Year 2020 In Review
Wow – where to begin with my Year 2020 in Review?! This year was insane for all and the travel industry was hit pretty hard. In my blog post titled “2019 In Review” had such high hopes for this year, as I’m sure we all did. I wanted to blog more, sell more trips, go on more vacations and rack up more passport stamps. Instead, I was at home (like most of you) all day and the only “trips” I really got to take were to the grocery store and local mall.
I haven’t been on a flight since December 2019 and miss it immensely. The crying babies, the TSA checks, the long waits, the delayed flights… I miss it all. I’ve posted quite a bit on my Facebook page, however I didn’t know what to say on the blog. Never wanted to come across tone deaf and insensitive by promoting travel during a global pandemic. I was also busy cancelling and re-scheduling 2020 vacations for my clients that were not able to be traveled this year.
Spent less time on social media and focused on the challenges my clients were facing. I ensured their refunds and cancellations processed. Refunds took 90-120 days, the longest I’ve seen. Typically, they can take up to 10 business days depending on the bank. There were so many hold ups with the understaffed accounting departments. No one could’ve predicted this so I cannot blame the suppliers I work with for their delayed refunds. I’m grateful I could get each and every one of my clients a refund who were entitled to one. With that being said, let’s get into my Year 2020 in Review, and talk about what I’ve been up to this last year.
Tied the Knot
Corey and I wed on our original date, April 19, 2020. Surrounded by just immediate family members only, 6 feet apart. Later, in August, we drove up to the mountains and took some great keepsake photos. Our plan is to renew our vows and have a “re-do wedding” in the summer of 2022. Ideally, it will take place at an all inclusive resort somewhere tropical.
Created YouTube Channel
Beginning in 2021, I want to start creating content for YouTube. I want the content to be informational and inspirational. Would love to have a positive community on there where we can discuss:
- What the “new normal” in travel looks like
- Current world travel news
- Vacation package deals
I also want to be able to share full travel vlogs when I’m out of town. Think it would be fun to share the videos and more in-depth on the different places I visit. Let me know in the comments below if you think there are any topics you would find interesting.
Completed Aussie Specialist Training
To keep me motivated and excited for travel, I completed different specialist programs. The downtime from not booking as many new trips as usual, allowed for more training. Completed my Aussie Specialist training program. I feel very confident selling Australia to clients after learning more in-depth about the different states. Each state holds something unique and special. I’m personally planning a trip there within 5 years. It’s one of those trips you really have to save and take the time off for. It is recommended to spend at least 3 weeks on vacation there due to the long travel time.
Completed Japan Travel Specialist Training
Over the summer, I completed the Japan Travel Specialist program, created by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). Japan is a country I’m itching to visit. The culture, technology, otherworldliness, and food really interests me. Corey is a huge anime and video game nerd, I know he would have a blast there. Once borders open up, that will likely be our next trip. Have I mentioned how much I miss travel?!
Upwards and Onwards
Though this was a tough year for travel agents everyone, I’m looking forward to 2021. I’ve always recommended travel insurance to clients, but now I understand just how important it is, specifically the ‘cancel for any reason’ insurance plan. I’ve been very vocal about my strong recommend of travel insurance for all future trips. That’s definitely one thing I have taken away from this year on how to improve. Additionally, I have been keeping up with the latest COVID-19 health protocols and requirements of the different countries. That is equally important. Traveling next year will absolutely look different, but I want to make it known that we WILL get back to traveling. In the meantime, stay safe and wear a mask. Continue social distancing. Stay tuned for good things to come in 2021. Cheers!
