Travel Agent Spotlight - Robin Sylvester

"I have multiple experiences that make it hard to choose... I would say hiking the Machu Picchu Mountain Peak.  The view of the ruins from above is awe inspiring and the fact that there were additional ruins along the way up was unbelievable.  Amazing that the Inca’s made that climb with all those stones when I was struggling with just my day pack.

Another experience was being an Elephant owner for a day just outside of Chiang Mai, Thailand.  We learned how to communicate with our individual elephants.  Gave him/her a physical exam, brushed and fed them before riding them down to the river and giving them a bath.  Such gentle giants and all the elephants at the sanctuary were rescued from various zoos, circuses, etc.

The last one I will mention was my two week trip in Italy.  Italy is by far my favorite place so I have traveled there numerous times and each time I try to visit different areas.  I love them all but the first time spending a week in Tuscany was my favorite.  The people, the food, the wine, the history, the walled cities just left me wanting more.  Driving around the Tuscan country side with fields of sunflowers and endless grape vines over rolling hills lined with Cyprus trees resulted in hundreds and hundreds of pictures to sort through upon return."

• Always have coins on hand as there is a charge to use most public restrooms.
• When dining be prepared to have to ask for the check – most restaurant staff are perfectly happy to let you sit as long as you want while drinking your coffer or sipping your wine."

What are the steps to planning the perfect vacation for your clients?

• Ask the right questions and get to know your client.
• Find out your clients past travel history and what their expectations are.
• Make recommendations based on your conversations with the client.
• Know your clients budget.
• Listen.
• Follow up throughout the planning process, their departure and their return.

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