Two Conversations
Day identifies two conversations that shaped her group travel planning philosophy: one with a Baptist preacher and one was with a tour guide in Cape Cod.
On one New England trip, she spent a lot of energy dealing with a difficult traveler. His unpleasantness was wearing her down until she had a conversation with a preacher in the group.
“This preacher said to me, ‘I know it’s challenging to deal with people like that. Keep in mind this one thing: Those who are hardest to love are the ones who need it most.’ I’ve thought about that a million times, and it really is true,” said Day.
Day’s other lightbulb conversation occurred with a professional tour guide named Melanie who always seemed full of joy, even when her work required her to repeatedly lead groups around the same Cape Cod attractions. Day asked her how she infused so much excitement into her tours.
“She told me her grandmother sold eggs and saved pennies for two years to go to New York City,” said Day.”
When the grandmother returned, she gushed about her Big Apple tour guide, who she felt treated her like a friend.
“Melanie said to me that she wanted to be like that to someone else’s grandmother,” said Day. “I told her, ‘You just put into words what I feel in my heart.’ If I can shed God’s light to someone else, that would just be amazing to me.”
Travel Tips
• The trips you offer should never be an opportunity to check off your own personal bucket list. Your club belongs to your customers.
• Set the pace by having fun. If you can’t laugh at yourself, then find something that gives you joy. If they are smiling or laughing, they are less likely to be angry.
• Maybe most important of all, keep their bladders empty and their bellies full.
