There is no better way to learn about a destination than by personally visiting it yourself. Site visits also provide you with a leg up on the competition and illustrate to your clients that you provide an expert opinion based on personal experience.

Although images, videos and reviews help increase your knowledge, only personal visits will provide you with a complete picture of the property. Things to look for that can’t be seen online are cleanliness, attentiveness of staff members, guest age groups, ease of getting around and amenities provided in the guestrooms and bathrooms.

I also like to take note of the smells of the guestrooms, spa and common areas. If the resort is on a beach I take note of how clean the beach is and if there is algae or seaweed present. I inspect meeting spaces and ask to see as many room categories as possible.

Here’s a list of questions to ask during a site visit:

—How many sets of connecting rooms are available, and can they be pre-booked for families?

—How extensive is the workout facility and what are the hours of operation?

—Are spa treatments available – and should services be prebooked in advance?

—What are the dining venues and are advance reservations necessary?

—Is there a concierge available to help book area activities and airport transportation?

—What percentage of guests are from the U.S. and what is the average length of stay?

—Is there a kids club, and if so, what are the age requirements? Are babysitting services available for an extra fee and during what hours?

—If there is a beach, is beach service available and, if so, during what hours? Can chairs or bungalows be booked in advance?

—Does the hotel book groups and, if so, what is the highest percentage of group space they will block at a time?

Advance planning will make your site visits more successful. I look at a map of the area and make appointments based on geographical location to make the best use of my time. I make no more than four to six visits per day.

I always contact the sales representatives in advance so they know I am coming and make sure they, or other designees, are available to guide me through.

I often use the pictures I take of guestrooms and facilities as marketing tools to help close sales. Clients are very impressed when I have my own pictures of what the beach or pool looks like. I also take a picture of the kids club schedule and pertinent features I want to remember in order to relay information to clients.

After my return, I write reviews and notes on each hotel and keep them filed geographically and by date. For me, this store of information has proven far more valuable than any online review service.