If a client called and asked me any of these questions, we would spend a minimum of 15 minutes in conversation before I would consider giving them an answer.
No cookie cutter answers for my clients! |
In fact, I’d be asking them a whole lot of questions right back, such as:
- Can you tell me more about who is going on this trip?
- Why are you going, what is your vision, are you celebrating anything?
- How old are your kids, what are their interests & activities?
- What are your favorite hotels?
- What do you like to do on vacation?
- Have you ever cruised before, traveled outside the US, etc?
- What are your hotel “must haves” and what do you like to avoid?
- Do you want to be in the middle of the action or do you want a quiet retreat?
And something that is really important to families: do you need guaranteed connecting rooms or a specific bedding arrangement?
Spiral staircase to get to breakfast |
Paris elevator – not for claustrophobes! |
Farmer’s market in Provence |
Turks & Caicos waterpark |
As for selecting a cruise, don’t even get me started! When you thing about the variables for just one destination: the cruise line, the ships within that line, cabin types, ports visited, onboard activities, etc. it staggers the mind.
My job is to make sure I give the best answer for each and every client. And that requires a lot of communication between us. Many people email or call to ask about rates for a specific hotel, often because their friends recommended it. Personal recommendations are great, I use them all the time. But is that really the best fit for you, of ALL the hotels available?
Or warm, rustic luxury? |
One time I had just returned from the destination featured in the Q&A section. And while the “expert” recommended a couple things I agree with, there were several things I think he/she missed, and I would have narrowed the list even further if I knew the ages of the travelers. They also made a dining recommendation which baffled me, as the town had many other much better restaurants.
So don’t believe everything you read!
For help with planning the perfect vacation just for you, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.