The ability to field client questions 每 and with authority 每 is part and parcel to finding success as a travel advisor. In fact, in some cases, avoiding customer queries 每 or even worse, providing the wrong answers 每 could conceivably result in lost sales.
Here are verbatim answers to a wide-ranging set of questions from a trio of veteran travel advisors, may help less-seasoned agents allay their clients＊ concerns.
Why should I use a travel agent?
※You＊re getting a real person with expert knowledge and experience. I am able to give you personalized recommendations. I will save you time and money. I provide support before, during, and after your trip,§ said Alesia House CTA, ACC, and owner of I Book Travel For U.
A good travel agent is your partner, planner and problem-solver. You＊re not just booking a trip 每 you＊re gaining a trusted resource who＊s invested in making sure your vacation is smooth, memorable and hassle-free.§
How do you get paid?
※We are paid a commission by the supplier, not by you. What many people don＊t realize is that you＊re paying that commission whether you book through me or directly with the supplier,§ House said.
※For example, if you find a Royal Caribbean cruise for $2,500 and ask me to book it, I＊ll see the exact same price. The difference is that when I book it, Royal Caribbean pays me a commission to handle your reservation. So, the price you pay is the same 每 but with me, you also get personalized service, support and guidance."
※Many times, I can save you money by knowing when to book, what day to fly, or which supplier has the best value. Travel agents have access to tools and insights that allow us to find the best options tailored to your needs and budget.§
Do I need travel protection?
※My answer is always absolutely. Travel protection is like an umbrella. You hope you don＊t need it, but when things don＊t go as planned, you＊re glad you have it,§ said Laurence Pinckney, CTC and CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC.
When clients ask Laurence Pinckney of Zenbiz Travel whether they need travel insurance, he cites a litany of things that could go wrong, including flight delays. Pictured, Denver International Airport. (Source: ivanastar/iStock Unreleased)
※Whether it＊s a delayed flight, a last-minute emergency or lost luggage, it helps cover the ＆what ifs＊ so your trip doesn＊t turn into stress. I＊ve seen too many people wish they had it after the fact 每 so I always recommend it just to keep things smooth.§
Can I make payments on my trip?
※Absolutely! One of the benefits of working with a travel agent is the ability to plan ahead and make payments over time,§ House said. ※I always encourage clients to book early 每 not only to get the best pricing and availability, but also to allow flexibility in making payments on a schedule that works for them.§
How do I choose the right resort?
※With thousands of options and countless online reviews 每 many of them conflicting 每 clients feel overwhelmed and unsure about what＊s truly the best fit for them,§ said Kim Cook, owner of Love to Travel. ※And since many of our clients from Kansas City are planning honeymoons, spring break trips or group getaways, they＊re looking for expert advice to make the right choice for their specific needs and travel style."
※We start by listening 每 really listening 每 to what they want their vacation to feel like. Are they looking for relaxation or adventure? Adult-only or family-friendly? A boutique experience or a large, activity-packed resort?"
※Then we use our personal experience and insider access to match them with a resort that fits their vision. We＊ve been to most of the destinations and resorts we recommend, and we know the differences that online searches can＊t show. We also have a detailed questionnaire that they fill out, or we gather the information through a personal call.§
What＊s the difference between booking on an online site or with you?
※I am going to give you personalized service and support, custom planning, advice, insight and support if things go wrong. Costco [for example] is pre-set packages, with no personal connection, no follow-up or emergency assistance,§ House said.
※A good deal is not always a good deal! Booking through Costco might look like a deal 每 but it comes with no personal guidance, no one to call in a pinch and limited flexibility. A travel agent gives you all that and peace of mind 每 and usually at no extra cost.§
Is this area safe for tourists?
※Headlines tend to scare them away from certain destinations. When someone asks if a destination is safe, we don＊t give generic answers 每 we speak from experience,§ said Love to Travel＊s Cook.
※We know which areas of Mexico or Jamaica, for example, are popular and safe for tourists because we＊ve been there ourselves, and we＊re in daily contact with resort partners and suppliers on the ground. We＊re here to provide honest, up-to-date advice that helps clients feel confident and informed.§
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