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Unfortunately, there are criminals and thieves in every country. In South Africa, we call them ‘Skelms’. (From Google: What is a skelm in English? /skelm/ /skelm/ (South African English) a person that you believe is a criminal or that you do not trust.) As a travel advisor, one of the most concerning scenarios for your clients is being robbed in a foreign country, especially where English isn't widely spoken. While we hope this never happens, equipping them with a clear, actionable plan can significantly reduce distress and help them recover quickly. Share this guide with all your travellers as part of their pre-departure briefing, emphasising that their safety and well-being are paramount. FOR YOUR CLIENTS: Robbed Abroad? Here's...

Recently, we discussed automation software and technology, but that doesn’t mean eliminating personalised assistance for travel clients. ( Read More here.) In an era saturated with information, where every traveller can play "DIY agent" with a few clicks, the role of the travel advisor has evolved dramatically, and you need to follow this trend. No longer are travel advisors and tour operators just order-takers or price-checkers. The true value, and indispensable edge, lies in our ability to deliver something no algorithm can replicate: the personalised travel experience. For today's discerning traveller, a cookie-cutter itinerary and the same old, same old holiday are simply not enough. Your agency's future hinges on mastering the...

Beach holidays remain a perennial favourite for your clients seeking the ultimate antidote to long winters or simply craving a sun-drenched escape. Offering the perfect blend of relaxation and exhilarating activities, these destinations are a cornerstone of successful travel planning. As a travel advisor, you're uniquely positioned to curate unforgettable experiences, from secluded coves to vibrant resorts, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. Many of these destinations offer fantastic opportunities for all-inclusive holiday packages, simplifying the planning process for you and your clients. Beyond simply basking in the sun, popular beach locales provide many activities, from exhilarating water sports and captivating...

Adventure tourism is no longer a niche market; it's a rapidly growing phenomenon. More and more modern travellers are seeking experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing, looking to immerse themselves and create lasting memories. People want to live life to its fullest, particularly the millennial and GEN Z demographics, and offering unique, thrilling, and engaging adventure tours is key to attracting this expanding demographic. Here's an updated look at some compelling adventure tour ideas you can offer, ensuring a diverse range of experiences for every type of thrill-seeker: 1. Iconic and Intriguing: Historical Adventures Sometimes adventure lies in uncovering the past, especially when it's shrouded in mystery and legend...

The exhilarating rush of gliding down pristine slopes is an experience many skiing enthusiasts and families crave. Skiing holidays are extremely popular, and there are dozens of wonderful destinations for skiing, snowboarding and related activities. (*Another great travel niche to specialize in). As a travel advisor, you're uniquely positioned to help clients unlock unforgettable memories, even when time is tight, relating to the best seasons for this adventure travel. This guide offers insights into leveraging last-minute ski deals for family holidays during the upcoming 2025-2026 season, ensuring your clients hit the slopes without breaking the bank. The Allure of Last-Minute Ski Deals for Families While early booking often...

Having detailed information on destinations helps with travel planning, and here we will deep dive into a hugely popular Caribbean destination: Barbados Barbados consistently stands out as a premier Caribbean destination, offering a sophisticated blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and world-class amenities. Understanding the offers this exceptional island has for travellers is useful for travel advisors, as it is the key to crafting unforgettable travel experiences for all demographics of travellers. Barbados truly delivers. It is a wonderful destination that offers everything from tranquil relaxation to exhilarating activities, adventures, cultural immersion, and even lively nightlife. The Island Overview & Geography. (*Some...

Solo travel continues to grow in popularity as it offers travellers a unique opportunity for self-discovery and immersion in new cultures and is growing in leaps and bounds in popularity. We have touched on this niche before, but let's delve a little deeper to help you plan memorable adventures and experiences for your solo travel clients, by finding out what the top trending destinations are. As a travel advisor, staying ahead of these trends means knowing what is popular and what is not while planning solo travel. Consider these popular trending destinations that cater to independent explorers when planning travel offers on your website and social media pages: Europe: Offering Classic Charm and Modern Appeal. Portugal: With its...

Here at the ITA forum, we're buzzing with the energy of a vibrant community. You are a valuable member of our Independent Travel Advisor community! Every day, we welcome a multitude of members and external visitors, all seeking valuable insights and connections within the dynamic travel industry. Our aim is simple: to be your go-to resource for practical information, whether you're a seasoned travel advisor, a passionate tour operator, or a dedicated home-based travel agent. Our mission is to fully serve your needs, thus, we need to hear from you! Your feedback and interaction are paramount. What kind of content would genuinely empower your travel business? Are there specific topics you'd like us to explore? What challenges are you...

We have written articles in the past relating to solo travel planning, and with the incredible growth of this niche, let us focus more on those solo travellers that seek adventurous experiences. We have also added a few examples of destinations and experiences. The call of the wild and the allure of the unknown resonate deeply with many, and for solo travellers and Gap year student travellers, the desire for adventure is best experienced on their terms. Solo travel offers unparalleled freedom, self-discovery, and the chance to connect with new places and people in a unique way, and worldwide, this phenomenon continues to grow in popularity. To help you craft empowering and exhilarating adventure holidays for your independent clients...

We have touched on the subjects of honeymoon and anniversary travel in the past. Click here. Let’s revisit this with a fresh perspective to help you offer great deals for honeymooners on your travel websites. The honeymoon is a special occasion for newlyweds. It's more than just a post-wedding trip; it's the inaugural chapter of a couple's married life. Thus ,they want it to be a carefully curated escape designed for connection, celebration, and the forging of cherished memories. As travel planners, you hold the key to transforming this magical travel experience into an extraordinary and deeply personal experience. This is your opportunity to move beyond standard vacations and craft honeymoons that resonate with each couple's unique...

Being involved in the travel industry (just like you are), means browsing many different travel websites, and some are seriously lacking in implementing the latest technologies. It’s crucial to stay with the times, otherwise, you are losing potential clients. Almost every millennial owns a smartphone, which is practically an extension of their arms. Naturally, the old days of using travel brochures and offering clients static itineraries are history in most instances. Today's modern globetrotters are digitally native, expecting travel experiences as fluid and intuitive as their favourite booking apps. For travel businesses aiming to survive and thrive in a highly competitive market, embracing cutting-edge technology isn't...

Today we will focus on Austria travel, a gem of a destination offering diverse activities from sightseeing, adventure experiences to wonderful historical explorations perfect for history buffs. While its imperial past may be less prominent in today's headlines, Austria remains a captivating destination for every traveller, brimming with rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This destination guide provides you, as travel advisor,s with an updated overview to inspire and inform your clients' Austrian adventures. Why Austria Remains a Popular Tourist Destination: Strategically located in the heart of Europe, Austria has evolved from a former empire to a modern gem, consistently ranking high in quality of life and offering...

Millennials, Gen Z, and the young at heart love adventure travel experiences, and you can cater for their needs by getting some useful ideas in this article. When it comes to travel, the human spirit has always been drawn to exploration, learning about cultures, sights, destinations, and the activities and tours that can be experienced. Today, travellers want more than just a holiday relaxing on a beach. Their curiosity has evolved into a desire for discovery, adventure, and the sheer thrill of experiencing new landscapes and cultures. They increasingly seek immersive and exhilarating journeys that push boundaries and create lasting memories. To help you as a travel advisor, craft unforgettable adventure holidays for your clients...

I have personally lost more than a few thousand dollars to scam artists, and trust me, it hurts. These scam artists are getting cleverer than ever before, and some are even using AI to create elaborate scams. In today's interconnected world, travel advisors are invaluable in helping clients navigate the complexities of planning trips. However, this role also places them in a position where they can be targeted by increasingly sophisticated scams. Maintaining a strong stance against fraudulent activities is crucial to protect your business, your reputation, and your clients' finances and travel experiences. This article outlines some key areas of vigilance for travel advisors worldwide. 1. Recognizing Red Flags in Client...

In today's world, travellers are increasingly seeking experiences, not just destinations, and many are choosing longer duration in trips to visit more destinations within their planned time frames. Particularly among millennials, travellers are craving richer, more diverse journeys that immerse them in different cultures, landscapes, and adventures. As travel advisors, you are perfectly positioned to satisfy this desire by crafting and promoting compelling multi-destination travel packages. **Here are some great examples of multi-travel destination options: Click Here Why Multi-Destination Packages are a Win-Win: For your clients and for your travel businesses, these packages offer a multitude of benefits: Enhanced Value and...

A Guide for Tour Planners: Exploring the Magic of the Roof of the World. Nepal, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, stands as a beacon for adventurous travellers seeking unparalleled natural beauty and profound cultural immersion. Each year, thousands of tourists from all demographics embark on journeys to this breathtakingly beautiful country, drawn by the promise of awe-inspiring mountain vistas, vibrant local traditions, and a sense of profound discovery. As a tour planner, Nepal offers a rich tapestry of tour experiences, activities, and adventures that can be woven into truly unforgettable itineraries for your clients. The Land of Majestic Landscapes and Cultural Treasures: Nepal's primary draw is its majestic Himalayan...

I made the expensive mistake of punching my PC screen once in anger and frustration because I couldn’t get my website features to function the way they were supposed to. Even after watching YouTube videos explaining how to code the features it just wouldn’t work after numerous attempts, so I lost my cool. On Facebook I have also seen quite a few people do the same destroying their computers and gaming consoles in anger and frustration, so I know I am not alone. What about you? The travel industry has also evolved from the once reliance on travel brochures and brick-and-mortar agencies, it has now become necessary to adapt to the relentless march of technology. While this digital transformation presents immense opportunities, and...

Attention travel and tour businesses! Recently we sent an email offer to everyone offering an exciting deal from Travel Industry design. *Please remember this expires at the end of March 2025 so take advantage of it while you can… In today's competitive travel landscape, your website is your most valuable asset, and if you want to shine, you need all the bells and whistles and booking features that your clients can easily access. Do another evaluation of your travel website, and ask yourself: Are you sure it's working hard enough to convert potential clients into bookings? Many travel websites are missing many key technologies that can significantly boost bookings and customer engagement. As expert website designers specializing in...

Baby Boomers Love Exploring the World on Their Terms. In past articles, we have defined Millennial and Gen Z travel trends, but let us not forget the demographic known as the Baby Boomers. This is the final article on demographics which havebeen written to help you with travel planning for these different groups. Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are people in their golden years and once again significant in the travel industry, making for an extremely lucrative niche. With more time and disposable income than ever before, many of them retired and seeking to satisfy their wanderlusts, they embrace diverse travel experiences that reflect their evolving interests and priorities. Let us now look at some key trends shaping Baby...

Yesterday, we defined millennial traveller trends/preferences, and in this article, we will focus on the demographic known as the Gen Z crowd. Gen Z, born roughly between 1995 and 2015, is a generation shaped by digital connectivity, and a strong sense of social interaction consciousness. Although similar to millennials, their preferences and needs are slightly different. Their travel preferences reflect these characteristics, demanding unique and meaningful adventure and activity experiences. Here's a breakdown of some key trends for travel planners: 1. Digital Native Travel: Tik-Tok Social Media and Visual Inspiration: Gen Z heavily relies on visual platforms and social media like Tik-Tok, Facebook, and Instagram for travel...