People matter more than their money.
As a firm believer in the value of travel, my foremost commitment is to prioritize the needs of every traveler I assist. What matters most is ensuring the best possible experience for my clients. Hence, my fee structure may appear unconventional, as I tailor it to the specific circumstances with an unwavering focus on putting clients' interests at the forefront. In the past couple months I’ve had fifteen different possible trips to NZ and Australia. Four of them are going, so while this is about a case where people are going but I didn’t make any $, that is still better than the remaining 11 that, so far, aren’t going. As for the other three that are going and I am making some $ from that, I thank you extra.
Recently, I encountered a challenging situation while arranging travel plans, particularly for destinations in Australia and New Zealand. Both countries hold a special place in my heart, and I empathize with clients seeking to explore these captivating lands. A particular case involved mature clients eager to embark on a New Zealand journey next year. In our consultation, they wanted late summer or early fall, which would typically be a suitable period. My dedicated focus on these regions during the holidays informed my judgment. Surprisingly, this year presents a unique scenario, as some highly desirable locations, such as the Farm at Cape Kidnappers, MataKauri, and HuKa Lodge, still have availability over the busiest time of the year but regular ol tours are booked to the gills in the shoulder season.
However, my efforts to secure regular small group tours for February and March revealed an unexpected hurdle; nearly all options were already fully booked. This unforeseen circumstance led me to explore alternative avenues. Ultimately, the best solution was large tour company, albeit one that operates exclusively with consumers, thereby bypassing any potential commission for my services. Despite the missed commission opportunity, I firmly believe that the best course of action was to prioritize the clients' interests and provide them with an honest and beneficial option.
This commitment to acting as a travel counselor distinguishes my approach from that of a traditional travel agent. While travel agents often represent airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and tour companies, earning commissions for promoting their offerings, my dedication lies solely with the client. My aim is to deliver unbiased advice, devoid of any preference for higher-paying commissions. As the travel landscape has evolved with complexities, such as resort fees, package pricing, budget carriers, and vacation rentals, I recognize the value of the travel counselor's role in guiding clients towards well-informed decisions and avoiding potential pitfalls due to insufficient understanding of the fine print. I have worked as a travel agent for coming up on 30 years and I’m better than most, but first, I’m a travel counselor.
Ultimately, my goal is to enrich the travel experiences of my clients, irrespective of whether it entails charging a consulting fee instead of relying on commissions. This approach aligns with my genuine desire to facilitate meaningful and enjoyable journeys for those I serve.
In summary, my commitment as a travel counselor is to deliver exceptional service that prioritizes your interests and ensures an unforgettable and seamless travel experience. I look forward to collaborating with you on your upcoming travel adventures.
