Travel: Navigating a New Normal…

I have written several blogs about the benefits of working with a Travel Agent. During the past few weeks, I have seen many cases where someone booked on their own and was challenged with the process of modifying their travel plans…

The benefit of using a Travel Agent, especially during times like these, is that I work for you and I am on your side!

Just as soon as cancellations and closures were announced I went to work for my clients that were directly affected and advised them of their options. I was able to successfully take care of all my clients with a quick email reply from them letting me know their decision about their upcoming travel plans. I worked however long necessary to take care of each and every client.

The events of the past few weeks have impacted us all in many ways, including the travel industry. The events of the past few weeks have impacted my small business…

What many people don’t know or realize is that my full-time job as a Travel Agent is not an hourly or salary job. I am an Independent Contractor, self-employed, with annual licensing and state certification fees as well as other business-related expenses. I often spend hours with my clients, planning experiences to help make their trip perfect for them, and then, when travel plans are cancelled, I work again to help you secure your refund or modify your dates, all before I see any compensation for my work.
You see, when you book a trip utilizing my travel planning services I am not paid by the supplier until after you travel, and if you don’t travel, I don’t earn any income...

For those, like myself, who do this full-time, our livelihoods were turned upside down in a matter of days. But travel isn’t just a job for me, it’s a career that I’m passionate about, and I feel that I have developed a level of knowledge, customer service, trust and connections that makes me valuable to my clients.

And, as a Travel Agent, I rely on you just as much as you rely on me! I rely on bookings and referrals from you to bring business my way. You influence my business and I need you now, more than ever, to help support my business moving forward.

I know travel may be the last thing on your mind right now, and I understand that. But what I’m asking now is that, when you are ready to travel again, instead of clicking that online booking service, I hope that you will reach out to me to help you with navigating a new normal…

And I want to say THANK YOU to those that have continued to book their future travel plans thru me or sent referrals my way – your continued support, while always appreciated, means even more now!!