so it's well worth seeking out in a travel advisor. Generally speaking, a travel advisor will spend; let's just say a lot of time, looking for your best value proposition, checking sales, deals, and discounts, then seeing which ones are combinable, and yes, those gazillion lines of fine print that you and everyone else don't want to, or even attempt to read, yup your travel advisor is in that muck up to their neck.
Attention To Detail: Travel involves a lot of moving parts, requiring careful attention to details both large and small. A thorough and meticulous advisor can help ensure that everything from visas to restaurant reservations is handled seamlessly.
Enthusiasm: There is nothing quite like someone who is genuinely passionate about their work. An enthusiastic travel advisor can help instill excitement and anticipation in both the planning and execution of your travels.
Memory-Making Mentality: Above all else, a great travel advisor understands that the goal isn't simply to sell & book travel, but to create lasting memories for their clients. There is enough ugly and stress in this world for all of us, so to help clients find the peace, relaxation, adventure, or fun that they yearn for, I mean is there anything better?! In my humble opinion: “In this life it's not about the ‘things’ you have, but instead the experiences, the memories, and how you have impacted others in your life". Look for someone who is motivated by the idea of having a positive impact on your life and travels.
Well, this list might not be the most common mainstay of the travel industry, though it is why I personally entered the industry and what I believe. My name is Anthony Howard, an Independent Travel Advisor, Agency Franchise Owner/Operator for Cruise Planners® with a Relentless Will to Help You Find, Plan, and Book the Vacation or Trip of Your Dreams! So don’t be shy, if I can be of service, reach out today!
In summary, a top-notch travel advisor possesses a unique blend of situational awareness, integrity, resourcefulness, communication skills, personal skills, feedback orientation, negotiation & research skills, attention to detail, enthusiasm, and a memory-making mentality. By finding an advisor with these qualities, you can transform your wanderlust into worldly wisdom and create unforgettable travel experiences.
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