Home-Based Travel Agent - July 2008 - (Page 26)

Continued from page 25 Travelwbon (www.travelwbon.com), a Partners in Travel agency in Orlando, FL. “I feel that if you give your clients all the information possible that their vacation will go very smoothly. When I book a trip, I send them what I call a ‘recap e-mail.’ It gives all the information they need from beginning to end. It’s very detailed.” When booking a cruise, she also sends them the links to the cabin preregistration, shore excursions and documentation. “They usually read my e-mails and have very few questions,” says Schwarz. “I feel that when they arrive at their destination, they are totally informed.” Michelle Duncan, president and CEO of home-based Odyssey Travel (www. odysseytravelinc.com) of Centreville, VA, advises clients to give flight and travel contact details to a family member or friend and to have someone they trust keep tabs on their home—collecting newspapers and mail for security’s sake. Recommending travel insurance is a must. When Reece’s clients are worried about getting ill either from seasickness or reports of shipboard bugs, she also gives them parting gifts, such as hand sanitizer. Most agents tell clients to wash their hands frequently while traveling. At the Airport With recent baggage fees imposed by airlines, packing light is crucial to avoiding a trying travel experience. “If you have a scale at home, weigh the suitcase empty and then after you’ve packed,” says Duncan. “This way, by making sure you are un- der the 50 pounds allowed, you won’t be trying to find places to move your belongings or paying extra to get your bag to travel with you.” “Lay everything flat in clear bags,” recommends Liz Fisher, a SeaMaster Cruises franchise owner (www.cruises byliznpaul.com) in Mandeville, LA. “If you do get checked, they can easily go through your bag and not destroy your packing job.” Also, tell clients to leave the shampoo and conditioner at home, as they can use the ones on the ship, thus avoiding carry-on dilemmas and extra weight, according to Daze. To mitigate potential flight hiccups, “have the client go into a departing port the night before, as airlines do have delays and bankruptcies,” recommends Haze. Getting to the airport early is also a client stress reliever. Ticket counter lines, Regardless of how long a flight is scheduled for, have your clients be prepared with a good book and their own headsets 26 Home-BasedTravelAgent JULY /AUG US T 2008 http://www.travelwbon.com http://www.cruisesbyliznpaul.com http://www.cruisesbyliznpaul.com http://www.odysseytravelinc.com http://www.odysseytravelinc.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Home-Based Travel Agent - July 2008

Home Based Travel Agent - July 2008 Contents Editor's Note Publisher's Note Your Lifeline Agent Spotlight New Technology Industry News Hot Deals Tips for a Smooth Trip Agent Symposium Hotels For the Traveler - Destinations - Mexico For the Agent - Destinations - Mexico For the Traveler - Destinations - Dubai For the Agent - Destinations - Dubai Thailand For the Traveler - Cruise For the Agent - Cruise For the Traveler - Tours For the Agent - Tours New Products

Home-Based Travel Agent - July 2008

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