This type of trip isn’t just imagination anymore. In fact, surprise vacations are a growing trend that has been becoming more and more popular over the years. How do they work and how can you plan them during your career? Here are some important points to consider.
What Grads of Travel and Tourism Management Courses Need to Know About Surprise Vacations
Part of what makes traveling so fun is the possibility of discovering something new, being surprised, and having an unforgettable experience. Surprise vacations take that feeling to a whole new level, though. They let travellers purchase a trip without knowing where they’re going, where they’ll be staying, or even what attractions they’ll be seeing once they get to their destination.
Some surprise vacation travel agencies will book the flight and accommodations, and simply give clients an itinerary of suggested activities and restaurants to try. Others might get a little more involved in the planning process and book activities or other elements of the vacation. Clients will still need to know a few crucial details, like what the weather forecast will be, and if there are any luggage restrictions they need to keep in mind. But other than that, the entire vacation is a surprise!
Client Research: An Important First Step When Planning Surprise Vacations
Surprise vacations are all about stepping into a wonderful and exciting mystery filled with delightful surprises—for the client, that is. Behind the scenes, travel agents work hard planning each detail, and do plenty of research to determine which hotels and travel arrangements to book.
Discovering the perfect surprise destination or crafting the perfect surprise vacation itinerary takes a bit of detective work to make sure that you choose options your customers will love. Many agencies will have their own approaches, whether they use a detailed online survey, a question-and-answer phone consultation, or even ask for permission to scope out their clients’ social media accounts in order to determine their interests.
It’s a fun way to combine your diploma in tourism and hospitality management with some detective-like research, as you work hard to make sure all the pieces of each vacation fit perfectly with what your customers want.
Checking and Re-Checking Bookings Is Essential When Planning Surprise Vacations
As graduates of travel and tourism training programs well know, double-checking bookings, arrangements, and other details is important when planning any vacation package. When booking surprise vacations, this is even more essential, since clients won’t be as familiar with their surroundings. A lost restaurant reservation, forgotten hotel booking, or other mix-up could cause a lot of stress and quickly turn a dream vacation sour.
To make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible, you’ll want to be extra vigilant with booking confirmations, and perhaps even have a backup plan up your sleeve in case anything goes wrong at the last minute. With your detailed preparations, your clients are sure to enjoy a vacation unlike any other.
Do you want to learn how to craft your dream career in travel and tourism?
Contact Eton College and find out how travel and tourism management courses will help you attain the skills you need to excel.
