How to Prep Your Clients to Travel Confidently in 2025

As we approach the new year, people are dreaming about and planning for the exciting travel adventures and experiences that await them in 2025. Travel advisors play an important role in helping their clients to prepare for those trips and to travel confidently.

Alleviating concerns

Along with that anticipation, sometimes there exists a bit of concern on the part of consumers. “Feeling uncertain in these times is now the new normal, and exactly why you should book that bucket list vacation. Life is short and your bucket list isn’t,” says Zac Fowler, of Dawn & Zac Travel. “We suggest that our clients plan early and often to ensure they meet their travel goals and save the most on their vacations.”

Another highly accomplished advisor, Christina Royer, CTA, CTIE, co-founder of Sky High Travel, explains her approach to lessening the impact of clients’ concerns about travel: “Have we ever been certain about our world? Clients can often be persuaded in a reasonable direction when they express that concern. I address the issue with them and acknowledge that their problem is valid, but won’t change. Often, they redirect the conversation to a new concern or are ready to move forward. Either way, I am happy to assist. Vacations should alleviate your stress, not add to it!”

Diving deeper into the subject, Royer notes: “As travel professionals, we must acknowledge that our marketing, booking cycle, and processes must be adaptable, instead of blaming external situations. We should pivot and explore whether different groups of clients are ready to book. Statistics show that people are traveling in record-breaking numbers. So, if your sales differ from where you want them to be, find resources to help you shift in a successful direction. It’s okay to change, and you must adapt to make it if things aren’t going well. You can adjust and build a brand-new future!”

Explaining the importance of travel insurance

While more travelers now understand the importance of securing travel insurance for their adventures (especially for those longer journeys or more far-flung destinations), others may not know about the benefits of having travel insurance in place. Once again, the travel advisor can step in to educate.

Fowler helps bring peace of mind to his clients by integrating a discussion about travel insurance into the planning process. “We explain the full benefits of having travel insurance and how important it is to have a plan in case something happens during your vacation,” he says.

This is how Royer addresses travel insurance: “By including an insurance policy in their travel package, travelers often have nothing to lose if they change their minds. I ensure that my clients know the benefits of booking in advance, adding an insurance policy, and maintaining peace of mind as they approach their departure date. If plans change and travel is no longer desirable, they can cancel, rebook elsewhere, receive a refund, or apply the funds to another travel date.”

Furthermore, Royer informs her clients that she personally only travels with travel insurance. She says that it means a lot to them that she always ensures it is included in her own travel packages.

Booking early

Another strategy is to encourage clients to book early. Suggest why they should book now for 2025, instead of postponing making their travel plans at a later date.

“I encourage them to book in advance to ensure they secure a room or cabin at my preferred partners,” explains Royer. “Booking in advance allows for a greater selection of room categories and ensures that you can secure the recommended level. If you wait, you may have to compromise, and risk missing out on the best options. By booking in advance, you have more options available to you and can avoid this potential loss. I often remind clients that tomorrow is never promised, and life will always be uncertain. Leap and book the trip!

“I motivate clients to consider booking travel further in advance in several ways,” Royer continues. “Firstly, I offer packages from preferred suppliers with a price match guarantee. I assure clients that we can secure the new rate if the price drops.

“I also educate clients that the days of finding last-minute deals are over and rarely successful due to high travel demand and low availability. If a client seeks a lower price, I have a portfolio of properties to recommend, catering to various price points. It’s essential to have options for every budget.

“Lastly, some of my clients have learned this lesson the hard way, and are eager to book further out so it doesn’t happen again.”

Fowler also stresses early booking: “We really promote booking early with our clients to get the best selection of high-demand oceanfront and family suite rooms. This also gives families and couples more time to plan and save for their vacation.”  

Building trust

Trust is the foundation of every successful advisor-client relationship. Once established, that trust can form the basis of a lifetime of business, as well as a pipeline full of referral business.

Royer builds trust by: “I always keep my promises and meet deadlines for my clients. I understand how crucial it is to deliver the product they want — good communication and active listening help retain clients. I am also involved in our community, so my clients regularly see my agency participating in local organizations. This shows them that I am local and that my business supports local organizations.”

With just these few fundamental strategies in hand, travel advisors can better help to prepare their clients to travel confidently now, in 2025, and beyond. And secure their repeat business well into the future.

FROM THE SPONSOR:
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