If you want to take a group on an international trip, people who have never left the country before may need a little bit of extra help.
Creating a comfortable atmosphere for travelers to take the first steps in international travel can be challenging. However, there are ways to get them mentally prepared and looking forward to taking those next steps with you.
If your group hasn’t gone abroad before, you shouldn’t be too ambitious when choosing an international tour or destination. Your travelers likely want to go someplace they have already heard a lot about. They want to know that the tour will be tailored to their needs, that their guides will know a lot about the area and that you will be there to walk them through the process.
Here are some keys for providing the assurances they need to take that first step into the world of international travel.
Choose the Right Destination
Choosing the right destination may be the most important part of recruiting first-time international travelers. People want to be familiar with the country or countries they are traveling to. They want to know friends who have had a good experience traveling to that country.
When they decide to take this tour with you, expect a lot of questions. Let them know it’s normal and understandable that they have many questions about their first international tour. It will go a long way if they feel comfortable talking to you about it and see that you have confidence in the tour.
Choose the Right Partner
When planning an international tour, you must use a vendor that understands your travelers. Group travel needs can be vast, from student groups to senior groups, and you need a vendor that will cater to your group.
A backpacking student group has very different needs from those of retirees. A student group might be looking for a value trip with fewer amenities, while older travelers want a hassle-free tour with as many inclusions as possible. Regardless of the group, ensure your vendor is forthcoming about any possibilities of not-included or extra expenditures. Being up front about any additional costs will provide transparency to your clients and gain their trust.
Familiarize Yourself
You, the travel planner or leader, must also know a lot about the area and the tour. You are the first contact for your travelers, and they want to feel confident that you know the area where they will be traveling. You don’t have to have answers to all their questions, but when you don’t know something, stay confident and find the answers for them. A tour planner, tour leader or tour director should always be learning.
If you have traveled to the area, share your personal experiences. Travelers love speaking to people who have traveled to their area of interest. If you haven’t been there yourself, look up information and highlights about the country. Express what you would most like to see or do there.
Communicate the Essentials
Provide information for anything your travelers will need to arrange in advance of the trip. More and more countries require visas or some type of registration that alerts them that you are coming. Even Europe will soon implement one of these systems. Create video guides or provide links to help your travelers complete these steps correctly during the registration process. Some countries are fully digital and provide these forms online or via apps.
Add Your Insights
Offering personal tips is a great way to boost your clients’ confidence. Providing a document that informs your new international travelers about cultural norms or destination details can help them know the differences between where they come from and where they will be going. Your travelers might not know to expect walking and cycling as the major transportation method in another country. They may not understand how tipping customs differ abroad. There are plenty of things you can point out from your experience, and you can always ask your favorite search engine for help as well.
If you want your clients to start traveling internationally, you need to provide tours to areas that are well-known, make sure those first trips are not too adventurous and have confidence in what you are selling them. Your travelers will want assurance you know a lot about the area and the vendor you will be using. Let them know you are there to answer any of their questions. Present your travelers with a well-thought-out tour with as little stress as possible.
Remember to remain confident as a planner, even if you do not have all the answers. You are their connection to the world and their partner through enriching travel experiences.
