At the opening ceremony for Virtuoso Travel Week in 2018, Simon Sinek spoke of the relationship between clients and their advisor. He said something that struck me as perfect, even as a new advisor. When asked “why should I work with you?”, he said, “you should say, ‘you shouldn’t.'” But – why? Why should you not work with someone that asks why they should work with you? Having to convince someone of your value diminishes said value, and in that regard, the client immediately is out for a bargain. I created my business to cater to a certain traveller. My clients seek unique experiences in remote places, intimate adventures at the end of the road. So, is working with a travel advisor right for you?
Working with a Travel Advisor – When is it the Right Fit?
Working with a travel advisor involves several things. It involves trust, respect, and shared values. Not only must my clients trust me, I must trust them. They trust me to create the perfect itinerary for them, not deliver a cookie cutter experience. I trust them to respect my time and my creativity. Part of my process is collaboration, exchanging ideas in order to sell a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is the epitome of them.
Related: Read about how I work
My clients also respect me, as I respect them. We respect each other’s time (and time off). Emails or phone calls get returned in a timely manner, communication is constantly there. And shared values – the belief that travel is transformative, that our experiences on the road change who we are at home – are at the core of my business.
If all that sounds great to you, then we’re probably a good fit to work together. Here’s more about what my clients are like:
- They seek authentic experiences and crave knowledge
- They enjoy having insider access (to restaurants, museums, and more)
- Their wish list includes getting off the beaten path (even if its just to a more remote beach)
- They understand that luxury isn’t always a five star hotel, but can be about the experience or destination
- Food and wine/beer/drink experiences are planned – even dinner reservations
- They leave time for the unexpected. Not all itineraries are go-go-go – we strike a balance.
When it’s Not the Right Fit
There are people for which working with a travel advisor is simply not the best fit. These travellers are do-it-yourselfers and deal seekers. They’re okay with the top ten “best restaurants” or what some blogger who spent three days in Hong Kong says is the best thing to do. (Disclaimer – I use those blogs for research, but I’m cautious and you should be too. The story of The Shed at Dulwich ought to warning enough. Or maybe the dollhouse Airbnb?)
Why wouldn’t you work with a travel advisor? If the trust and respect isn’t there, if you’re going to counter my proposal with a booking.com screenshot, or if we don’t share the same values, we just aren’t the right fit for each other. Did you know that booking with an OTA (online travel agency…. booking, hotel, expedia, travelocity, etc etc etc) deprives you of legal rights?
Here are other times it might not be the right fit:
- When want full control of all bookings
- When they’re after the cheapest price
- If they don’t believe I have their best interests at heart
- If they ignore professional advice and recommendations in favour of something someone said on Facebook
- Or, when they counter every proposal with “well, my friend said that…”
Why My Process is So Important
Working with a travel advisor doesn’t mean you cede control of the itinerary. Rather, it means that your trip is entirely customised to you, with my professional experience and expertise as a guide. Our consultation allows me to provide tailored recommendations based on your style and travel preferences, but you ultimately have full control over the end result. Working me doesn’t mean you’re getting a bad price either. You’re getting contracted rates through my ground operators, or the best available (not cheapest non-refundable) rate at a hotel. If its a hotel where I can extend amenities and VIP you, you’re going to be treated like a regular return guest or a rockstar… unlike that person who booked online and is being walked because the hotel sold out.
This is why my process is so important. Why I take the time to chat with prospective clients, to learn about them and what makes them tick. It is why I stress the collaboration part, give my clients my cell phone number, and provide excessive amounts of information in the lead up to the trip.
It’s also why I share my own life on my blog. Because if I cannot be open with my clients about where I came from and why I do what I do, then I leave it open for them to hold things back. The best relationships are the ones where the communication lines are open.
So, is working with a travel advisor right for you? If authentic experiences are on your list, if you understand the value of what I provide, and if the mutual trust is there, I’m always open to talk about my why, how I work, and what you can expect from me. Email me today to set up a complimentary consultation.