I’m writing this as students across New South Wales head back to school. While we can collectively breathe a sigh of relief (and yes, enjoy the time spent with our beloved monsters), we also know that it’s an ongoing struggle for some, especially those who work with customers. I’m doing it. Just like parents, travel advisors are masters of multitasking, perseverance, and crisis management. And just like raising a child, the role of a travel advisor goes far beyond what meets the eye.
When considering the term that best describes travel agents, Carrion considered all of the many and varied roles that advisors play. And while the consensus seems to be that the most appropriate term is ‘advisor’, that still doesn’t encompass the breadth of your role. Rather, advisors are often more like parents. The similarities between the two roles are striking, and here’s why.
Travel advisors and parents have infinite patience
Some people call this selective hearing. Others say it’s just frustrating. When you explain something to your child, he nods knowingly and five minutes later asks the exact same question again. Sound familiar? Travel advisors are experiencing the same thing. Patience is key in both roles, whether the client is asking again about baggage allowance or seeking reassurance a third time on the same point.
But the challenge for advisors is even greater because clients, just like children, don’t always listen to the advice they’re given. And they blame you. Because some clients (like some kids) are just assholes. Your patience reserves should be well stocked for such people.
Travel advisor and parents are legends in the logistics industry
IParents are masters of logistics, balancing work schedules, school events, extracurricular activities, and more. Tuesday is gymnastics class, followed by child 1’s piano lesson, and somehow we squeeze in dinner? Mastery of schedule management.
For travel advisors, we’re coordinating multi-segment flights, transportation, visas, and accommodations instead of school pickups and sports practices. One wrong step can ruin your client’s entire itinerary. And let’s not forget the global pandemic that turned even the best-laid plans into a logistical nightmare. But advisers kept everything on track, rescheduling trips and finding safe routes home for their clients despite border closures and airline closures. And guess what? Many advisors then have to change their minds and get their kids to the soccer field.
Travel advisors and parents are nagging…because that’s their job.
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably asked your child, “Has your child finished his homework yet?” Too many times to count. As a travel advisor, it’s “Have you checked the visa requirements?” Over and over again. Parents and advisors share this gift of reminding humans. So, while they may be clingy, they always have the best intentions.
Just as parents need to remind their children of important tasks, advisors keep their clients on top of everything. They track flight times, visa deadlines, and passport expiration dates.
If you like doing the same thing over and over again or managing multiple calendars, you’re on the right track.
Travel advisors and parents know what’s best
Parents always seem to know what their children need, even if they don’t agree. The same goes for travel advisors and their customers. Advisors have an uncanny ability to understand what their clients really want from their trip, even if they can’t articulate it themselves.
Whether it’s convincing kids to wear sunscreen or recommending better travel options to clients, advisors and parents often face the same challenges. Advice may not always be appreciated in the moment, but when things are going well, it’s all that matters.
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Emergency contacts are travel advisors and parents.
When something goes wrong, whether it’s a child missing the school bus or a traveler stranded overseas, it’s both parents and travel advisors who receive panicked phone calls. And they respond that they are ready to solve any problems that arise. It’s part of the implied contract. Just like a parent scrambling to retrieve a forgotten lunchbox, advisors step in when a client misses a flight or is stranded due to an unexpected event.
Travel advisors and parents are doing it for love
There’s no doubt about it, parenting is a labor of love. It’s never about monetary compensation, and the same is true for many travel advisors. During the pandemic, advisors worked tirelessly, often without pay, to help clients change travel reservations, deal with cancellations, and manage ever-changing restrictions. Although the industry took a huge hit, many advisors stuck with it because, at the end of the day, they truly love what they do.
Travel advisors, like parents, do their best not because they have to, but because they care.
It’s not just about booking a trip. It’s a passion for creating memorable experiences. Just as parents invest in raising their children, travel advisors invest in their clients’ travel dreams. They don’t do it for the money, they do it for the satisfaction of making someone’s journey a little easier and a little better.
After all, a travel advisor is more than just an advisor. They are patient listeners, logistics experts, intuitive guides, and emergency contacts, and they do it all because they love what they do.
via GIPHY
