Diaries from a Travel Agent E3: - *There is a definate shift in the air*

Lyndill Cilliers on 01 February 2022
January is done and dusted, YAY! Cue: the month of Love!

I am so pleased to report that I had a great first month of the year, it was a busy month with a definite shift in the air which makes my heart so happy! People are hungry to travel, hungry to make memories and I am all for it!

I think it's time to say it, I made it, my business made it. My doors are open and I am still standing, the number of enquiries is on the rise and I am loving my job all over again! It's all because of you!! Thank you so much.

My desk is currently filled with bookings, date changes, extending holidays, business trips, honeymoons and so much more... As promised I thought I would share with you what I am currently working on.

My favourite enquiries are always surprise holidays, romantic getaways and birthday celebrations! This time of the year normally allows for an opportunity to surprise those you love. I should be careful as to how much I share but let's just say, I am working closely with an incredibly sweet couple who are busy booking getaways for each other at different times and they don't even know it. Each time the other one calls I have to think carefully before I say the wrong thing or refer to the wrong getaway. But my tummy is full of butterflies for them, I get goosebumps at the love they have for each other and I am beyond excited imagining their reactions when they receive their travel vouchers from me. I just know the travel surprises that they will get to experience this year are going to be incredibly precious and I'm am so grateful to be a part of it.

I also have a honeymoon couple that has requested rates to the Maldives in June. I was referred to them by another good client, so I haven't met them in person yet but we have had a few good chats and I'm excited to plan this amazing time in their lives with them. I had my own honeymoon in the Maldives and it really was special! There are some amazing deals at the moment and it seems like they are very interested in the Sun Siyam Olhuveli. If you have not seen this resort, do yourself a favour and YouTube it https://youtu.be/6E4fInqlR6M it's absolutely stunning! South African passport holders do not require a visa and travel is so easy!

Another big milestone, I got to book 3 people to fly to Mauritius this month! My first flights booked to the island in over 24 months! Eek! They are almost on their way back to South Africa, but it was so exciting and so rewarding to get a picture of them on the plane and on their way. With all the new travel regulations and restrictions I get updated information daily, & I am constantly learning too, through my clients who travel and share their experiences with me.

I also helped a family who were meant to travel to Mauritius in 2020 but after it was cancelled we patiently (on most days) waited for the all-clear and two years later they will finally get to go! We are counting the days down together - as of today, it is 143 days to go.

Corporate travel is slowly picking up too. I have booked a few flights to the States as well as into Africa. I really hope they change the mandatory testing at some or another stage, it would save companies thousands.

On a personal note, this week we decided that we would really like to go to Mauritius as a family for my husband's 40th birthday. It will be such an amazing experience if we can pull it off. He is a pilot for a local airline and getting leave approval can be tricky, I am staying hopeful for a great outcome!

May you have a fabulous Feb, here's to Love, laughter and loads more travel!!!

Hugs L x