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eliminated change fees for bookings made between March 2020 and March 2021 ( for travel through February 2022 ) and extended voucher usage through the end of 2021 .
But be spontaneous VAX ’ s early 2021 shopping data shows that travel advisors are booking closer in to their clients ’ departure date than 2020 and 2019 , at an average of 40 days . In the same time in 2020 , the average booking window was 57 days and in 2019 , it was a generous 128 days .
The spontaneity of travelers is echoed in The 2021 Upgrade Report from Hotels . com , a global study conducted by the booking site . The report found that 89 % of Americans want to be more spontaneous than ever in 2021 and many want to make up for the travel they missed out on in 2020 , with 32 % of respondents calling 2020 the “ lost year ” for travel . For that same percentage of travelers surveyed , 32 % said they want to be carefree and relaxed by making spontaneous decisions ; 28 % said they don ’ t want to plan and just want to do whatever they want ; and 24 % said they are seeking out new experiences . Those three things are perfect opportunities for travel advisors to step in and help travelers out .
So maybe Michael Scott of “ The Office ” was on to something when he came up with his business rule No . 2 : Adapt . React . Readapt . Act . In all seriousness , flexibility and spontaneity will be key things to embrace for 2021 travel .
The future belongs to travel advisors Travel advisors are teed up for success as the industry comes back .
Travelers want to get back out there , but are understandably feeling some trepidation . There ’ s a lot to keep track of now : entry requirements , testing protocols , quarantine rules , how soon you can travel after getting fully vaccinated and even mask mandates . Plus there are the age-old questions of where should I go , what should I do and how should I get there ? Travel advisors have an even bigger job now because not only do you have to continue to qualify your clients to find the right airline , tour operator , accommodations and extras , you also need to ensure your clients understand the policies on their bookings and what their options are if they need to cancel or reschedule . Finding the right-fit travel insurance option is vital too , and though you hope they don ’ t have to use it , it ’ s still important to have and understand . You may even consider running through a list of “ what if ” scenarios with your clients so they are prepared to face any potential roadblock to their vacation .
Though your sales obstacles may be different than before the pandemic , there ’ s no one better to meet the moment now than travel advisors . You can be a guiding light for a client who ’ s hoping to travel internationally again but feels intimidated by the entry requirements to come back into the U . S . You can shepherd a multigenerational family through the planning of a trip to Orlando , where they ’ ll get to see each other for the first time in over a year . You can fulfill a couple ’ s destination wedding dreams that were put on hold but now will become reality . You can share your own experiences traveling around the U . S . and outside of it , to show your clients that it can be done .
This is your moment . You are the road ahead .
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