Travel Advisors Practice Self-Care during Stressful Times

The new wave of challenges for Travel Expert advisors has led some to implement self-care techniques, whether it’s putting on music or enjoying a cocktail, in order to stay balanced during these stressful times so that they can be the best they can be for their clients,

“As I cancel yet another cruise for clients who were supposed to leave next week, but are afraid they will be trapped onboard, I’m sitting on hold listening to violin concertos hoping I can salvage a piece of their penalties,” shared Linda de Sosa, of Bucketlist Travel Consulting in Houston, Texas said:  “At the same time, I am booking a massage for myself online. Oh, and the cruise line just came back on and said they would not convert any penalties into credit. Turn up the music.”

Holly Lombardo, Holly Lombardo Travel in Atlanta, Georgia, said that while her stress level is off the charts, she tries to remind herself that “doing my best is good enough and I put my head down and power through.”

“Lately I’ve commented that I feel this summer is almost more challenging than last spring. Clients have a million questions and it does not end until their trip departs and even then I might get a call on a Sunday morning asking me to get involved when a client has a delayed test result and is supposed to be on a plane in two hours,” Lombardo said. 

“If that does not work, I usually reach out to an associate by phone or a Facebook group of agents who can completely understand what I’m feeling. And if that does not work, well when 6 p.m. rolls around I make myself a refreshing gin and tonic and let out a big exhale.”

Lombardo added: “I stress to my clients that traveling this summer, you will need to be flexible, patient, and most of all have a sense of humor.”

For Stacy Small, Elite Travel International in Maui, Hawaii, the answer was taking her own vacation. 

“I did something kind of crazy this past week. I did what I am always telling others to do and I took a real vacation. Well, not the exotic, bucket-list trip I might be dreaming about, but a quick trip to the mainland for a low-stress, fun, six-day getaway in the City by the Bay,” she said. 

“And it was a reminder that we are all in need of scenery changes and a dose of new and different energy.

“After four months of working from home, head down at my laptop studying the daily changing air schedules, all the Covid rules and working hard to help clients escape their own worlds, I was getting tired. I needed to pay attention to my own need for a big fat break from pandemic life.”

Pam Walker, Walker Adventures, Palm Coast, FL said she tries to disperse the fear and anxiety. 

“There is so much fear out there. I research and talk to friends in the business daily. It is amazing to have friends all over the world. Who else can say that but travel advisors and people in the travel industry? I so love this business.”

“If the pandemic has taught us anything it’s that nothing is certain,” said Susan Kelly, Luxury Adventure Trips in Seattle, Washington. “My clients are ready to travel and they are very world-savvy. They’re optimistic but cautious and understand that their dream trips can change due to Covid. I call it ‘Fingers Crossed Travel Planning.’ I highly advise them to purchase travel insurance. I don’t know why anyone would leave home without it.”

Linda de Sosa added: “As someone who has worked hard to raise awareness of mental illness I worry for us travel agents. But I also remind myself and my clients how important travel is in creating joy in our life.”