I have been working as a Professional Travel Consultant for five years now. I spend many hours researching different destinations for fun and keep up-to-date on what is happening in most of the tourism hotspots.
I spent a year in an agency that was so busy and diverse that I got about ten years experience in one year. Clients and other industry professionals are always surprised when they find out that I have only been a professional for five years. They always say that they would have thought it was much longer.
I love my job because it allows me to travel every day of the year. When I am not travelling personally I am travelling the world vicariously through my clients. Finding the perfect fit for each client is a challenge that never fails to thrill and excite me.
One of my favourite 'success stories' is the couple that came in to my agency and wanted a unique 'off-the-wall' wedding/honeymoon trip that involved flying in and out of different cities. After talking to them for a bit and finding out what they wanted, they were so happy when I told them it was definitely possible to do. They then told me that they had gone to three other agencies and all of them had laughed at them and told them it was impossible. Within 24 hours I had the various components booked and confirmed for them. The best part was when I got to watch their wedding via live web cam and know that I had a small part in making it happen. One of the favourite parts of my job is the delight of a client when I am able to book something for them that another agent was unable to do.
I think that what makes me unique as an agent is that because I am not in the business to make money but because I love it, I treat each booking as if it was my personal vacation or business trip and take the time to make sure that I get my client the best possible deal for their particular circumstances.
There are two reasons why a client should book with me: 1. Because my agency is so close to the U.S./Canada border we have contracts with both Canadian and American suppliers which gives us double the resources to find the best possible deal available to them. 2. I take the time to find the best deal that I can, I then ensure that their trip will be smooth and hassle-free, and unlike some agents I don't consider the job finished when the booking is completed but rather after my client returns from their trip!