My transparency and now what?

On Wednesday, July 1, 2020, all members of the European Union, as well as the non-E.U. European nations of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein banned Americans who are currently living in the United States, from entering due to the number of COVID cases in the U.S. However, Britain and Ireland are allowing American citizens in, but they must quarantine for 14-days. Britain and Ireland are not apart of Europe’s free movement zone or also known as, the Schengen Area. 

I want to be transparent and honest now more than ever.

About a month ago, I was starting to receive and book more itinerary trips for clients who wanted to travel through the fall or winter of this year. COVID cases were declining, businesses were opening back up and it seemed as though we were headed on the right track to recovery. I was positive and hopeful about travel for the rest of 2020, and expressed this to each client who booked an itinerary. I honestly believed we would end 2020 on a positive note and we would all travel again to our dream destinations.

Then the news hits; COVID cases are increasing all across America and the European Union decided to ban Americans from entering (even if they were to quarantine for 14-days). This seemed (to me), more of a political move considering tourism (especially from America) is a large part of their economy and taking a drastic action like this, has little reasoning. The fact is, I do not know why this happened. I can only draw from speculation.

so now what?

What do I say when everything I’ve been thinking and feeling turns out to be wrong?

What do I do now for my clients who have European itineraries booked for this year? The E.U. has stated they would re-evaluate COVID numbers for each banned country every two weeks. So, there’s a chance my clients can still take their European vacations. But, my job to my clientele is to be honest. I do not know the chances or even the percentage that the E.U. will allow U.S. travelers in anytime soon.

Therefore, my job, as a travel advisor, is to PROTECT my clients. I’ve suggested to all of them to postpone their trip to next year or cancel their trip all together. Everyday, the travel industry is changing, there’s a new regulation or travel ban. I do not want to tell them, “Let’s wait and see if it changes”. Right now, I simply do not know what the travel future holds for 2020. They have their lives to live and plans to make. Who can afford to be waiting last minute if they can or cannot travel? I do not want to keep their hopes up if I do not know for certain it will change.

As a travel advisor, a lot of people are unaware that we do not get paid, until our clients depart for their trips. It can take up to a year or more to plan a fantastic, quality trip. I research, I pay attention to detail, I plan logistically how to get my clients from A to B, their likes, their dislikes. It takes a lot of time and effort. So when a trip is canceled or postponed, this directly affects income for the travel advisor. Lately, I’ve been feeling like a realtor. You can show a client several locations with the best intentions to find a property they’re looking for, and end up walking away with nothing. Unfortunately, it’s the nature of the business.

However, my business is built on my relationships I form with my clientele, the quality of service I provide them and most importantly, trust. It’s been a difficult year to say the least, but the sweetness from the sour is, I know, they’ll be back. I know this because they trust me. I look out for their best interest, not mine. In today’s world, with all of this “turbulence”, my service and character is invaluable. And next year, they’ll have my back too and continue to book every future trip with me.

So, NOW WHAT?

My advice, let’s keep looking to the future, to move forward. I will continue to have a passion for travel and when the time comes to re-book or book new itineraries, I’m ready and available when you are!

x May you always TravelChic.

P.S.

Please protect everyday workers. I have family in the healthcare industry who risk their lives every single day to fight COVID. Please wear a mask, please wash your hands, please sanitize. If you’re feeling sick, please stay home and seek medical care. We are all impacted and we can only beat this by working together. ❤