The new year is a terrific time to reflect on the past and plan for the future.
No matter how your travel turned out in 2018, you have a new opportunity to make big things happen in 2019.
Whether you're a travel agent, a traveling nomad or just a casual traveler, January is an important moment in the yearly planning process.
It's crucial to start the new year off right and actively pursue ways to enhance your travel experiences.
Perhaps you're already ahead of the game with multiple trips outlined for 2019. Maybe you know where you want to go but just haven't booked yet. January is the time to get those plans in motion or else you could find yourself in a scramble come June.
Travel agents, have you mapped out a plan for how you want to succeed and grow your business in 2019? Set monthly goals, go on more than one FAM trip, build a social media presence, learn about new destinations to sell and put yourself out there.
Casual travelers who have yet to work with a travel agent - what are you waiting for? Take the time in 2019 to talk to an advisor, and you'll find out how they really can make the travel experience so much better. If you're the type to plan well in advance or even last minute, a travel agent is going help find you great deals and be with you throughout the entire process.
Budgets play such a key role in the world of travel. Do your 2019 resolutions include finance in some capacity? Whether it's finding ways to save more each month or investing more in vital components that help you succeed, the new year is a good time to set those budget decisions and plans of action.
For me, a few trips are booked already for birthday celebrations and anniversaries, and I'm working to save toward my next dream destination. In addition to being better at planning, becoming a savvy saver is a resolution of mine for the new year. I know if I can meet this goal, it will lead to booking more epic travel trips down the road.
Resolutions are always tricky, as many people can buy into the hype that comes in January but fall back into old habits. Open discussions, constant communication and teamwork are all essential factors in making sure your 2019 resolutions don't fizzle before the first quarter ends. Talk to your travel buddy on how they can help you have a successful year.
Get Caught Up
In case you missed it this past week:
These are the 30 safest places to visit in 2019.
Fees to visit popular tourist destinations are on the rise. Venice and Chichen Itza are the latest to raise the price for foreign visitors to enter.
Know anyone who traveled through Newark on Christmas Eve? They may have been exposed to measles.
A Portuguese airline had the world's first plastic-free flight.
Need help planning for travel in 2019? These are 25 ways to organize your finances to better afford travel, and for travel agents, these are goals for 2019 you should consider.
Advice from an Agent
Jennifer Doncsecz is President of VIP Vacations Inc. She can be reached at [email protected]
When asked what advice she would give to travelers planning their 2019 vacations, Doncsecz said:
"I think the best advice I can give to travelers planning 2019 vacations is to protect your investment! There are many outside factors that can affect a destination and life throws many curves. Over the years, political issues, weather issues, health warnings, and even upheavals with airlines have caused travelers to spend additional money or even worse, lose money if they wanted to switch dates, locations or cancel altogether. A popular destination today can suddenly appear in scary news headlines. No one should feel insecure about an upcoming vacation and travel insurance is something to fall back on.
I also believe that using a travel professional when planning a vacation is the best 'hack' for travelers. Travel consultants listen and ask the right questions and provide vital information to alleviate undue stress."
And on her advice for how travel agents can best plan for a successful 2019, Doncsecz said:
"For many travel consultants, it is common to tout our areas of expertise, years in the business and reiterate our credibility. However, it is important to ensure potential clients know what a travel professional can do for them.
"So rather than saying, 'I have 15 years of experience,' switch it to, 'my 15 years of travel experience can save you time and money.'
"Additionally, it is so important to have a marketing plan and budget. Investing in marketing with an attack plan is reinvesting in your belief in what you do. For businesses, taking 10 percent of profits should be spent on marketing initiatives to keep the machine churning! If travel professionals want to grow their business, they need to invest in it. Many tour operators, resorts, and cruise lines co-op, so travel professionals can take that 10 percent and seek out partners to market with, which is a wonderful way to reduce the costs."
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