09/11/2026
On my most recent work trip, a young woman sat at our table during the resort's weekly Fiesta celebration. She was intrigued by our roles as Magic Makersยฎ๏ธ, or as our industry names us - Travel Advisors. She had all the questions and it was fun answering how each of us found our way into the travel industry.
One question she asked was how does a trip like the one we were on come about and what do we do? I explained that sometimes, these experiences come to us. In other cases, such as this recent visit, I, as our company's Supplier Relations Manager, reach out to specific properties or travel brands and ask if we can arrange an exploratory visit to better understand the experience. In our world, this is called a familiarization trip.
During our time on property, we experience it the way a typical guest would! We try the food, we enjoy an activity or two. We scope out the pools and the beach. But then we dig deeper. Because on these trips, we aren't just seeing this new place through our own eyes, but rather through the lense of our clients and prospective clients.
"Would Jennifer enjoy the spa here?"
"Gina is spooked by wildlife. This isn't the place for her."
"I think Brad would love these fitness classes!"
Together with the brand's sales team, we participate in site inspections of the rooms and public spaces. We learn what makes their brand unique in a sea of choices. We ask questions. Lots and lots of questions. We get our steps in. We quietly, and with discernment, sort out which clients this is right for and which it is not. Our familiarization visits help us do a better job for our clients. So when they holiday, we aren't just sending them to another hotel because it fit the budget. No. We send them where we do because we have a deep understanding of the overall experience. And we know which experiences will be right for them. โญ๏ธ
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