07/11/2025
For those who only see the glamorous side of what I do, I thought I'd give you a recap of a week in the life of a travel agent:
✅Delayed flight, missed connection for a client going to Ireland meant I spent lots of time with the "during travel team" in Ireland to ensure their hotel didn't mark them as a no show. We had to cancel the tours they would be missing, cancel their chauffeur for original day of arrival, rebook the chauffeur for the next day (facilitating that payment, and yes -- this is why I encourage people to purchase travel insurance.) I opened a claim on their behalf with their travel insurance carrier, and assisted them with keeping track of all expenses. I worked my side to get necessary documentation for the missed components, and put together the required documentation for their travel insurance claim. Yes, it is the client's responsibility to do all of this. BUT I never toss my clients to the wolves. I always assist them! Not all travel agents do...and definitely a dot come won't. Choose wisely.
✅Put together final documents for a multi-city rail journey for clients going to France and Switzerland. Built their itinerary in an app to include every component, including documents for their rail passes, train tickets, various tour tickets, etc. Also printed out hard copies as a backup. Met with clients to review the entire trip and answer questions they had, so how to use the app, etc. Ensured they understood traveling overseas, adapters vs converters, pickpockets, and things they need to know. I also got them Euros and Swiss Francs from my bank because their bank didn't offer that service. I also educated them on using the ATM in destination 🙂
✅Worked with my supplier on 8 current reservations which experienced flight changes -- some which didn't work. Updated to new flights that did work, rebooked seats that disappeared, synced the airline with the supplier we all have the same records.
✅ Worked with clients who were considering changing resorts. Had to get updated pricing for the options and send over to client.
✅ Sent out multiple proposals to clients looking to travel in 2026. I finalized one last night for Spring Break for a family of 5. If you all plan to travel over Spring Break - you need to get on it.
✅ Booked a last minute luxury getaway for a client traveling this fall. Delivered final documents to clients traveling soon.
✅Had a few consultations for next summer. Proposals on those to go out next week. Research has begun. Processed some final payments. Booked Transfers for clients traveling soon.
✅ Updated some training, made sure ETIAS is still pushed out to 2026, stayed updated on the potential entry requirement changes for Honduras, participated in webinars, continued to monitor potential strikes in Paris (airport and rail), looked for known rail strikes that may impact other clients. Somewhere in there I got groceries, cooked meals, cleaned up meals, did laundry, paid bills, took my cats to the vet, went to a funeral out of town, answered emails, checked on my own upcoming flights and trip, and a plethora of all sorts of things.
So THIS is what being a travel agent is aside from traveling. It isn't 8am - 5pm, M-F. It is being available when my clients need me during emergencies or when they get off of work to book a trip. This is what you don't see. There are many ways you can book a trip. I appreciate those who choose me and continue choosing me for the care I put into each and every trip to ensure you have a seamless process. I appreciate the confidence you have in me for helping you select the right property or itinerary for your needs and budget - all while knowing I am a phone call or text away if something doesn't go as planned. This is what I do aside from traveling to the resorts, inspecting the pools and beaches, sleeping in the beds and eating the food.