What You Need to Know About Working With a Travel Planner
Ever wonder what it’s like to work with a travel planner?
I can’t speak for other consultants, but I can share what my process is and how I can help you plan the vacation of your dreams.
Today, I’m giving you the inside scoop on what it’s like to work with me from start to finish. I’ll also answer a few frequently asked questions!
Why Hire a Travel Pro?
A travel professional can save you time and money.
Sure, researching destinations, accommodations, and activities can be fun, but thanks to Google and the endless supply of information and options, it can also get overwhelming and take a lot of time.
Good travel planners get to know their clients in order to create custom itineraries without the overwhelm.
The best part? Since travel professionals are industry experts, we often know where to find the best deals.
So now that I’ve convinced you to hire me to plan your next vacation, let’s go over the planning process.
Related: Learn more about me here!
Getting Started
I can’t plan your trip without getting to know you first, so before we get started you’ll submit a Vacation Quote Request Form.
This short, but detailed, questionnaire allows you to share what you’re looking for in a vacation and if you plan to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion on your trip.
This is an important first step, because the more I know about you and your vision, the more equipped I’ll be to plan a memorable experience.
After you submit the form, I may ask a few clarifying questions to make sure I’m on the right track.
And once I have everything I need, we’re off to the races!
Next up? Your proposal!
The Proposal
It’s time for your proposal! No, not that kind of proposal! (But if you’re looking to pop the question on your vacation, I can definitely help make arrangements!)
In my opinion, the travel proposal is the most exciting part of the planning process.
I’ll take the information you provided in your Vacation Quote Request Form and transform it into a travel proposal with 2-3 options for your review.
The proposal includes details about …
The area where you’ll be vacationing
The property
Your accommodations and amenities
Dining options
Transportation
And more
After a few days, I’ll follow up to learn what you loved and what we need to change in order to make this the best trip possible.
Once we land on an option you love, it’s time to commit!
FAQ: What happens if I don’t like the options?
Answer: If you don’t see an option that matches your vision, I’ll quickly make changes based on your feedback and shoot back a revised proposal.
The Deposit
Ready to book?
Your deposit is what locks in your price and secures your reservation.
A few notes about the deposit:
The deposit amount varies by destination and timing. For example, is your trip 8 months away or is it next week? If it’s the latter, your payment will be due in full at booking time.
Most deposits are refundable. However, always check with your travel planner before booking.
When you book with me, travel insurance is due in full at booking and is not refundable.
Once you’ve made your deposit, you can sit back, relax, and look forward to your trip! Me on the other hand? That’s when I get to work!
FAQ: “Do you charge a fee for your services?
Answer: No! Some agencies charge fees, but mine does not. There are no fees for quotes, bookings, or cancellations.
Behind the Scenes
While you make a packing list and dream about your upcoming vacation, I work hard behind the scenes to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch.
Here’s just a short list of what I do:
Make all payments associated with your trip
Make dining reservations
Book excursions, spa trips, and other events
Coordinate transportation
Stay up to date on policy changes and new promotions, which I’ll apply to your reservations to save you money!
If you decide to handle the above on your own, I’ll send reminders about deadlines.
Travel Time!
Bon Voyage! It’s time to travel!
And one of the best benefits of hiring me as your travel planner is that I’m available if you have any trouble on your trip.
Flight gets canceled? I’m here!
Issues with your accommodations or reservation? I got you!
Want to stay an extra night? I can help!
You’ll have an email from me in your inbox when you arrive home. And I’d love to hear any stories from your trip, as well as what went well and what could have gone better.
Wrapping Up
Before you know it, you’ll be ready for your next trip! And then we’ll start the process all over again:
You’ll fill out a detailed travel quote request form.
I’ll shoot over a travel proposal with several options for you to choose from.
I’ll work behind the scenes to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch.
When it’s time to travel, I’ll be available if anything goes wrong.
Once you’re home, I’ll follow up to see what went well and what could have gone better.
Ready to plan your next vacation? Work with a travel planner–me!
Reach out today to get started! But if you’re not quite ready yet, be sure to follow me on Instagram, where I provide a ton of travel tips and tricks!