“ Although we have spent time learning new products during the pandemic , as well as other needed procedure changes , a big takeaway is understanding multiple perspectives of our clients . While our agency feels it is the right time to travel and that we need to support the industry , not all clients feel the same way . We have adjusted our attitude to focus on the clients ’ feelings and comfort level . We have made it known to all clients that when they are ready , we are here for them and will help them feel safe and prepared for their much-needed vacation . By having that level of trust and understanding , we know we have lifelong clients .” Barbara Strait , owner of Straight Away Travel
“ I WILL GIVE YOU TWO : I STOPPED SMOKING ONCE IT STARTED , AND I SLOWED DOWN .” Lawrence Pinckney , CEO of ZenBiz Travel
“ We have become very active in securing our partners and promoting them and us on social media and YouTube and are engaging more with our current clients and future ones .”
Randy Otts , chief memory architect at 2 Getaway Travel
“ I ’ VE SLOWED DOWN . I GUESS IT TOOK A PANDEMIC TO ALLOW ME TO TAKE A BREATH AND REAL- IZE EVERYTHING WOULD BE OK . I STILL HAVE MY DAILY ROUTINES , HAVE INCREDIBLE PERSONAL
RELATIONSHIPS WITH ALL OF MY ADVISORS AND SUPPLIERS , STILL SETTING AND ACHIEVING GOALS , BUT I HAVE MORE TIME WITH MY THREE CHILDREN , FAMILY AND FRIENDS , AND ENJOYING THE BEAUTY OF EACH AND EVERY DAY .” Andrea Wright , vice president of Travel Industry Sales for Playa Hotels & Resorts
“ I had to learn to do something I didn ’ t think I could : to work from home . I never felt I was disciplined enough to stay focused when I was at home . Well , then 2020 happened . Not only am I focused , but I also find myself stuck at my desk as much as I was when I was in an office . I still eat at my desk like always , and I have to remind myself to get my pups out in the afternoon .”
Betsy Geiser , CTA , VTA and vice president of Uniglobe Travel Center
“ As the pandemic dug in last year and began impacting many facets of our lives , I quickly realized I ’ d be working from home for a while . In an effort to avoid staying totally locked down , I started riding my road bike more regularly . At my peak , I would ride 50 miles , 60 miles , even 100 miles , aka a century ride , which I did in 2008 with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ’ s Team in Training , in memory of my mother . Since then I ’ d ride here and there , but never quite to the same level as before . Over this past year , I realized that if I wasn ’ t going to be traveling for work as I had been previously , I had to do something to stay active , get out of the house and keep my immune system in check . So
I got back on my bike each week , if not more frequently . Not only did riding help me physically , but it helped me mentally and emotionally as well . It ’ s fun , it helps me keep things in perspective , and it gets me out of my office while I wait to get back out there and travel again ! We ’ re all looking for some positives coming out of the pandemic . For me , this was one thing , and I plan to spend more time on the saddle !” Scott Radesi , director of sales , North America for Karisma Hotels & Resorts
“ THE ONE THING THAT I ’ VE CHANGED FOR THE BETTER IS DOCUMENTING . DURING THE PANDEMIC I ’ VE LEARNED THAT I NEED TO DOCUMENT , DOCU- MENT , DOCUMENT . I ’ VE ALWAYS TAKEN GOOD NOTES , BUT I ’ VE TAKEN THAT TO ANOTHER LEVEL . I NOW MAKE NOTES ABOUT WHO CANCELED , THE DATE THAT THE CANCELLATION TOOK PLACE , WHAT THE POLICIES WERE AT THE TIME OF THE CANCELLATION , ETC . I ’ VE NOTICED THAT ALL OF MY CHANGES REVOLVE AROUND CANCELLATIONS . I DIDN ’ T HAVE ANY GOOD SYSTEMS IN PLACE FOR CANCELLATIONS BEFORE BE- CAUSE IT WAS RARE THAT ANYONE EVER DID CANCEL , BUT I DO NOW .” Stephanie Charboneau , CTA and travel advisor at Travel Creates Memories by Dream Vacations
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