What are you looking for ??

Well, travel agent training season is in full swing!  It is crazy busy with classes, meetings, and conferences.  Late summer and fall is the travel agent training season – many conferences and events to attend. These events help me serve you better by keeping up with all of the latest industry news and trends.  Just last week I attended a Viking Cruises event and a Sandals WeddingMoons update meeting.  This week I’m attending trainings for Holland America and Crystal Cruises.

One question I am often asked by potential clients is what should I look for in a travel agent?  Or why should I use a travel agent instead of the internet?  Those are great questions!   My first answer to that question is simple, education and experience.  There are formal education programs and certifications for travel agents, but many of them don’t mean much to you the client.  One thing you really need to look for is an agent that is actively involved in the industry and continuing to educate themselves in the industry.  Things change all of the time and keeping up with the current travel trends is essential.  The internet is good at a lot of things, but it cannot replace personal knowledge and first-hand experiences.

I can’t tell you how many times “the internet” has been to Jamaica, but I can tell you I have been there 4 times in the last 13 months.
Earlier this month I attended the Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist Association Fall conference.  I am a proud charter member and on the advisory board of this fabulous organization.  Why is that important to you? As a Couples Travel Concierge, it is important that I stay on top of the latest industry trends with regards to Destination Weddings and Honeymoons.  Even if you aren’t a honeymoon couple, knowing the latest and greatest about all of the resorts is invaluable to your vacation experience.

For example, I am a certified Hawaii Destination Specialist and one of our sessions was specifically regarding special occasion venues and resort updates throughout the islands.  I am also a Master Agent with AMResorts and we had resort update sessions directly with one of their business development managers about some of the new resorts they have and will have in their portfolio of brands.
The first weekend of next month I’m off to Jamaica for a week to tour resorts, meet with transfer companies, and attend a conference.  Later in the month is Cruise Planners national convention as well as the inaugural event for the new Royal Princess Cruise Ship.

  
It is also important to work with an agent that is actively involved in travel organizations, associations, and works as part of a large consortium.  There is no way I can visit every single destination in the world (but I am trying!), but through my vast network of affiliations and contacts, I can find someone who has been there and tap in to their first-hand knowledge.  You want to work with a travel professional that is engaged and actively involved in the travel community.  It’s one thing to pass a certification test, it’s another thing to continue your education and be involved.
I’m not telling you this to let you know how much I travel (trust me – this is only the tip of that iceberg!), or how many organizations I am in.   I’m telling you because I place a high priority on my continuing education.

The more I learn and the more places I visit, the better service I can provide you.   If you are looking for your perfect romantic vacation, relaxing vacation, or looking for a fun, adventurous vacation, I can provide you with updated and accurate information.
When planning your future vacation experience, keep in mind, you are creating memories.  Let a professional help you create your perfect future memories!

Remember, the internet is for looking – Travel Professionals are for booking !!

Kelley