Trusted Travel
A travel agent isn't or shouldn't be someone who just simply clicks a 'book button'!
Over the past couple of weeks, many of us in the travel industry have been working around the clock supporting clients affected by global disruption, particularly those travelling through the Middle East. Flights cancelled, routes changed, connections missed and thousands of travellers needing help right away.
Behind the scenes, travel agents have been doing what we always do: problem solving, rebooking, reassuring, finding solutions and getting people home safely. Often very early in the morning, very late at night, and everything in between.
That’s why I sometimes feel a little sad when I see travel being advertised as something you can simply do as a quick “side hustle” or an easy way to earn money while travelling the world.
Being a travel agent isn’t just about booking a holiday, in many ways, that’s the easy part. The real work begins when something goes wrong. Rearranging complex itineraries, dealing with cancellations, supporting customers in resort, finding alternative flights at short notice and navigating situations that can change by the hour.
Those of us who have been in this industry for many years have experienced it all, from the volcanic ash cloud to the challenges of COVID and countless other disruptions in between. These experiences shape us and teach us how to respond quickly, calmly and professionally when our clients need us most. For many of us, our careers started on the high street where we learned the foundations of the job. Those years built the knowledge and resilience that allow us to now work independently delivering a higher level of care and expertise.
Travel is an incredible industry and I feel very proud to be part of it. But it’s important to remember that behind every smooth holiday experience is someone working hard to make it happen and ready to step in the moment something doesn’t go to plan. This week, especially, I suspect many travellers experiencing disruption will realise just how valuable it is to have a real travel expert in their corner.
And for those who have trusted me with their holidays, thank you. Being able to say “don’t worry, I’ll sort it” is a responsibility I never take lightly.