Tips of the trade: agents share helpful insights into navigating the new world of travel

From entry requirements to PCR testing, it’s a brave new world of travel with rapidly changing information to stay on top of. For travel advisors who are starting to book trips again, Caitlin Lajeunesse recommends some firsthand research.

“My best advice is to get out and experience the new world of travel for yourself,” says Lajeunesse of Vacations by Caitlin with Independent by Flight Centre. “We all know the value of a professional travel advisor has never been stronger and to have the opportunity to see and share the new protocols and enhancements with travel will give you the confidence to sell. I am so happy to share that it also feels the same!”

Prior to travelling to Jamaica recently, the premium beach vacations specialist was worried that travel would feel different or that the resort experience may not be as relaxing as before.

“This couldn’t be farther from the truth,” she says. “The gorgeous sunset [on my] last night over a Jamaican beach, with a glass of bubbly in hand was a truthful reminder that paradise has been here waiting for us to get back this entire time.”

Meanwhile, Brittany Rayner from Dream Adventures with TTAND, stresses the need to stay on top of entry requirements as it may significantly impact the price for travel — especially for groups and family vacations.

“I think that travel advisors need to really understand the country’s travel requirements,” says Rayner. “We met a few people on our flight [to Jamaica] who paid for the PCR test at roughly $200 when they could’ve done an antigen test for $40.”

Finally, Heidi Pivnick of Voyages Anne, suggests travel advisors use this time to focus on selling what they actually want to sell.

“My biggest tip is don’t try to be everything to everyone and do it all,” she says. “Niche markets should not be where you think the biggest money can be made but rather what you are passionate about.”