Recommend Oct 2017 - 33

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What is a Travel Designer?

Travel
advisor
Corner

Susan Farewell

Chances are you've heard the term "travel
designer" and you're not alone if you're
uncertain as to what it actually means.
In general, the difference between a travel
designer and the many other sellers of
travel (travel agents, travel advisors, travel
consultants, travel concierges) is the deep
personal relationship between the professional
and the client.
You may fit into this category yourself. How
involved are you with your clients? Do you
talk to them, even meet with them in between
trips? Are you already discussing travels plans
for 2-3 years down the road? When you're
traveling yourself, are you doing specific
research for certain clients (taking photos or
videos of rooms you'd book for them, menus at
restaurants...)?
Here are some of the other qualities you'll
find in this breed of travel professional.
● Travel Designers pride themselves on
their distinctive tastes. It is similar to an
interior designer who has an eye for certain
colors, textures. Travel Designers will often
recommend lesser known boutique hotels,

even destinations, that don't necessarily have
the instantly recognizable label/brand appeal.
Most choose properties based on their own
careful and ongoing scrutiny.
● Travel Designers typically work with the
upper end of the market, dealing with clients
who are looking for comprehensive travel
planning and guidance.
● Many Travel Designers manage the entire
travel portfolios for their clients. They'll
develop long-term travel plans based on ages
of kids, budget, wish list of destinations, etc.
The designer's role in a family's trip planning
is more of a travel lifestyle management figure.
A couple of examples: Currently, our
agency is working long term with a father/son
preparing them to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. In
the two years leading up to this climb, we're
organizing easier hiking trips to get them in
shape-both mentally and physically. We're
even arranging for them to be coached by an
actual Kili guide who lives in the U.S.
For a family of five, we are designing a
3.5-month-long trip to Central and South
America. The objective is to immerse their

kids in Latin culture and to experience
local communities, not as tourists, but as
temporary residents.
● Most Travel Designers create itineraries
from scratch, tailoring very specifically to
client's needs, requests. However, they also
advise their clients on the best packaged tours
if appropriate.
● Almost all Travel Designers charge travel
design/management fees. Some charge
annual fees. In general, fees are tied to
complexity and length of trips and the
number of travelers.
What's exciting about being a travel
designer is the challenge. Travel Designers are
expected to go the extra mile for their clients.
Planning unique, personalized trips is why
they're hired, and their creativity, wealth of
experience and worldwide connections are
put to the test. ■
Susan Farewell is the owner of Farewell Travels
LLC (FarewellTravels.com), a travel design
firm based in Westport, CT. Follow her on
Twitter and Instagram @FarewellTravels.
http://www.FarewellTravels.com http://warwickhotels.com/paradise-island-bahamas
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend Oct 2017
