Any Open Jaw reader knows the challenges of being a travel advisor - but KARRYON has gathered a number of true tales of clueless clients that take the cake.
Here's some of the advice advisors never thought they'd have to give:
Buzzing Travel Essentials
Remind clients to remove batteries from their, ahem, "adult toys" before heading to the airport. The last thing they will want is a security concert that leaves everyone blushing! And here's a friendly tip: Make sure your clients check the laws, because not every country appreciates their kinky carry-ons.
Because Pants Aren't Optional
We thought this would go without saying, but apparently, some clients missed the memo. It's time to set the record straight: Make sure that your clients know not to streak in Barcelona or skinny dip in the Venice Canals. Save the peep show for another time. You shouldn't need to remind clients that social media loves to capture everything, but their bare bits are not #TravelGoals material.
Dress Code Dilemmas
You've managed to convince your clients to keep their pants on (kudos), but now it's time to tackle fashion faux pas. Let's be clear: bare shoulders in temples and flip flops when hiking the hills of Cinque Terra are a big NO. Help your clients avoid becoming the fashion victims of their own vacation by providing some practical style guidance.
Lost in Translation
Make sure you hook your clients up with local lingo. That way, they won't accidentally end up ordering a plate of fried socks instead of a tasty local delicacy...
Selfie Snafus Are So Last Decade
Remember when risky selfies were all the rage? Well, now you might need to be the voice of reason. Don't let your clients attempt death-defying acrobatics atop cliffs, wobbly tree branches, or ancient monuments. Being impaled by a selfie stick is not a glamorous way to make the headlines and defacing a sacred site may lead to divine retribution—or at least an angry group of monks.
Sunscreen, Always
Just when you think your clients know how to take care of themselves, they come back from vacation looking like boiled lobsters. Remind clients the sun doesn’t discriminate and to slip, slop, slap the sunscreen — because apparently, they forgot how to be an adult. Protecting their skin from turning into abstract art is now apparently part of your job description.
Mind Your Manners
We get it, vacations can be expensive, and when things go wrong, clients can get cranky. But offer them a gentle reminder: basic manners are still a thing. Be polite, show respect to the locals, and please, refrain from stealing hotel bathrobes (yes, it still happens). Let's aim for a harmonious trip, shall we?
So there you have it, folks. All of us at Open Jaw hope the above is not part of your daily duties. You’ve got enough to worry about with ensuring tight connections don’t trip them up!