Hi all,
Great news! I recently decided to join up with Outside Agents host agency. For those who may be unaware, a host travel agency is an umbrella for independent contracted agents. Agents pay the host to access suppliers and vendors that the host has already created relationships with.
I have been researching and figuring out where I want to go with my travel design business since I started. I eventually want to become a credentialed agency on my own, but all roads pointed to joining a host agency first, so here we are! In the following post, I’ll let you know what that means for both myself and you, and how I’m maintaining my principles after a long while of distinguishing myself apart from “the typical travel agent”.
What does that mean for you, my loyal followers & clients?
This is actually the best news for all of you. I can now book your travel directly, which should make life 100% easier for you. I have access to the back-end of the travel industry, hidden to the general public (which previously included myself). This means access to more deals, perks, and package discounts. You can come to me with any trip, and I can help you book it and take some stress off your plate. Even if it’s just a hotel room you already know that you want, it will be worth checking with me to see if I can get you a cheaper deal on the same room!
What this means for Alex
I can book your travel on the back end with my new access to hundreds of vendors and suppliers, with visibility on different pricing and deals. By booking your airfare, hotels, VRBO, rental cars, and activities for you, I will be working towards my own credentials. Once I book enough travel to meet a certain threshold, I can get my own credentials and make a better commission. Eventually I should be able to break out and not need a host agency.
My Morals & Principles
The decision to join a host agency was difficult because I really want to stand out amongst your “typical travel agent.” I don’t want to sell you travel because it makes me money. I don’t want the undertones of my business to be increased commissions for myself. If you know me at all, you likely know that this has never been at the forefront of my business. I aim to put the traveler first. I try to make travel accessible. I want people to take their deserved vacations! And yes, I’d like to make a living doing it, but not if it means compromising my client’s wants and needs.
What I’ve learned about travel in my own experience is that you can feel more connected to a place with a few things that go into planning:
1. Detail- As a travel designer I want to get to know you, so that I can add the details into your trip that will make it unique and enjoyable.
2. Passion- When I share my own excitement and passion for travel while planning your vacation, it bleeds into your experience.
3. Connection- In cookie cutter trips, package cruise deals, group travel with work colleagues, etc., you will struggle to find a lot of connection to your adventure. I want to connect you to where you are going on a deeper level than just booking flights and hotels. I want to send you to the oldest bar in Ireland. I want to make sure you find that hole-in-the-wall bakery in the nunnery. I will note all the thrift stores on the map for your favorite hobby. From start to finish, you should feel that I want you to have your most enjoyable time.
I know that I will still be able to stand out for these three reasons.
Despite my new super powers (direct booking of air, hotels, rentals, activities), I am still standing by my original pledge. I will help you from beginning to end of your trip with every facet and detail. I will answer any and all questions to the best of my ability. I will work within your budget and never push something on you because it might benefit me.
Yeah, so… where are we going?
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