Let’s face it, times have changed, the travel industry has changed, and how and why people travel has changed.
This means that you can no longer design and run your travel agent business the same old-school way.
By acknowledging and solving the two mistakes that you are making when planning your client’s trips that are mentioned in this article, travel agents can elevate the level of service they provide, ensuring customers receive personalized attention, guidance, and support throughout their travel journey by incorporating travel coaching.
In this article, we’re going to dive deeper into these two mistakes – and you’ll learn how to avoid them.
This is exactly what we help travel professionals do in the Travel Coach Certification Program.
About the Author: Sahara Rose DeVore
Hi, I’m Sahara Rose DeVore
I’m a world traveler turned entrepreneur, and the founder of The Travel Coach Network and the first ICF-accredited Travel Coach Certification Program™.
After solo traveling to 84+ countries and building a purpose-driven travel business, I now empower fellow wanderers and wanderlusters to turn their passion for travel into meaningful, impactful careers.
My work has been featured in 175+ media outlets including Forbes, CNN Travel, and Condé Nast Traveller.
Learn more about me and The Travel Coach Network when you click here.
Free Economy Class TCN Membership: Learn About Travel Coaching
Don’t have enough time to read this whole article?
Click here to get access to the FREE TCN Membership!
The Economy Class Membership for the Travel Coach Network includes:
– Travel Coaching 101 Masterclass
– Travel Coach Workbook
– Downloadable Beginner’s Guide to Travel Coaching
The Two Big Mistakes You’re Probably Making
You’re asking too general of questions in the discovery phase
It’s common to ask your clients questions like, “What kind of trip are you looking to have,” “What types of activities do you enjoy doing most,” “How many people are traveling,” “How long do you plan to travel for,” or “D you prefer nightlife, adventure, luxury, cruising, or something else?”
The problem is that those types of general questions don’t actually tell you anything specific about your client.
Instead, get to know your client on a deeper and more personal level.
Get to know why they are truly looking to get away or go on that vacation.
What are they really looking for?
What type of transformation, outcome, feelings, or changes are they in need of?
Consider incorporating questions in your discovery calls like “Where is the motivation for wanting to go on this trip stemming from,” “How do you want to feel upon return,” or, “What has prevented you from going on this trip already?”
Travel coaching is about helping your clients set intentions for their trips and better understanding your client’s needs, struggles, goals, and overall pain points that are leading to the desire for a trip and what they are looking to get out of that trip.
The coaching aspect encompasses active listening, empathy, and more.
You’re selecting a destination and the activities first
Instead of recommending a destination because of its beautiful white sandy beaches and palms trees or it’s luxurious shopping and nightlife options, you should be getting to know what your client’s personal needs and goals are first and then matching a destination and the types of experiences that they should have.
There are beautiful beaches, palm trees, great shopping, and nightlife all over the world so those types of things don’t make a destination unique.
Also, your clients are looking to go on a trip for deeper and more meaningful reasons and it’s your duty as the travel expert to pull those needs to the surface.
Once you gain a better understanding of what your client is truly in need of, you can then suggest destinations and activities that best align with those needs.
For example, if your client has just experienced a big life transition and is looking to get away to decompress, suggesting a destination where they can spend time in nature, self-reflect, and also meet new people and experience a new culture may be a good fit.
Listen to the Travel Coach Network Podcast
If you love listening to, learning about, and discussing topics like these in the travel industry, then you’ll love this show!
You can find it on any major podcast player.
Free Resources for Future Travel Coaches
Check out these other free resources for aspiring travel coaches:
- Listen to the Travel Coach Network Podcast
This is the perfect way to learn all about travel coaching, no matter where you are in your business journey. - Access the FREE, Economy Class of the TCN Membership
This includes a free masterclass and workbook to help you learn more about travel coaching! - Join the FREE Travel Coach Community Facebook Group
Be around inspiring and aspiring travel coaches who are just as passionate about travel as you. - Connect with the Travel Coach Network on Instagram
Have a quick question? Send us a DM! You’ll hear from me or a member of my team quickly.
