I write this as students in NSW return to school. While we simultaneously heave a collective sigh of relief (while of course having relished the time spent with our beloved monsters), I’m cognisant that for some, particularly customer facing folk out there, the struggle continues. Like parents, travel advisors are masters of multitasking, patience, and crisis management. And just like parenting, the role of a travel advisor goes far beyond what meets the eye.
When looking into what term best described a travel agent, Karryon considered all the many and varied roles that an advisor takes on. And while the consensus seems to be that the best term is ‘advisor’, that still doesn’t encompass the breadth of your role. Instead, advisors can often be like parents. The parallels between the two roles are uncanny, and here’s why.
Travel advisors and parents have boundless patience
Some call it selective hearing. Others just call it frustrating. You explain something to your child, they nod knowingly, and five minutes later, they’re back asking the exact same question. Sound familiar? Travel advisors experience the same thing. Whether it’s a client asking again about baggage allowances or needing reassurance on the same point for the third time, patience is a core part of both roles.
But for advisors, the challenge is multiplied when clients, much like children, don’t always listen to the advice given. And then they blame you. Because some clients (like some kids) are just jerks. Your patience reserves have to run deep for those ones.
Travel advisors and parents are logistics legends
Parents are the masters of logistics, balancing work schedules, school runs, extracurriculars, and more. Tuesday’s gymnastics class, followed by Kid 1’s piano lesson, and somehow squeezing in dinner? A feat of scheduling wizardry.
For travel advisors, instead of school drop-offs and sports practices, they’re coordinating multi-leg flights, transfers, visas, and accommodation. One wrong move and a client’s entire itinerary could be thrown off. And let’s not forget the global pandemic, which turned even the best-laid plans into a logistical nightmare. Yet, advisors took it all in stride, rearranging trips and finding safe routes home for their clients, even as borders closed and airlines shut down. And then, guess what? Many advisors have to then switch brains and drop their kid off at soccer.
Travel advisors and parents are nags… because that’s their job
As a parent, you’ve probably asked, “Did you finish your homework?” more times than you can count. And as a travel advisor, it’s “Have you checked your visa requirements?” over and over again. Parents and advisors share this talent for being human reminders—nagging, if you will, but always with the best intentions.
Just like parents need to remind their kids about important tasks, advisors stay on top of everything for their clients. They’re the ones keeping track of flight times, visa deadlines, and passport expirations.
If you like repeating yourself, and managing multiple calendars, you are on the right path!
Travel advisors and parents know what’s best
Parents always seem to know what their kids need, even if the kids don’t agree. It’s the same for travel advisors and their clients. Advisors have an uncanny ability to understand what their clients truly want from a trip, even when they can’t articulate it themselves.
Whether it’s convincing a child to wear sunscreen or nudging a client toward a better travel option, advisors and parents often face the same challenge: their advice might not always be appreciated in the moment, but when things go smoothly, that’s all that matters.
Travel advisors and parents are the go-to emergency call
When things go wrong, whether it’s a child who missed the school bus or a traveller stranded overseas, both parents and travel advisors are the ones who get the panicked call. And they answer, ready to fix whatever problem comes their way. That’s part of the unspoken contract. Just like parents rush to pick up a forgotten lunchbox, advisors step in when clients miss flights or get stranded due to unexpected events.
Travel advisors and parents do it for love
There’s no doubt about it, parenting is a labour of love. It’s certainly not about the financial reward, and for many travel advisors, the same can be said. During the pandemic, advisors worked tirelessly, often without compensation, helping clients rebook trips, navigate cancellations, and manage ever-changing restrictions. The industry was hit hard, but many advisors stuck with it because, at the end of the day, they genuinely love what they do.
Travel advisors, like parents, give their all not because they have to, but because they care.
It’s not just about booking trips; it’s about the passion for creating memorable experiences. Much like parents pour their hearts into raising their kids, travel advisors invest in their clients’ travel dreams. They don’t do it for the money, but for the satisfaction of knowing they’ve made someone’s journey a little easier, a little better.
At the end of the day, travel advisors are so much more than just advisors. They’re patient listeners, logistics experts, intuitive guides, emergency contacts, and they do it all because they love what they do.
