Category Archives: Travel Business
Coworking Spaces for Business Travelers
Travelling is a very basic component of every business institution. Meeting with the partners and remote coworkers every now and then is crucial to intensify the growth of the business. Generally, the business executives prefer meetings in person. For countless reasons you may have to travel to different cities or countries and host business meetings.
However, the work ethics has changed significantly in the world, making things more digitalized but there are not enough ideas in the world that can put an end to business travelling. While hotel conference rooms are always a pick for the business travellers, the meetings can also be held in the coworking spaces.
Hotel conference rooms charge immensely to arrange meetings. And since these meetings are quite frequent, you always look for an outlet that can save you some money. So today, we will be discussing some of the choices that you have to hold meetings or presentation for your business-
Business Centers- To begin with, we would like to introduce Business Centers as your initial choice of holding business meetings. This alternative does not require any former investment. The presentation rooms and business meeting rooms are rented on hourly basis or for days. You can rent the room as per your needs. Most of these places are equipped with internet, printers, workstations, meeting tables in different sitting capacities, projectors, etc. The Business Centers are designed to give you real-life office experience on a remote location.
Business Hotels- As we were discussing earlier, Business Hotels is the common-most choice of every business traveller to host business meetings. These hotels usually have meeting rooms, classrooms, private office, individual desks etc. The ambience is amazing and you can also quickly arrange lunch for the clients. The Business Hotels are usually equipped with all the major amenities that you may need to hold meetings. The rent however is a troublesome element. You will find business hotels to charge massively for the services delivered. You can rent it for hours or days, as per your needs. Of course, you can also stay at the same hotel and make arrangements for the meeting.
Coworking Spaces- One of the most pragmatic option that is available on an affordable rate are the coworking spaces. Coworking spaces are still creating their market as not many business people know about it. These offices are available at low prices and can be rented for hours or days. They have fine suitable for different kinds of professionals. The amenities that you get at coworking spaces are internet, projectors, meeting rooms, etc. You can also conduct meetings in the dedicated coworking places and meet new people. This will also help you to connect with professionals that may help you with your business as well. It is a perfect choice for the professionals with budget constraint.
Can Virtual Reality Help Eliminate Your Corporate Travel Expenses?
All of those things are perfectly valid arguments – for now. But putting supplier and customer in the same room has no long-term sustainable future. Technology is making it redundant. Not today, perhaps not tomorrow, but soon.
Of course, it’s fair to say that some companies like to show how much power they have over suppliers by summoning them for a 15-minute meeting a three-hour drive away, keeping them waiting for no other reason than ‘because they can’, and then sending a deputy to do the face-to-face part. That’s mere arrogance, and that kind of company won’t change. The time spent, of course, will be reflected in the bill…
But for more enlightened customers there is a recognition that time is not only money, but is also finite. Sure, a personal connection is vital. Before a contract is awarded, it’s good to see the whites of their eyes; to see if they’re the kind of people you’d like to do business with. But after that, meet once a year, perhaps, and for the rest of the time rely on technology. And why wouldn’t you. We’re living on a technology timeline, where the once-novel is now the mere commonplace. Who would have thought we could communicate electronically via email? But we do. Who remembers that now old-fashioned ‘please allow 28 days for delivery’ on goods bought by mail order. But we did.
Careful use of travel expense management software will show just how much money a company is spending to put its representative in the same suit as a client. But the time spent on regular travelling is a drain on the individual jammed into the metal tube at 50,000 feet, a drain on a company’s productivity, for if they’re travelling they’re not being as productive as they might be, and for the planet, we’re just sucking away the fossil fuels and fouling up the atmosphere. Comparisons of the relative CO2 emissions between cars and planes are a red herring; both dump more greenhouse gas than not making the journey at all.
And does that mean there has to be some kind of personal connection; some feeling that a supplier puts before you dismiss it out of hand, perhaps now would be a good time to take the long view; and from that different perspective, perhaps see the concept in a different light.
Squinting into the past, it would once have been unheard of to exchange correspondence electronically, batting messages back and forth more quickly than can be explained – but we take it for granted today.
Customized Travel Adapters – The Ideal Corporate Gifts
Most professionals, executives, business owners, office workers, e.t.c, have embarked on travel from one country to another for business transactions, meetings, seminars, workshops, and other business-related functions at one time or the other. As they embark on their different journeys from country to country, their phones, laptops and other electronic gadgets are always with them to keep in contact with business partners and get up-to-date with work.
Phones, laptops are also essential gadgets are a must-pack when embarking on business journeys. There is nothing more frightening than seeing your phone or laptop with a low battery and about to go off when you have important business phone calls to make, you want to navigate your destination with Google Map or have other very important things that you need to do with your phone. This is why a Travel Adapter is a must use when you want to embark on a journey.
What is a Travel Adapter
A travel Adapter is not an electrical converter; it is a connector that allows electrical devices of different plug shapes to be used in different countries. It simply connects different plug shapes to the wall outlet of different countries. This means that with this, you can plug in electrical devices with different plug shapes into the wall outlet of another country.
Different countries and regions have different wall outlets and plug types, which is why a travel adapter is recommended to take along with you whenever you are embarking on a journey to another country. Some of them also have USB Ports where you can charge your phones, tablets and some other USB enabled devices.
Why Travel Adapters are Ideal Corporate Gifts
Company owners, business owners, executives, and other professionals travel most times from one country to another. They need to charge and plug in their different electronic devices and because of this reason, they are ideal corporate gifts that companies and businesses can give out as gift items.
Travel adapters come in different shapes and colors, hence it is best you get the ones that have plug sockets that are compatible with your different electronic devices. Different countries and continents have different plug types such as A, B, C, D, and so on. For example, America has plug type A, Canada has plug type A, European countries have plug type C.
Customized Travel Adapters
Adapters can be customized to suit your needs and make it look different from the other adapters around. This is to give it a unique look and to personalize it for your personal use and satisfaction.
Assuming you have two phones and two tablets that you need to charge at the same time, there are customizable adapters that perfectly suit your need. These are adapters that allow you to simultaneously charge your two phones, two tablets, and other electronic devices at the same time. Charging all your devices at the same time may reduce the distribution of electrical power to each device which will prolong the charging time.
Benefits of using Customized Travel Adapters
1. To charge your phones while traveling – Allows you to charge your phones while traveling regardless of the country you are traveling to. You do not need to worry about whether the wall outlet in the country you are traveling to will be compatible with the country you are coming from. With a customized travel adapter, you can charge your different phones all at the same time thereby saving time.
2. To charge your Laptop while traveling – Allow you to charge your laptop in any country you may be traveling to. A laptop is one of the most important belongings a business man or an executive will be traveling with because he needs to always be up-to-date with work. So using a customized travel adapter will give you an assurance that you will not have to lose track of work due to low battery of your laptop.
3. To charge your Tablets – Apart from charging your phones and laptop, you can as well charge your tablets too. There are many outlets where you can plug in your tablets along with your phones and laptop.
4. To power Electric Shavers – As a businessman going on a business trip that will take weeks, an electric shaver is one personal belonging you shouldn’t forget to take with you. This is where a customized travel adapter is of great importance because you will need to power your electric shaver or charge it when needed. Regardless of the country, you are travelling to, a customized travel adapter is what you should take along with you to enable you power or charge your electric shaver.
5. To charge Digital Cameras – As a tourist going on a vacation or a businessman going to a business seminar, a digital camera is what you should take along with you to capture every moment. You also need a customized travel adapter to enable you to charge or power your digital camera when needed. With a travel adapter you can charge your digital camera in any of the countries you will be traveling to.
Things to take note of
A Travel Adapter is not a converter or a transformer, hence there are two important things that you need to take note of when traveling to other countries so you don’t end up destroying your phones and other devices. These two important things you should take note of include;
1. Current – The two major standards for electric current are Direct current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC). Some countries use DC while some other countries use AC, hence you need to check that your devices are compatible with the electrical current of the countries you will be visiting so as to avoid any damage.
2. Voltage – There are several different standards of electric voltage for different countries. The most common are USA voltage standard of 110/120V and European countries of 220/240V. So check which voltage your devices are compatible with so as to avoid damaging your devices.
Travel Survival Tips: 13 Essential Items to Pack for Your Next Business Trip
Travel Survival Tips
Traveling for business or pleasure for the most part is great experience. Travel does have its disadvantages, especially when you forget to bring some essential item. Being prepared is the secret to the travel game. Having both worked and lived abroad, I have had to travel in many different environments. There are certain items that I always want to have with me on a business trip because of their usefulness. Most of the items are surprisingly inexpensive. Here is the Travel Survival list that I have compiled of items that I take with me when I travel for business.
13 Essential Items to Pack for Your Business Trip
1. White Hand Towel
A basic white 16″ x 27″ hand towel. The saving grace to this towel is its compact size. Not too big, not too small. It is big enough to shower with even for a big guy like me. Hey, it is not the “Ritz-Carlton” of towels, but it is big enough to get the job done. If you have to wash it, it washes easily in the sink in your room. If you have to use a commercial laundry, It takes up less space and it also dries quicker. That will save you money in the end. At 2 Euro to wash a very small load in France, it adds up. I have used it to shine my shoes, rolled-up as a pillow, and even a dust cloth. It can also be used to clean up a variety of spills. Make sure that it is white so it can be bleached. Most of the time I simply wash it with Zote (See #2) Best of all, you know where this towel has been. Less than $5
2. Zote Mexican Laundry Soap
I prefer Zote Brand – Choose the pink one, it has a great citronella scent and it just works. Zote gets out stains that would never come out with anything else. When you spill on your favorite tie; Zote to the rescue. It will even remove old stains that have been on clothing for sometime. It also has fabric softeners built in. So when your luggage doesn’t arrive, you can rewash your outfit with Zote and you are on your way! Purchase Zote at any Latino Supermarket. It is a great product and it smells so good. Less than $1.
3. Dr. Bronner’s Magic Pure Castile 18 in 1 Peppermint Hemp Soap
The most unique and refreshing soap you will ever use. Dr. Bronner’s website explains that the soap is “A combination of organic extra virgin coconut, olive, jojoba and hemp oils, together with pure essential oils, creates a unique soap that cleans effectively without being aggressive and produces a velvety-lather that leaves the skin silky-smooth and refreshed.” it is a little pricey, but well worth it. The soap is ultra concentrated so you should dilute it. A bottle will last you much longer than you think. The awesome peppermint oil in the soap helps wake you up during your morning shower. It is also good to use as a refreshing face wash. I love this product. It is also interesting to read the bottle. Dr. Bronner brought the soap to the United States in 1948; his family has been making soap for 5 generations. All-One! 2 ounce bottle $3
4. Dial “Gold” Antibacterial Soap
Dial makes the best antibacterial soap on the market. Lets face it, hotel rooms can have a lot of germs. Don’t bother with liquid soap; the bar soap has more of the active ingredient in it than the liquid soap. Forget the little soap in the box that they provide for you. Use Dial to wash your hands, the counter, tables, and you! This will help keep you from bringing home the souvenir of sickness. $3 for a 3 pack.
5. Swiss Army Knife
Make sure to check this item if you are traveling by airplane. TSA will not permit a knife on a plane (Duh!) I am 1/2 Swiss. I have been using Swiss Army Knives since I was a kid. They are reliable and useful in so many ways. They are also easy to slip in your pocket and can serve as a weapon for your defense. My favorite model is the “Spartan”. It sports 2 blades, a can and bottle opener, screwdrivers, corkscrew and leather awl. $28
6. Leatherman Multi-tool
The main purpose for the leatherman is the needle-nose pliers. I tend to use my Swiss Army Knife more than my Leatherman. However, I have forgotten to pack it on occasion when I really could have used the pliers. You can unstick a zipper, tighten a bolt, etc. A great tool to have on hand everyday. $30
7. Glad White Plastic Quick-Tie Kitchen Garbage bags – 13 Gallon
These bags are good for dirty clothes, shoes or whatever you don’t want to touch your clean stuff. They work great as barf-bags for those of you doing some international travel. They are also good for taking out the trash! $7 for 80 Bags.
8. Plastic Zip Tie Cables
These can withstand 40 pounds of pressure. I always throw in a couple of zip ties. just in case. You can use zip ties to repair almost anything; a luggage strap, shoes, luggage lock, etc. Less than $7 for a pack of 20.
9. “The Bullet” Fisher Space Pen
Developed by Paul Fisher. This pressurized pen was first used by NASA on the Apollo 7 Space flight in 1968. Without the invention of the Space Pen, astronauts would still be writing in pencil! The bullet pen is my favorite. It fits in your pocket, and it always works. It even writes under water. Once you try one, you will be hooked. Made in the USA in Boulder City, Nevada. $25
10. Moleskine Notebook
I first came across a Moleskine Notebook while living in Europe. I love the simple concept of a banded hard-bound notebook that you can carry with you everywhere. Simple, black, rounded corners, with a pocket in the back. They now come in several different sizes, styles, and colors. I still prefer black. It is always on my person along with my Fisher Space Pen (See #9). $12
11. Zippo Lighter
It always pays to have a way to light your path or start a fire. One of the first lessons you learn as a Boy Scout is how to light a fire. Always be prepared. I bought my first Zippo when I was 18 years old. It has been a great tool to have. You probably have to check this one with your luggage as well. $25
12. Sewing Kit
Make sure to have a sewing kit with you when you travel. If you need a needle and thread or a button, this item is worth its weight in gold. $5
13. Duct Tape
This one is a no-brainer. A must have for on the go repairs. A million and one uses come to mind for Duct Tape. You can even make a nice tie or wallet if you get bored. A roll is very nice to have if you need it.
Vacation Certificates – Get Paid Giveaway Certificates
Engaging into any business enterprise is an ultimate learning experience especially on human interaction. Business could also mean having mutual relationships with your clients or consumers. If you would indulge into any business, the first thing you would have to bear in mind aside from the profitability of the business is an establishment of harmonious relationship with your clients. In order to build a bond between them you should know how to satisfy the. Rendering them likable services can guarantee you their total affirmation. And when their affirmation is being served consistently, expect that loyalty and trust on your company will be in full speed ahead.
In travel businesses, there are many strategies and approaches a business owner can do to put smile on the consumers’ faces. Offering way too expensive travel packages could just make your customers turn their back on your offer. They would rather look for other travel companies which can respond to their budget and the ones that can provide them a quality vacation despite of a limited budget. One appropriate way to make them happy is giving away vacation certificates. These certificates entitle your clients free incentives during the travel. These can be effective tools in heightening the performance of your travel business. You can give out cash or in kind incentives. These incentives are also used for frequent travelers and exclusive members. However, new prospects can significantly turn into loyal clients if you offer then vacation certificates that hold a free trial period for the first purchase of a package. You can offer them trials to test their approval on the set itinerary. Giveaway certificates also include pre- paid services in hotels and resorts such as spa sessions or free massages. Some certificates also include free golf games or other freebies on activities during the vacation. Vacation incentives can really turn mere prospects into real paying clients.
To really justify the effectiveness of setting up travel certificates to boost up your business, a recent study has been conducted that a range of 25 to 30% increase in the sales of travel companies has been recorded due to implementation of vacation certificates to consumers. Their products and services really make high sales provided with incentives. Recreation travel incentives can be a starting promotion if you would go for promoting travel certificates for your company. Companies buy travel packages at a discounted price, therefore offering your consumers vacation certificates will never be a lost. Your company is designed not just for travel certificates alone; you can also give out free vacation incentives if you would take the risk. However, giving your customers free incentives will not be a big lost on your part. You can even possibly feel that more and more customers are potential to be your regular clients. More over, you can also offer free membership programs and disclose the benefits they could achieve once they are approved of membership. In experimentation with giving out vacation certificates, you should research well on what items you should give for free or else you could eventually face what you have been scared of- closing down.
It’s About Survival and Learning to Combine My Passions
It’s been almost three years since I’ve posted an article here. So much has happened in that time. Let me tell you.
I published my book. In May 2017 it was published. I was proud of myself for the accomplishment and then it was over and life moved on.
In Oct 2017 Doug and I moved to Florida. We took my parents with us and moved 1000 miles away from our kids and grandkids. There were a lot of reasons why. Go read my article on detaching with love and you’ll have an idea of what was behind the move. Anyway, it was done. With the move came a lot of activity and business that lasted well over two years. Moving to a new state is a lot! And it took time to get acclimated. Heck I still am getting acclimated! Also in May of 2017 I started selling travel again. This is something I did for awhile back in 2007 and enjoyed very much. I was a Realtor for about 13 years and found it to be extremely stressful. I found travel to be very similar to Real Estate in so many ways; without all the stress.
So I had a new life, new home, new business and things were going very well. I love Florida and especially love the part of Florida we moved to. It’s in the Northeast part of the state. I researched and visited the place for a few years before deciding on it. Ya all know I wasn’t going back to Orlando! So, as I said, things were going well! In my travel business I specialize in cruising and living in Florida is great for that particular specialization! I also decided to start vlogging my personal cruises. To that end I started a YouTube channel. I’ve had the channel for about 4 years but have only gotten serious about it in the last year. I’m finally consistent in my uploads and I think I’m on my way to having some idea of what I’m doing! Haha
As you can see life has taken a turn from writing to travel. It’s not a bad thing, but I have had recent traumas in my life that have made me gravitate back towards my writing days. Mostly because they were also the most spiritual days of my life. The greatest trauma I experienced in 2019 was the very short (3 months) fierce battle my brother fought against pancreatic cancer and lost. That has rocked my world and caused a rift between me and God. My brothers passing occurred in June, June 21st to be exact, and for the last 6.5 months I’ve been drowning. I don’t know how else to describe it. But what I do know is this- it has to stop. I have to find my way back.
For some reason when I started my travel business I let go of my writing. I didn’t think the two could co-exist in my life. After my brothers passing and my inability to handle it well- I’ve come to the conclusion that they must learn to co-exist! I’ve reached the end of my rope here. I have no options left. Nothing is working to help dig myself out of this dark hole I’ve fallen into. And giving up my writing, because the content is not about my cruise business, well that just isn’t working for me anymore!
So here I am. Back at writing. I’m going to learn to combine my beliefs in gratitude, forgiveness, encouragement and the power of love with my love of cruising and vlogging! I’m hoping I’ll figure this out and somehow one love will support the other. Encouraging them to grow and enrich my life and maybe some one else along the way. I do not know what this all means. I do not know if it means I combine the two projects or if it means I use one to enhance the other! I just don’t know! But what I do know is there is nothing more spiritual, to me, than being on the ocean at sunrise. So that’s where I’ll start!
The Truth About Government Travel Advisories, Warnings and Alerts
If you’re like most people and you believe that government travel advisories, warning and alerts represent the most accurate advice for business travellers then you are terribly mistaken.
Here are the key elements that all business travellers and travel managers need to know regarding the validity and application of government travel alerts and travel related advice. Knowing and understanding these few simple issues will save your company unnecessary travel delays and disruptions under almost any circumstance. The main points to always consider in the wake of a renewed or updated advisory, warning or alert is the target audience, specific government resources, commercial relevance and the avoidance of evacuation scenarios.
The primary demographic for government advisories are first time travellers, backpackers, families and anyone else with little to no prior travelling experience and preparation or the lowest possible denominator. It is this group that governments aim their advice and analysis towards with the belief that if this group is adequately informed, then all remaining demographics will be covered. Unfortunately this results in an artificially low benchmark for all travellers not within this group.These other groups depend upon travel for business productivity, management and administration and the more likely to have their travel plans altered unnessesarily due to many government alerts. This is in part due to corporate risk avoidance (in the belief the government travel advisories are adequate) and insurance companies benchmarking many of their travel policy exclusions on that of government travel advice (again, in the belief the government are catering to their needs too). Unless you are a first time traveller, significantly inexperienced or lack appropriate business support while travelling, then the majority of government travel advice does not apply to you.
Detailed examination of dedicated resources aimed at travel related advice and content typically reveals little more than a handful of “specific” resources. That is, someone or department dedicated solely to the collection, analysis and dissemination of commercially relevant travel advice. Most government resources are “shared” services when it comes to travel intelligence and advice with general non-government travel a very small increment of their overall mandate. Smaller countries have no dedicated resources and simply “share” the advice from coalition partners or more populace countries, further diluting the relevance to their citizens. Most continuous travel advisory services, provided by a government, are little more than a chronology of publicly available media updates. While resources are limited in the first instance, it is the lack of commercial experience that constitutes the greatest flaw to government travel advisories.
What little resources there are that are aimed at travel intelligence typically lack any direct commercial experience. Therefore, all their apparent advice is predicated more on the interests of the government (resulting in censorship, omissions and politically correct publications) than that of any business sector or commercial demographic. When you have soldiers, government agents and police officers commenting on matters relating to commerce and business travel, you get little actionable advice due to their inability to put into commercial context the impact events may have from a purely commercial perspective rather than a transnational or political viewpoint.
Behind closed doors, most governments admit they do not maintain nor posses the resources (assumed by most of their citizens) for large scale evacuations from any corner of the globe. Regrettably many travellers have grown to assume that complete failure to take responsibility for their own safety and security while travelling will always be compensated by the government’s ability to swoop in and save then if they should so choose. This is wrong and very dangerous for those with such a belief. For those governments that would even consider an evacuation of their nationals (not very many) they will often go to great lengths to advise their citizens to leave or make personal arrangements long before any government is forced into acting. Landing troops or foreign government elements in someone else’s country is always the choice of last resort and highly prone to complications, even if it were possible.
Anything published by a government will always have the country’s national interests such as economy, trade and diplomatic relationships carefully considered before release. Anything that may threaten such strategic goals is likely to be withheld, including government travel advisories, warnings and alerts. Now that you understand the importance of being self sufficient and discerning when it comes to government travel advice you will waste less time placing priority on such updates and focus on more commercially relevant inputs. As a result, your company travel risk management process will be far more resilient and less impacted by the stop/start affect created by government updates, warnings and alerts. You may also now identify gaps that need to be filled by insufficient commercial content from government sources.
Government travel advisories, warnings and alerts focus on the wrong target demographic, lack the appropriate resources, have little commercial relevance and seek to avoid last minute acts such as evacuations. Now that you too are aware of these limitations you should be better positioned to make business decisions in the wake of crisis, emergency and dynamic events that affect a location and your business travellers. Business travel risk management is a commercial process and can only be achieved with appropriate commercial products and services.
Why the Multi Corporates Choose to Travel By Business Jets
Business jets or private jets can be called a totally new addition to the panache and needs that big corporate giants feel and like to have. Fast moving jets specially designed in modest size to provide private aviation to the business sector. The word “business jet” serves two fold purpose–some people buy or hire business jets to incorporate them in their business, and the second are the companies who offer business jet services to organizations, either through rentals or partnerships. These services offered by companies extend their expertise and equipments to evacuation of casualties, express parcel deliveries, governments or the armed forces, and sometimes for total private use. However, we will focus our discussion more on the specific versions of these business jets, which are popularly known as corporate jet, executive jet, or VIP transport.
It is not worth much to relate the advantages of business jets to the corporate sector, as almost all the excelling companies are aware of the need and necessity of private aviation in the present scenario that has opened many opportunities and have also imposed many limitations: open marketing has propelled the companies to send their personnel frequently to other cities for presentations, seminars, surveys, and other business related matters; however, in the wake of security threats, scheduled aviation has become very cumbersome and time-wasting. This is what business sector can never stand with–time is the most precious thing for any company, and they can’t afford to lose it.
Privacy, security, flexibility of time, scheduling as per your requirement, same day returning if needed, and convenience are some of the major factors that combine to counter the cost of the business jets. However, companies offering business jets also offer partnership schemes and rentals for organizations that are not willing to afford the total cost of buying business jet. Companies can easily decide which option they want to choose.
If the travelers need to make multiple presentations or seminars in one day, and have to move to different places, business jets serve the cause in best way. Scheduled aviation can never achieve this end. It is obvious that a lot of time and money is wasted in hotel booking, ground transportation, and going through the security checks of airports. However, with business jets, you are free from such tensions, and you can even return to your place the same day. This facility often caters to the cost of business jets in terms of time saved.
Not surprisingly, many organizations and companies still are doubtful about the idea of business jets; but it goes without saying that those who have used it and know its value, would never like to use scheduled aviation again, if circumstances permit them!
Customer Service Secrets for the Travel & Hospitality Industry – Nine Principles to Success
If you want to learn how to get your clients to do your selling for you through exceptional customer service, read on. Learn these simple – yet powerful customer service principles from successful tourism professionals, apply them to your business or career and you are guaranteed to prosper.
1. Be a Good Listener – Most important, listen to your customers’ concerns and complaints, as well as their praise. Discover what it is they want. Your guests are your best source of information in assessing your services and performance. Well-written guest surveys are invaluable for getting feedback, testimonials, and referrals. Help prospects qualify themselves before signing up. Make sure they understand the rigors, responsibilities, and dangers, as well as the level of exertion, entailed in the experiences you offer.
2. Exceed Expectations – Under-promise and over-deliver on a consistent basis with exceptional service. This is what they’ll remember and tell their friends about. It is amazing how small details can make a big impression. You work hard and spend big money to get qualified prospects to call your office or e-mail you. How professional, informative, and timely is your response? That first contact can set the tone and significantly impact a purchasing decision.
3. Practice Safety – Clients want to know the destination and activities are safe. They will feel more at ease during real or perceived risks if they have been educated about their new activities or environments in advance. Unfortunately, if most human beings’ fears or worries are not addressed, their minds will grow weeds, not flowers. Advise on plant, animal, and natural resource cautions. Let them know that there is generally nothing to worry about if they respect the environment and heed your advice. Brief guests on your safety procedures for any excursions without staff away from home base.
4. Provide Great Food – Guests must eat well, never be hungry, and have adequate water and drinks. Fresh food with ample portions served at a scheduled time can make any adventure more memorable and satisfying. If meal service is going to be delayed, provide a little snack to tide guests over.
5. Cater to Sleep Needs – Guests need and want comfortable and peaceful sleep. Make sure everyone is comfortable with his or her bedding. Cater to individual needs by offering single accommodations. Charging an extra cost is okay. Provide easy access to bathrooms with safety procedures for nighttime use. Separate late evening social areas from sleep areas by distance and/or trees or a hill. Hand out earplugs if necessary.
6. Think Comfort – Provide first world standards when possible. Bathroom breaks and bathing is important on a regular basis. Give people every opportunity for comfort: hammocks, beach chairs, portable toilets, whatever you can provide. Never go too long between bathroom breaks. Some guests may have weak bladders and need more frequent breaks to feel comfortable and relaxed. Make sure everyone has adequate water, as well as appropriate clothing and footwear.
7. Be Sensitive to Capabilities – Never exceed physical or mental capacities of guests. Always ask groups and individuals if they are comfortable with the activity and exertion level before and during the activity. Be sensitive to the slowest as well as strongest in the group. Splitting the group into two smaller groups is a good option. Rest as needed. I believe in a trip rating or difficulty system that allows guests and outfitters to jointly participate in selecting the most appropriate trip.
8. Be Fun – Be friendly, helpful, courteous, and fun! Make sure your staff is there for the guests and not for themselves. Good storytellers, jokesters, and musicians can distinguish your staff and company from other companies. Be sensitive with humor and with families with kids. If you cater to kids, employ staff that loves kids. Guests sometimes need encouragement or guidance to try an activity. You are the guide and activity director combined. Discuss activities or mini- classes in advance so guests will know what is happening and when.
9. Provide Information – An informed guest is safer and more relaxed, and has more fun. Our guests are educated and want to learn about their new environment. Assume that guests know little or nothing about their surroundings. Look for opportunities to provide a minimum of three details about each type of surrounding element during any outing. Be prepared to talk about the plants, animals, birds, trees, rocks, geological formations, fish, marine mammals, and shells. Include information about local culture, economy, and history, too. The more we can share, the more value we are providing our guests.
Like other businesses I know and have worked with, you, too, will experience more repeat clients and referrals by applying these details of great customer service. Your business, in time, will prosper like never before!
Business of Leisure & Components of Leisure Travel and Motivation
Leisure is the time available to the individual when work, sleep and other needs have been met. Leisure as a construct involves a number of dimensions.
· Absorption and concentration of ongoing experience
· Lessening of focus on self
· Feelings of freedom and lack of restraint
· Enriched perception of objects and events
· Increased intensity of emotions
· Increased sensitivity to feelings
· Decreased sensitivity to passage of time
The Components of Leisure Motivation
Beard and Ragheb identified four motivational needs derived from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. These needs form the components of leisure motivation. They are –
· Intellectual component
· Social component
· Competence mastery
· Stimulus avoidance
Intellectual component is the extent to which individuals are motivated by mental activities such as learning, exploring, discovering, thought, imaging. This can be a primary high need (a visit to Madurai to study temple architecture) or a low need triggered by a specific event or environment.
Social component is the need for friendship, self-esteem and interpersonal relationship. The holidays are not only status- or ego- enhancing experiences. There is also a sense of belonging with the place visited. People tend to identify with a place visited. This is higher for people who are more satisfied with their holidays and for those with three or more visits. The relationship not only involves social identification but also a relationship with the geographical place.
Competence mastery component is in order to achieve, challenge, master and compete. This is often physical (i.e. sports) but also includes fine arts and other intellectual pursuits. Competence mastery is coupled with other components of leisure motivation. A course in wind surfing (competence mastery) can also mean meeting like -minded individuals (social need).
Stimulus avoidance is drive to escape and get away from over-simulating life experiences. The most obvious component of leisure motivation, a chance to rest and unwind.
The components of leisure motivation vary within holidays and between holidays. On a holiday, a tourist may rest for few days (stimulus avoidance); thereafter explore the place (intellectual component). The holidaymaker may assign different purposes to holidays. One holiday might be family centred (social need), the other for playing golf (competence mastery) etc.
