Look, being a personal travel planner is kind of like being a magician, except you’re pulling dream vacations out of your hat instead of rabbits. But it takes a little more than a top hat and a wand to do it well. You need passion, some serious people skills, and—let's be honest—a knack for not losing your mind on a customer service representative.
But here’s the deal: If you’re with Jess.Travel, you're not doing it alone. I’m Jess—your travel guru, always here to have your back. We’re the no-nonsense host agency—no MLMs, no stiff corporate atmosphere, no mandatory sales quotas, and definitely no endless webinars you’re forced to endure. It’s just us, real people, talking travel and making things happen. Plus, we have Joe—my husband, business partner, and the neurotic heartbeat of Jess.Travel. So buckle up, because if you’re aiming for “Travel Planner of the Year” or just want to be the person your friends call when they’re itching for a vacation, here’s how to do it right.
1. Don’t Skip the ‘Getting to Know You’ Phase
Picture this: You rush to plan a fabulous trip for a client, only to realize they’re terrified of flying. Awkward, right? It’s essential to understand who you’re dealing with. Do they prefer hostels or luxury hotels with butlers who will spoon-feed them caviar? Are they looking for museums or just a place where nobody will judge them for taking a nap by the pool at 2 p.m.?
Channel your inner detective and ask them about their travel likes, dislikes, and dream experiences. My tip? Get on the phone, or better yet, a Zoom call. Talking for 20 minutes beats a hundred emails, and you’ll get the inside scoop on what they truly want. Just be sure not to drift into why they're terrified of seagulls territory (unless it’s relevant). And keep in mind, you sometimes have to dig deeper on the answer. I had a couple describe themselves as “foodies” that shuddered at every 4.5 yelp score I sent them to.
And if you need a hand with anything on the business side of things—like getting registered for travel portals or just needing someone to bounce marketing ideas off of—Joe’s your guy. He’s the one keeping all the Jess.Travel gears oiled and running smoothly while I’m dreaming up itineraries for the next family getaway.
2. Research Like Your Reputation Depends on It (Because It Does)
Ever booked a hotel based solely on a gorgeous photo, only to arrive and realize the place made your guests take their shoes off upon entry (and not in a culturally relevant way)? Yeah, me neither...
Do your homework—photos, reviews, and even local gossip if you can get it. Knowing your destination inside and out helps you look like a genius when your clients ask about those "hidden gems" you supposedly know about. Plot those hotels on a Google Map and see what’s actually close to the beach versus the one that just “has a view.” And remember, talking to the locals (yes, the hotel staff counts) can give you insight that Google will never provide. They know how guests really spend their time, and you can look like a pro without even visiting. I also frequent YouTube and TikTok to view actual videos of where I’m sending clients. Be careful though, influencers have been known to let’s-just-say, not not lie.
And don’t forget, Jess.Travel has an entire learning hub—Jess University—where you can sharpen your research skills and learn everything from the nitty-gritty of destination logistics to business insurance. Think of it as your Hogwarts for travel planning minus the butterbeer.
3. Tap into the Custom Travel Planning Community
Being a custom travel planner doesn’t mean going solo. Use that community! With Jess.Travel, you've got a private Facebook group where advisors share tips, favorite travel suppliers, and nuggets of business wisdom. It’s the place to be if you want to learn from the best, get advice on quirky client requests, or just vent about that one insurance policy that always gives you a headache.
When in doubt, ask the group. Travel folks love to share their stories and sprinkle in their two cents, so don’t hesitate to post and pick the brains of your fellow advisors. Whether it’s about the best hotel in Rome or which supplier actually keeps their word on those “upgraded views,” they’ve got your back.
And if the business side feels overwhelming, remember Joe is there to help you navigate. He’s usually juggling spreadsheets and our boys simultaneously, but when it comes to helping you get registered for the best travel portals or giving advice on marketing strategies, he’s all in. Plus, he knows a thing or two about video production—so if you need ideas for sprucing up your social media game, you know where to find him. Just be prepared for him to never shut up about it (you’ve been warned).
4. Organize or Die Trying (Okay, Not Die, But Still…)
Organization is key. It’s also super boring to talk about, but here we go. You’ll have details everywhere: flights, hotels, excursions, dining reservations, favorite “Instagrammable” bathroom stops—you name it. Pick a system you’ll actually use, like a to-do list app or a binder that makes you look like you’re auditioning for the role of Monica Geller in a Friends reboot.
Luckily, if you’re with Jess.Travel, you’ve got TravelJoy at your disposal—a platform that helps keep all those vacation details neat and tidy (and thankfully, not on sticky notes all over your desk). Use it to manage payments, itineraries, and client communications all in one place, which makes you look even more like a superhero to your clients.
5. Your Network is Your Lifeline
They say “It’s all about who you know,” and in travel advising, it’s really true. Your friends, your friends’ friends, that one person you met at a barbecue who has now decided they’re going to trust you with their honeymoon—this is your market. Make yourself useful to them. Teach them how to maximize credit card points for upgrades they’ll actually brag about. Explain why a good travel advisor can make their vacation Instagram-worthy without the stress rash.
And even though we don’t have ready-made marketing templates at Jess.Travel (honesty is the best policy, right?), we’ve got recommendations for some fantastic websites and freelancers who can make your marketing shine. Whether you need someone to whip up some snazzy graphics or help with that perfect travel pitch, we’ve got the resources to guide you.
6. Details, Details, Details: Add a Dash of Extra
It’s the little things that clients will remember. Whether it's a surprise welcome note at their hotel or letting the staff know that it's their anniversary so they get an extra fancy bottle of whatever’s local and fizzy—make it happen. You’re like their vacation genie, and a thoughtful touch can turn an okay trip into a brag-for-life experience.
And if you’ve got insider connections (or just a convincing voice), call up the concierge and let them know you’ve got a VIP coming in. Trust me, they can do magic. Plus, when Joe hears about these little extra touches, he has this adorable way of simultaneously feeling proud and worrying if we need to make a checklist for it. It’s his charm.
7. Keep Exploring—It’s the Perk, After All!
Last but not least: travel! And not just for the ‘gram. Whether you're checking out the latest boutique hotel, sampling street food, or just logging which restaurants to avoid, stay curious. Experience it all firsthand, because the more you know, the better you’ll be at helping your clients. Plus, it’s potentially a write-off, and you can get a commission on your own vacation.
And when you do travel, don’t forget to share your experiences back with the group. Not only will it help your fellow advisors, but it also gives you a great excuse to humble-brag about that cliffside villa you “just happened to pop into” last month. Win-win!
And remember, behind every great advisor is me, Jess—your travel guru, cheering you on—and Joe, fighting the spreadsheets, offering advice on marketing, and probably just a tiny bit stressed out. Together, we’ve got this.
Comentários