I figured with starting a blog about
traveling, especially travelling during a pandemic, what better way to figure
out what’s what, than conducting an interview with a professional in the travel
industry?
Thankfully, I happen to know just such a person. I would really like to welcome
Ashley Bennington to STOP. STAY. DISCOVER.
Below are the questions and answers from our discussion about vacationing in
2021. At the end you will find Ashley’s contact info, should you have more
questions, or if you are interested in booking a spectacular 2021 getaway!
Ashley, please tell us about your
background, and if you specialize in any type of travel
I am a travel planner with Jco Travel LLC.
I just started my 7th year of planning customized vacations for
everyone from singles to multigenerational families and more! I specialize in
family travel and travel to Mexico.
How
has the everlasting pandemic impacted the travel industry?
The travel and tourism industry was the first industry to shut down this winter and we will be the last to get fully up and running again. Travel planners are not paid until their clients travel which meant that we did not get paid for any of the trips we planned that were cancelled and we will not see regular income again for close to a year with the continuing travel bans. Everyone in the travel and tourism industry is hurting. From the airlines to the resorts, the in destination tour operators and more there are endless layoffs and many countries do not have unemployment which means their workers have no way to make a living with resorts shut down or at very low capacity.,
What
can someone bent on still traveling expect to run into as far as issues, or
roadblocks when it comes to vacationing out of state, or out of the country?
Despite what people think traveling can be
done safely! My family and I went to Mexico in August and the safety measures
on the planes, transfers and at our resort were far more strict and through
than here at home. Each state and country has their own rules/requirements for
entry and quarantine and these often change weekly! This is why it is so
important to work with a travel professional if you do want to travel. I spend
a good part of my day staying up to date on the latest travel requirements!
As
an agent, how do you create vacation packages now, as opposed to pre-pandemic
(Or is there any change to travel packages pre vs post pandemic)?
There is not much change in the overall
planning however many people do want to know if they have to wear masks at
their resorts, on excursions, etc., in addition to if they will need a COVID
test prior to travel. I go over all this and more when we have our consultation
call to make sure I help them pick a destination and resort that meets their
needs.
Can
travelers expect better deals when it comes to airfare, car rentals, lodging
because of the pandemic -- or just the opposite?
Right now there are some of the best deals
I have EVER seen especially when traveling to Mexico! A year ago air to Mexico
from Western NY was $700-$800/person… now it is half that! Many resorts are
also offering special packages for people who can work from anywhere to
encourage them to come work in paradise. Free massages, childcare, dedicated secure
high speed wifi and more along with great rates for longer stays.
What
do you look for in a package to ensure your clients: 1. Get the most for their
money and 2. Get the best experience out of their vacation?
I have a phone consultation with each new
client so that I can get to know them and their family. Often what people think
they want in a resort or what was recommended to them by friends or family are
not a good fit at all, that’s why it’s important to get to know my clients so I
can make sure they find a great fit! Once we find a good fit I price their
vacation with many different vendors that I work with to make sure I am getting
them the best price available. Also I have close relationships with my
preferred brands and operators which means I can offer pricing and/or amenities
that are not available to people who book their trips on their own!
Aside
from booking the vacation for your clients, what can your clients expect to
have to do on their own, or for themselves to help ensure a successful getaway?
It depends on the type of trip however no
matter what kind of trip my clients are never alone because I am there to help
them from the first phone call until they have arrived back home. I even offer
24/7 support when they are in destination should there be any problems with
flights, service, etc. For some types of trips there are some things clients do
need to do on their own like cruise check in because there are terms and
contracts that need to be signed by the client themselves however I am able to
help them with any questions should they arise! Each of my clients get
personalized itineraries with instructions on how to complete airline check in,
where to find their transfers and many other tips and tricks to help make their
vacation as stress free as possible.
Do you have any predictions or hunches
about what 2021 will look like for those anxious to get back to vacationing / traveling?
I think the second half of 2021 will
finally start to see travel slowly returning to normal especially with the news
of a vaccine. With that I think we will also see the prices increasing as well
which is why it is important to book early to grab these super low rates that
are offered right now!
Are
there any vacation packages / promos you would like to promote?
There are so many great rates out there it
is hard to pick one! One thing I would like people to know is that travel
planners are paid directly by the resorts/cruise lines we book through. The
commission is already built into the cost of your vacation package/cruise
regardless if you book on your own or use a travel planner. When you use a
travel planner not only do you have a professional on your side to help you
plan but you are supporting a small business! When you book on your own not
only are you truly on your own when it comes to planning but you are paying for
a service you aren’t getting!! Put some good karma out in the world and support
a small business.. it literally won’t cost you anything extra!
Ashley, thank you so much for taking the
time to answer my questions! It was very, very insightful, and helpful!
Readers, if you have more questions, or want to book a vacation, please feel
free to contact Ashley for details!
Ashley’s Facebook page is where she posts
the latest deals and tips! Make sure to like to stay in the loop!
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