Just a few short weeks ago students across the United States and Canada had their first day “Back to school.” It was the day that most kids dreaded, although I am sure parents don’t share the same sentiment.
As a child I recall the air always smelled different on that first morning. Perhaps it was the smell of my newly purchased sneakers, backpack filled with school supplies or simply my lunch. Whatever it was, the lingering smell of the next 10 long months was in the air.
The daily routines of the first day of school have not changed since my childhood. Students return home from their first day with their backpacks now stuffed with welcome back letters, memos, new agendas, and the ever important holiday schedule. Yes, the holiday schedule is the single most important document delivered home, in the eyes of many parents. No sooner have summer vacations just ended that parents and families are already planning and scheduling their winter and spring break vacations. This is the beginning of our “busy season” here at CWT Concierge Canada.
The day following the first day of school our phones lines are lit up like Christmas trees. The number of incoming calls in our office produces a masterpiece symphony composition that only a true conductor can compose. Our voicemail boxes are full and the telephone queue light is blinking fiercely.
How do we survive the following few weeks and months you ask? I still can’t get my head around answering that question. No doubt the multiple inquiries at once can overwhelm the most experienced personal travel advisor. Organization is key, and a great deal of patience is required to ensure we see things through during this time.
I am prepared; my pencils are sharpened, highlighters standing at attention and my booking forms neatly stacked ready to take charge. Currently, I am rethinking whether or not I have printed enough forms to start with.
Soon these booking forms will be decorated with brightly colored markings from the highlighters and different colors of ink to annotate deposits and final payments and special requests. The booking form is the birth and life of every reservation I book. Every critical detail gets captured on this form such as dates of travel, names, flight numbers, seat assignment, frequent flyer numbers, special meals, number of pets, special requests, etc… the details can be endless. There can be so many components that it is easy to miss a beat if you are not organized.
Time is of the essence at this busy time. It is up to us to act swiftly and accurately to ensure the booking and travel experience goes smoothly from start to finish. Well travelled families know that the earlier they book the better. Chances of getting what they want and need, especially when they have little or no flexibility with dates, are limited.
The booking form is the tool I use to stay organized and on top of everything. Just as children have their backpacks to keep their school goods nicely stored and organized. By the end of the “busy season” I would have accumulated an array of art work by way of booking forms (which is nicely colored, decorated and good enough to use as gift wrapping paper). Travel counselors are the conductors of our symphony and it is up to us to make sure we hit every note at the right time with every call.
Are you in the process of booking your next vacation? What’s on the agenda? We’d love to hear about it.
