Destinations – yay for spring! | Travel Research Online

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Destinations – yay for spring!

What’s up fellow travel agent peeps?   April is here, and along with it, those lovely April showers–well at least here in Arkansas.  You know that old saying, “April showers bring May flowers.”  You know what else those showers bring? They bring out the 4 Bs — burn out, blues, bad attitudes, and broken resolutions.  You’ve made it through the majority of the super busy winter booking season, all those January and February bridal shows, and survived the freezing cold winter and snow.  No wonder you are tired, and need a break.

Lately I’ve heard some discussion from colleagues about how burned out they are, and how they “hate” their clients.  How they aren’t making any money, is it worth all the hard work, do I really want to stay in this industry?  For me, the answer will always be a resounding yes! 

I am consistently accused of being a Pollyanna.  You know that chick that our grandmothers used to tell us about who was always happy, in an irritatingly good mood, and espousing all sunshine and rainbows.  She was incredibly naïve, and would never conceive of something bad happening.  She always looked on the bright side. Guilty as charged.

I always try to be positive and upbeat, because that’s how I chase my doldrums, and burnout away.  There are a few things I do to survive until that first vacation of the year with my honey, or the FAM trip I’ve anticipated all winter long.  Whenever possible, I seek the sunshine and fresh air of the early spring days.  I will sit outside at lunch, instead of sitting at my desk.  I take a moment to appreciate the challenge I’ve given myself to design a perfect FIT for my clients.  Then I breathe in the excitement of that moment when the client realizes that their vision is a reality.  They (the clients) rejuvenate me, and their enthusiasm is just the extra catalyst I need to keep going.   Surround yourself with positive people who have the same work ethic, drive, and attitude that you do.  And lastly, I take every opportunity  to learn something new.

I’ve found that burnout seems to roll around every 10 years or so for me.   When that happens I stop and reevaluate just what I really want.  I pull out all the thank you cards, and notes that clients have sent over the years.  Their words of appreciation and wonder make it all worthwhile.  Somehow I keep coming back to this crazy, challenging, rewarding, exciting, breathtaking business we call travel.   I can’t explain it, it just gets in your blood, and you can’t fathom ever loving another job as much as you love this one.

Do you suffer the early spring blues? Maybe another season? How do you chase them away?

Tracee Williams is a 32 year veteran of the travel industry.  She has extensive experience with both corporate and leisure travel agencies in Northwest Arkansas.  She specializes in Honeymoons, and Luxury Travel.  She is a CTA, ACC, Platinum CSS, and a Sandals Weddingmoon Specialist.  She is currently studying to get her CTC.  She lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas with her husband Darrell, and their fur babies, Callie, Annie, and Peanut.

  One thought on “Destinations – yay for spring!

  1. Hi Tracee,

    Thanks for the post and it couldn’t be more timely! I’m itching to I get what I call “spring fever” every single year. I typically catch it just after we get our first couple of warm days outside. You know, the absolutely gorgeous days when you decide to raise the storm windows only to realize later that cold weather isn’t over yet forcing you to go lower them all again!?!

    The only cure to my sickness comes from a quick trip to an island or tropical breeze! Two or three days is all it takes and the ROI is priceless. Not only does it recharge, rejuvenate and relax, it also serves as a refresher on the destination I’m visiting which allows me to sell more effectively to my clients. I find, without question, that I sell what I have personally experience far more than properties or destinations I haven’t!

    When that’s not possible and as a last resort, I play tricks on my mind by paying a visit to my local tanning salon:-)

    Have a great weekend!

    Steven Talbott
    Vacation Side Travel
    Relax. Now You’re in Paradise.
    http://www.vacationside.com

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