Travel Agent of the Day - Monday October 8th, 2007- Barbara G.
10/05/2007 04:10 p.m.
Barbara G.
Certified Travel Associate (CTA), Destination Specialist (DS), Elite Cruise Counselor (ECC)
We spoke with Barbara G. in the first installment of our "Travel Agent of the Day" series. Barbara joined the Tripology network back in March of 2007 and has already planned some great vacations for travelers she found through Tripology.com.
How long have you been in the business?
"8 years"
What inspired you to become a travel agent?
"A Travel Agent Professional introduced me to the business, took me under her wing, and taught me what I needed to know to start."
Do you have a passion for travel?
"Yes, I love to travel, and believe that there is a beautiful world out there, and everyone should get out there and see what they are missing."
Did you do anything else before becoming a travel agent?
"I am actually also an insurance agent."
Are there any great perks that come with working in this business?
"Yes...Not only do you receive great discounts and opportunities to see the world, you meet the most interesting people."
What are some of the perks?
"Meeting and speaking with others in the travel industry, and discovering new places."
Any Great Discounts?
"You can also get discounts anywhere from 50-75%, and many times get upgrades when you travel."
What about upgrades?
"Yes, always."
Do you take a lot of vacations?
"As often as I can."
Do you go alone or do your friends and family tag along?
"Husband, family and friends. It really depends on the trip."
Favorite getaways to head off to on your own?
"An undiscovered place. I love Mexico and the Caribbean."
Do you inadvertently work a lot when you are on vacation? - scouting hotels, activities, tours and sites?
"Yes, always."
How else do you review hotels that you may not have been to?
"I rely upon other friends, clients, and trip advisor reviews."
How many clients do you have right now?
"Over 200"
Do you work with a partner?
"No"
Office or home?
"Both"
Do you limit how many clients you can work with at one time?
"Most times, I can handle it. I try to give my clients an idea as to when I will get back to them, and most often, it's within 8 hours."
Websites such as, Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity have given the opportunity to travelers to book trips without a travel agent. Have you found this to be a problem for you?
"Not too much. I have been very successful with beating their rates."
What are you doing to convince travelers that a travel agent is a better option?
"My rates speak for themselves, experience, and my charming personality!"
If a traveler asks you, "Why should I use a travel agent," how do you respond?
"You can put a face to the voice, I offer personalized service, I am available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and my rates are very competitive."
Have any travelers given you any horror stories of experiences they had trying to book a trip on their own?
"They booked a trip, and the resort was overbooked and could not accommodate the couple, they were placed in another hotel of much less quality, and had no one to call to help them."
Do you have any tips for the listening travel community?
"Check with a travel agent before you book on the internet so-called travel sites. You would be surprised by the deals that a travel agent can offer. We offer personal advice and recommendations. And, cheapest is not always the best way to go. Most times, you get what you pay for, and you're sorry you did. Don't be fooled by the false advertising. A real live person is the best way to find travel deals. "
What's the most exciting trip to book right now for you?
"It's all exciting to me. Destination Weddings, Out of the way, off the beaten path travels. I just recently booked a trip for a couple seeking total privacy and a private beach for very little money. That is not easy to do, and I found just what they were looking for, and very affordable. Dreams do come true!"
what would you say is your most popular destination request right now?
"Winter travels, The Dominican Republic, and Destination Weddings."
Why do you think that is?
"It's the perfect time to book your winter vacation, and plan a wedding. On sale now!"
There's a lot of buzz about specialization these days, and how destination expertise is still a great value proposition for travelers. Why do you think agent specialization is important to have when travelers are trying to book the trip?
"Experience and knowledge help clients feel more comfortable when planning a vacation. It helps put their mind at ease that they are making the right decision."
What does it mean to be specialized to you?
"Knowledge and Experience of several destinations."
Is it focusing on only 1 thing and traveling there every year?
"No, not at all. My goal is to specialize in several and various destinations, and trip types."
Do travelers ask a lot if you have been to where they are trying to book their trip?
"Yes they do, and I am honest with them. If I have not been, I know someone that has been, and do my research to make sure that I would recommend the destination."
Does specialization actually mean focusing on a handful of things?
"I suppose that depends on the individual. I prefer to be well rounded and know a little about everything, and have my specialties as well. "
How specialized is too specialized? Is this possible?
"Well, some that are "so called specialized agents" can tend to have a one-track mind, tend to be pushy, and do not listen to their client's needs."
If someone were to call you and ask for a once in a lifetime vacation idea, what would you suggest?
"Depends on their budget and what they were looking for."
Funniest thing you have ever been asked?
"If I book with you, will you be there too?"
Tags: travel agents of the day
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