Maureen Beaulne
Bon Voyage by Maureen, TPI, Oakville, Ont.
“Maureen has an incredible Facebook following and is able to secure groups by promoting to her followers. She is confident in her abilities to sell into space, has a very good idea of what her loyal clients are looking for and is a great supporter of Trafalgar, both with group bookings but also in ensuring that the members of her consortium are aware of what Trafalgar is able to offer them.”
Margarita Peloso
Trafalgar and Costsaver Sales Manager for Ottawa, Montreal, Central & Eastern Ontario
Meet Maureen Beaulne
Tell us a little bit about yourself, how long you’ve been in the industry and what made you want to become a travel agent?
Becoming a travel agent was something that came to me as a surprise. Following a lay off in the medical field, I decided to pursue studies in Business Administration. Shortly upon graduating with honours, I was offered a job in a travel agency as a marketing director/manager. My past experiences with the public, an adventurous personality, political background and the joy of meeting new people seemed to be the attractive component for this job offer. Fifteen years later, a decision to leave the travel industry due to personal and health reasons, I thought ended my career. Eighteen months later in 2013, I quickly realized that the passion, addiction and the love of travel was still deeply engraved in my heart and soul and eventually returned to travel but as an independently owned/home based travel agent under the license of TPI. Being part of the fabulous TPI “family” allowed me to slowly return to the travel industry at my own pace and to earn as much or as little as I wish — it allowed me to leisurely control my workload. As a self-employed and independently owned agency, one is responsible for her/his own marketing, but with the amazing support of such a dedicated agency it made the transition pleasant and smooth.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
Personally, dealing with people is very fulfilling, but working, escorting my own groups is the favourite part of my job. Listening to their dreams, being able to assist in the planning of well deserved vacations is deeply rewarding and exciting. I begin by selecting one destination and date, do my research for that particular destination, price it out, create my own flyer with complete details of the trip while respecting the TICO requirements, start my distribution by emails, social media and word of mouth. Once I attain my expected numbers, I gather my groups and hold a get together meeting where we meet to present the destination/trip, ask questions/share comments and get everyone excited for another amazing group vacation. Whether it’d be a cruise, a motor coach, land and sea, all-inclusive vacations, my clients can depend on me to be there with them and for them. This allows a sense of security for many who wouldn’t be travelling otherwise.
How has travel impacted your own life?
Next to my family, travel has been my life, my joy, my sense of fulfillment, my passion and has brought me many blessings for the last 25 years. I have met and talked to so many different people in my career and I can honestly say that a large number of these people have remained in touch and some are now part of my life and hold a special place in my heart. I have been blessed with absolutely amazing clients. In addition, accompanying my groups has given me the opportunity to grow spiritually, mentally and most of all intellectually. It has taught me that despite our cultural differences, we find wonderful and kind people anywhere we go and we learn to appreciate them as human beings.
How are you coping in this crazy COVID-19 world? What are you focusing on right now?
Like everyone else, COVID-19 has caught everyone by surprise and resulted in having to put the brakes on life in general, not just travel. I recognize that this is a serious virus that requires special attention but together we can beat it. It has been a huge challenge for the world and in particular the travel industry. It is important as travel agents to remain calm and professional. We must treat our tour operators, suppliers and other colleagues with respect and patience. This is nobody’s fault and everyone is doing their best to respond as quickly as possible. Tour operators and suppliers have had to modify their policies in order to try and accommodate, therefore it is our duty and role to explain this to our clients the best we can.
My practice is to be honest and upfront with my clients, tell them exactly the way it is. If /when choices are given, I present it to them and let them make their own choices once they have been given all the facts. My focus is to try to offer reassurance and honesty and to let them know I am here for them. Giving my clients their options calmly and efficiently is a priority as well as listening to their concerns and making sure their concerns are brought forward to the appropriate people. As most tour operators are offering Future Travel Credits, I tend to see it as the best option for my clients who still want to travel when this is over. My main focus is to try and keep as many people excited about their future travel as possible.
Prior to all this, what were some of the big trends you were noticing in travel or that your clients were looking for from a getaway?
According to what I had booked for 2020 and 2021, huge interest for South Africa, along with Ireland/Britain and Scotland (British Isles) motor coach tours were equally in the race for #1 amongst my requests. In the cruise industry, there seemed to be an increased demand for cruising Scandinavia, along with Russia, as well as river cruises.
Although I must add that Mediterranean and Alaska cruises also remains a good solid sell. As for all-inclusive, Mexico and the Dominican Republic remained just as popular as ever.
Have you had any interesting or strange requests from clients?
All requests are interesting but haven’t had any strange requests.
How many countries have you been to and where would you like to go next when we can travel again?
All of my travels were with groups — I escort all my groups. I have travelled across Canada from coast to coast several times. I have travelled across the United States from coast to coast with groups several times as well. I have travelled to Mexico several times and truly enjoy Mexico. I did the Panama Canal and Caribbean cruise, which brought me to several countries such as Guatemala, Costa Rica, Aruba, St. Lucia, Barbados, US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Antigua, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Dominica, Bonaire, etc. Hawaii, by cruise and land. China. Alaska cruise. Australia, New Zealand and Fiji cruise. Europe: The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Croatia, Spain.
My upcoming group trips are South Africa for 2020, and for 2021, a Baltic cruise with Russia, France, and a river cruise on the Douro for Spain & Portugal with AmaWaterways. When we can travel again, another focus or interest would be: Tahiti, cross country Canada by train with VIA Rail with a group, river cruise on the Danube and a Mediterranean cruise.
What’s a big misconception people have about travel agents?
According to many people’s beliefs, it costs more to book with a travel agent and also believe that they cannot get the same deal as on line.
Do you have anything to add?
Treat your customers as you would your own family. Listen to their needs, wishes and dreams. People are spending their hard earned money to live a dream. Be there for them and show them the value of your worth. Live, love, laugh and TRAVEL!
