Integrating travel coaching into the traveler’s journey can transform the client’s overall journey into a more profound and enriching experience, allowing them to not only enjoy their trip but also to grow and learn from it.
We spend a lot of time thinking about the traveler’s journey in the Travel Coach Network.
So in this article, I’ll break down what the traveler’s journey looks like – and how you can serve them as as travel coach at every step of their journey.
We go deeper into this work 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
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The Economy Class Membership for the Travel Coach Network includes:
– Travel Coaching 101 Masterclass
– Travel Coach Workbook
– Downloadable Beginner’s Guide to Travel Coaching
Awareness phase
Through your content, whether it’s through social media, video written, presentations, webinars, or media and publicity, use your story and core message to bring awareness to what is possible for your ideal clients.
Touch them emotionally and make them see themselves in your messaging.
During this phase, they might not know what they really want or need at that point and they may not have even considered going on a trip.
Inspiration phase
Get visible and inspire your ideal clients to use travel as the vessel for change, transformation, finding clarity, reaching their personal goals, self-discovery, or satisfying another specific need or desire.
Discovery phase
Through powerful and effective questioning, get to know your client on a deeper and more personal level. What spoke to them in your messaging or story? How did they see themselves in your content?
In addition to gathering information about the client’s preferences, interests, and travel goals, understand who they are as a personal, what their pain points are, and what they desire in their life, relationships, lifestyle, career, and more.
You can provide a pre-assessment for your client to fill out beforehand to help with this.
Planning Phase
Offer insights into different travel styles, suggesting destinations that align with their specific goals, and discussing the potential personal growth and learning opportunities during their trip.
When discussing an itinerary, explain the reasoning behind certain choices.
For example, suggest specific activities and experiences that suit their personal needs like stepping out of their comfort zone, volunteering and giving back, or immersing in the local culture.
Consider recommending mindfulness practices, journaling, or other self-discovery techniques that can enhance their travel experience and holding your client accountable.
Booking Phase
If you are also a Travel Agent and do help with the booking phase of a trip, consider providing information and guidance on topics related to what you and your clients have discussed for their trip such as wellness or sustainable travel practices.
Suggest ways that your client can be a more responsible traveler and positively impact the destinations they visit.
Along with travel documents, provide resources like travel journals, goal-setting worksheets, or meditation guides to encourage self-reflection during the journey.
Pre-Trip Preparation
Offer stress-reduction techniques, like packing tips for staying organized and relaxation exercises for managing travel-related anxiety.
Provide travel coaching by sharing strategies for staying present and embracing the journey, even during potential challenges.
Encourage the client to set intentions for their trip, fostering personal growth and mindfulness.
During the Trip
Send the client mindfulness prompts or travel-related journaling prompts to encourage self-awareness and reflection.
Offer travel coaching through regular check-ins to ensure the client is having a positive experience, staying accountable, and address any concerns that arise.
Post-Trip Follow-Up
Reflect on the client’s experience with them, discussing how the trip impacted their personal growth, mindset, and perspective.
Provide travel coaching by helping the client integrate their travel learnings into their daily life, relationship, or professional life, and guide them on setting goals for continued personal development.
Building Relationships
Continue to provide travel coaching resources, such as reading recommendations, meditation apps, or virtual travel experiences, to nurture their passion for exploration and personal growth. Consider creating a community that connects your clients with one another to share experiences, inspiration, learnings, and growth.
Learn more about becoming a Certified Travel Coach here
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.
