Hi -- I hope this newsletter finds all of you doing well and staying safe in these troubled times. I've given Robert the week off from acting as newsletter editor, and thought I'd step in and share something that is near and dear to my heart -- my paycheck.  There is much misinformation out there, so I thought I'd take time to provide the facts so you'd understand how travel agents are paid. 

Many people believe that if they use a trained travel professional (aka travel agent), they pay more for their vacation.  This is typically untrue. If you book direct -- be it a cruise, tour or even travel insurance -- you will pay the same price as if you book with a travel agent.  Sure, there's commission involved*, as there is with all bookings. If you book direct with the company, they (the company) will keep 100% of the commission; if you use a travel agent, she will receive a percentage of the total commission. (*percentages vary from one company to the next; there is no set commission.)

I'm guessing the next curiosity might be how much commission is made on each type of transaction for a typical vacation.  And, while I am not comfortable sharing those specific numbers, what I can tell you (honestly), is that I'm not working as a travel agent to get rich.  What I make probably averages out to a much lower number than you would realize.  My agent friends and I joke sometimes about "striking it rich," lol. The real reason I'm in the business is because of how much I love what I do (firstly), and (secondly) so I can pay for my travel habit.  Which leads me to the next topic . . . travel agents traveling for free.

Contrary to popular belief, I do not travel for free, and more often than not I pay the same price my clients pay.  Occasionally, I am offered a discounted trip so that I can learn about a destination, but that trip seldom includes airfare, and you know how much airfare can be to international destinations, right?  For example, my Tahiti FAM (familiarization trip for agents) trip in December 2019 cost me over $3,500.  Yes, once we were there, we stayed in some luxury hotels, and we were treated to nice meals and took great tours -- we were there, after all, to learn about the destination.  In my twelve plus years as a travel professional, I've attended maybe six of these types of FAM trips.  When you see me in Europe in the Mediterranean with my husband -- we've paid the same rate (hopefully I got a sale like I do for my clients!) as other passengers on the same vacation. I enjoy each and every one of the trips -- be it a FAM or a planned vacation with my husband or friends -- and the benefit in the end is that regardless of what it costs me, I'm better prepared to help you plan your next vacation to those destinations.   

I LOVE my job, and I love helping each of you plan your vacation -- be it a simple family cruise, or the most complicated European or Australian vacation. I'm here to help you digest all of the facts, so we can narrow down what you want to do, and make sure you see all of the sights/sites you want to see on that dream vacation. 

And the "fee or not to fee" title comes in the conversation at this point. For twelve years I've charged very few fees, and when I have, they were explained to the clients. I have counted on my clients to book and complete their travel, as this is the point at which I will get paid -- after travel is complete.  Even during this pandemic, when cruise after cruise, and tour after tour were canceled, I worked to make sure details were handled so clients received future cruise credits, refunds, or even had their trip/cruise rescheduled. Many of you reading this newsletter know that I've continued to follow through with every single one to make sure you've received the compensation due you.

In closing -- we each have to decide what will work best for ourselves and our families. In the twelve years I've been working as an agent, my business has grown exponentially, and I have a list of clients that book with me every time they travel, and a few that book occasionally. In the end, whether it's me or someone else, I will always believe that using a travel agent who is trained and truly knows what she's doing (which means has great resources, too), is well worth it.

And, to my trusted and valued clients, let me take this opportunity to tell you how much I appreciate you.  You've helped me grow Triple R Travel each and every year -- by trusting me with your vacations, and also referring your friends and family.  My passion for this business has grown as the business has grown, and I plan to continue working as a Certified Travel Counselor for many years to come. I hope that in your dealings with me, that you've come to know, like and trust me, and have faith that I will advise and assist you with every step of the perfect vacation.  

Keep your plans and dreams alive - postponed, not canceled. We have all our clients' information, wishes and preferences for the postponed trips due to COVID-19, and can easily just change the dates when we're liberated, cured or vaccinated. Hang in there, stay safe, be thankful for what you have and for those you love.  We remain grateful for your support and patronage.

Remember, the next time you're planning a vacation, w hether it's domestic or international, Triple R Travel is here to help handle all of the details . And because our clients don't need to live locally, we can assist you and your friends or family that are interested in the professional services of a Certified Travel Counselor, then please send them my contact information.  We're here to handle the details, so they can 

rest, relax and rejuvenate. 

  

Have a great weekend, and thank you for supporting Triple R Travel -- we appreciate your business!

 

P.S.  If you'd like to forward this newsletter to a friend, please click on the link on the upper left hand side -- and thank you!  A word-of-mouth referral is the best referral!

Thank you for your continued support and referrals.  Let us design your next dream vacation -- Triple R Travel handles the details so you can rest, relax and rejuvenate! And please stay safe and well and let's get through this together!

Raye

Geneva Raye Hayden. CTC/ECC/LCS

Triple R Travel

919-371-8352