2024 has still got that new plane smell, so before someone runs to the back of the cabin to stink up the loo, let’s take time to reflect, make lofty, if unrealistic, goals for self-improvement and, more realistically, desperately hope that 2024 will be free from natural disasters and conflict. Oh, wait.
While most people are resolving to hit the gym or drink less, we’re more interested in resolutions at work. Like not strangling clients who think Skyscanner is a sacred text or inflation doesn’t impact airfares.
So here are some resolutions to make your professional life a bit more enjoyable, and maybe, just maybe, leave you with a bit of time for that elusive thing called ‘self-care’.
Invest in you
Prioritise self-care from the get-go. Recognise the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Schedule regular breaks, holidays, and moments of relaxation to recharge both physically and mentally. A well-rested and rejuvenated travel agent is better equipped to provide top-notch service to clients and navigate the challenges of the industry with resilience.
Make it a resolution to set clear boundaries and avoid overworking yourself. Remember, you’re a travel agent, not a superhero (despite the capes some clients might imagine you wearing). Embrace the fact that even travel agents need a day off to binge-watch their favourite shows and that surely that Netflix subscription is a tax deduction as it’s all research anyway.
Beat the clock
Start the year by setting specific daily and weekly goals. And this is key: employ time-blocking techniques to ensure tasks are completed efficiently, and avoid unnecessary time drains. How do you do this?
Assign specific blocks of time on your calendar to different tasks or categories of work. Group similar tasks together during specific time slots. For instance, designate a chunk of time for answering emails, another for client calls, and a different one for creative brainstorming. This way, you can tackle similar tasks without constantly switching gears.
You could even go so far as theming your days. Monday could be admin and accounting, Wednesdays could be marketing and strategic planning and Fridays could be professional development. This could help break the monotony of ongoing tasks.
And don’t forget to leave time to recover. There’s a thing called the Pomodoro Technique which has you block out 25 minutes per task and then you get a five-minute break. After four sets, you get a longer break.
You will also have to build in a buffer zone, for tasks that take longer than expected or when urgent tasks intrude. A buffer zone will mean that you’re not constantly shifting today’s tasks to tomorrow because you’re not over scheduling.
Make client satisfaction your cardio
Let’s not lie, it is easy to go online. But what makes you stand above the online offering is your knowledge and your service. So strive to make each interaction memorable and personalised. Dedicate time to understanding clients’ preferences, enabling you to provide recommendations that align seamlessly with their desires and expectations. Each itinerary will be like a custom-fit suit – perfectly designed for their unique adventure preferences.
Remember these two words: surprise and delight. Turn surprise into a secret weapon. From unexpected upgrades to personalised travel goodies, get ready for a sprinkle of magic in every client’s journey. They’ll come back feeling spoiled and want that experience again.
Make friends with the robots
Keep your finger on the pulse of technological advancements not just within the travel industry, but on the admin front as well. Explore and adopt new tools and software that streamline processes, enhance productivity, and ultimately provide a more seamless experience for both you and your clients.
If you aren’t already, use CRM systems to manage client information, preferences, and interactions efficiently. You can then leverage CRM features to automate communication, send personalised messages, and track client interactions.
Stay updated on travel planning apps and systems that offer features like itinerary management, real-time updates, and destination guides. You can recommend travel apps to clients to enhance their overall travel experience or even offer your own.
You can also integrate virtual tours and augmented reality (AR) applications to provide clients with immersive previews of destinations, accommodations, and attractions.
And don’t forget AI. Explore AI-powered chatbots to provide instant responses to client enquiries and offer preliminary travel recommendations. AI algorithms are also good for analysing client data and providing personalised travel suggestions.
Become a trendspotter and do things differently
In 2024, challenge yourself to unearth hidden gems and explore destinations that may not be on the typical travel radar. Consider off-the-beaten-path locations or up-and-coming hotspots that promise unique experiences.
Forge partnerships with local tour operators and businesses in lesser-known destinations. This not only ensures authenticity but also creates a network for personalised and exceptional services.
And it doesn’t just have to be destinations, you can collaborate with other types of niche providers. Partner with specialised providers offering niche experiences, such as culinary tours, photography workshops, or wildlife safaris. This adds an extra layer of expertise to your offerings. Or you could collaborate with local artists, artisans, and cultural experts to provide clients with immersive experiences that go beyond typical tourist attractions.
You could even introduce themed packages based on popular trends. Consider wellness retreats, digital detox getaways, or culinary adventures. Offer exclusive access to events, festivals, or attractions. Whether it’s a private viewing, VIP treatment, or behind-the-scenes access, the allure of exclusivity can elevate the perceived value of your offerings.
Say NO
Not all clients and opportunities are created equal. Resolve to discern between valuable opportunities and time-wasting endeavours. Politely but firmly decline clients or tasks that do not align with your business goals or that could potentially drain resources without commensurate benefits. By saying no strategically, you free up time and resources to focus on activities that contribute significantly to your business success.
Say YES
While it’s important to say no to time-wasters, it’s crucial to say yes to opportunities that come your way. Challenge is the gateway to growth. Embrace challenging projects that push your boundaries and contribute to both professional and personal development. Adopt a positive mindset when faced with obstacles, viewing them as opportunities for learning and improvement. By taking on challenges, you not only expand your skill set but also position yourself as a resilient and adaptable professional in the competitive travel industry.
Get out more
Other industries call it drinking, we call it networking and in the travel industry, networking is a powerful tool. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with other travel professionals, suppliers, and partners. Attend industry events, join professional organisations, and actively engage with your network. These relationships can open doors to collaboration, exclusive deals, and valuable insights, enriching your offerings and benefitting your clients.
Get your clients to travel better… because travel agents can
Travel agents can play a pivotal role in promoting travel practices that actually make the world better. Incorporate sustainable travel options into your offerings, such as eco-conscious accommodations, carbon offset programs, and environmentally responsible tour operators. Stay informed about sustainable practices within the industry, educating clients on how they can minimise their environmental impact while exploring the world.
Learn more
In travel, knowledge is power. Make a commitment to continual learning by staying abreast of the latest trends, developments, and innovations. Attend industry conferences, workshops, and webinars to gain insights into emerging destinations, travel regulations, and evolving consumer preferences.
Happy New Year!
