Be a Product of the Product: Why Travel Agents Must Travel (and How This Applies to Your Business Too)

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As a travel advisor, one of the most powerful things you can do for your business is—well, travel! ✈️

I’m Lindsay Dollinger, a business coach and travel advisor passionate about helping agents grow thriving, profitable businesses that align with their dream lifestyle. In this post, we’re diving into a topic that’s been on my mind for a while (and honestly, something I want to shout from the rooftops): travel agents should travel.
If you want to attract more clients, boost your credibility, and reignite your passion for what you do, this post will show you why getting out there and experiencing destinations firsthand is not optional—it’s essential.

The Event That Got Me Thinking

Yesterday, I attended a travel advisor training event, the first in-person one I've been able to make since COVID hit. I got to chat with a fellow travel advisor, and our conversation touched on an all-important question: "How do I get clients?" The simple truth is, guys, I travel! Yes, it really is that simple, but it might sound harsh at first.

Why Travel Agents Need to Travel

Here's the thing, whether you’re a travel agent, a health coach, or a network marketer, you’ve got to be a product of the product. You wouldn't trust a health coach who doesn't workout or a lawyer who's never seen the inside of a courtroom, so why would anyone trust a travel agent who doesn't travel? You need to be out there, experiencing the kind of trips you want to sell. Your expertise will shine through in your client interactions.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

I’ve been around the block a few times—heck, I was even an ambassador for a company that took students abroad. Believe me, I've learned firsthand that no amount of training can replace the wisdom gained from actual experience. Like the time I realized I couldn't use my beloved European hair straightener with a converter—whoops!

The Confidence Factor

If you've been on a cruise or to a destination like Hawaii, you're going to be ten times more confident selling those trips. You'll have firsthand knowledge to answer questions like what's a veranda or what are the dining times. Trust me, your clients will appreciate it, and it’ll reflect in your sales.

Leverage Your Travels for Marketing

Beyond just understanding your product, your travels offer endless opportunities to create marketing content—posts, guides, videos, you name it. Ever gone on a trip and thought, "I have a vault of content here!"? Use it. Share it. Your future clients are out there scrolling and waiting for your expertise.

Making Travel Possible for You

I hear you, “Lindsay, traveling costs money,” or “I don’t have time.” I get it. Been there, done that. But think of ways to smartly schedule these trips, maybe around long weekends or in conjunction with conferences. I’ve mixed business with pleasure in places like New Orleans—who says you can’t learn and have fun?

Your Own Call to Adventure

If you want to attract and serve clients better, it's time to practice what you preach. Remember, it's not just about the money or the right time. If you want to be that go-to expert in your field, expertise through experience is key.

Whether you're a travel advisor, a budding public speaker, or an aspiring writer, do more of the thing you want to excel at. If you want to be known for it, you’ve got to live it. And trust me, you’ll enjoy the journey.

Final Words: Create Your Own Magic

At the end of the day, the best travel advisors are the ones who live the magic they sell. When you explore new destinations, invest in your growth, and push yourself outside your comfort zone, you’re not just creating memories—you’re building credibility, confidence, and connection.

So go ahead—book that trip, take that training, or say yes to the experience that’s been calling your name. Your business (and your clients) will thank you for it.

If you found this post helpful, share it with another travel advisor who could use a little reminder to chase their own magic, too.

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