For clients, the thrill of exploring new cultures and destinations can sometimes be overshadowed by the complexities of planning their trip and this is where you step in.
As a travel advisor, your expertise is invaluable in guiding clients towards unforgettable experiences.
Here are some essential tips to help you plan seamless journeys for your clients.
1. Comprehensive Destination Research:
- Local Customs and Etiquette: Research online to get an understanding of local customs, and pass this information on to your client, which can help them prevent misunderstandings while at their destinations, and enhance their experience.
- Safety and Security: Always check the current safety and political situations in the destination, including any potential risks or areas to avoid when travel planning for your clients.
- Visa Requirements: Assist where ever you can to ensure your clients have the necessary visas or permits to enter and stay in the country.
- Language: For foreign destinations where your client doesn't speak the local language, consider recommending guide books or smartphone translation application, or if possible even learning a few basic phrases online.
- Seasonal Variations: It is always important in travel planning to check the weather conditions during your client's travel dates, including average temperatures, rainfall, and potential extreme weather events. Provide them with updated information.
- Packing List: Give some advice which will help your clients pack appropriate clothing and gear based on the weather forecast and airline baggage limits.
- Medical Coverage: Always insist clients have adequate insurance cover. You can recommend them insurance partners, or companies which will ensure your client's travel insurance includes adequate medical coverage, especially for remote or high-risk destinations.
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Things can often go wrong while travelling for anyone so keep alternative coverage plans in place for these unexpected events that might disrupt their trip, such as illness, natural disasters, or political instability.
- Baggage Loss or Damage: This is often included in most travel insurance policies but still recommend clients protect their belongings with additional insurance coverage for lost or damaged luggage.
- Passport Validity: Clients often forget to renew their passports. As an ITA you must verify that your client's passports are valid for at least six months beyond the planned departure date.
- Visas and Permits: As mentioned above, where you can, assist clients in obtaining necessary visas or permits, if required.
- Health Certificates: Check for any required health certificates or vaccination requirements for their chosen destinations, and that their travel insurance medical cover is adequate too.
- Vaccinations: Advise clients to consult with a healthcare professional to determine necessary vaccinations based on their destination and itinerary.
- Malaria Prevention: When traveling to malaria-prone areas like in Africa for examples, recommend appropriate preventive measures, such as medication or mosquito repellents.
- Travel-Related Illnesses: Inform clients about common travel-related illnesses, to be aware that food must always be hygienically prepared, and at certain destinations drinking bottled water is the safest option, and provide other preventive tips.
- Flight Options: Research the best flight options, to suit your client’s budgets, considering factors such as airlines, layovers, best flight times, and baggage allowances.
- Destination Transportation: You can discuss your clients’ needs to assist them choosing suitable transportation options, such as rental cars, public transport, or guided tours.
- Accommodation: Of course it is prudent to recommend suitable accommodations that align with your client's preferences, budget, and desired amenities.
- Left or Right Driving Laws: In different countries driving laws can differ and if your client plans to drive, ensure they have a valid driver's license and are familiar with these local driving laws and regulations.
- Culture Laws: certain mannerisms and even clothing can offend some customs. Consider advising clients to respect any local regulations to avoid breaking any laws with unacceptable public behaviour in locals eyes.
