Experience is the greatest teacher. I’m just loaded with experience. Today, I’d like to share a few things I’ve learned in my years of working in the travel industry. The good, the bad and the really strange. . .
Quirky truths
– Pet friendly does not mean cat-friendly. In fact, most properties do not allow cats.
– Flight prices can vary by as much as $2,000 for the same plane, same flight. They can also fluctuate drastically throughout the day or week.
– Mexico is a bad place to have a heart attack. Then again, anywhere is a bad place to have a heart attack.
– Never tell a client he is booked until you’ve clicked the final button.
– Certain cruises (interport) in Europe don’t offer airport transfers or allow you to pre-book excursions.
– Disney is an empire; even the Disney reps get things wrong and don’t know everything there is to know.
Notes to self
– There will be days where you work really hard for no pay.
– There will also be days where you hardly work for really nice pay.
– Everyone wants the best vacation for the least amount of money.
– “Someplace with a beach” means different things to different people.
– You will make mistakes, so will the airlines. All you can do is try really hard to fix them.
– Don’t assume everyone knows that the airlines charge for baggage, or that a passport is needed when leaving the country.
Pearls of wisdom
– Problems don’t resolve themselves; dealing with them head on is a much better strategy
– People respect honesty and integrity over anything else.
– It helps to have friends in high places.
– Travel insurance IS worth it.
– No matter what you do in life, check your work and then check it a second time. Then, check it again.