One of the most exciting parts of being a travel consultant is the opportunity to explore the world and go on fam trips. But what exactly are they and why are they such a valuable part of your journey as a consultant.
A fam trip (short for “‘amiliarisation trip’) is an organised, short trip abroad – free of charge – offered to travel consultants by suppliers, tourist offices, resorts or airlines.
These trips are designed to give you first-hand knowledge of a destination, resort or cruise so you can better sell it to your customers.
Instead of reading about a place in a brochure, you’ll get to walk through the resorts, tour the rooms, dine in the restaurants and explore the area yourself. You’ll be able to take photos and capture social media footage – perfect for building trust and attracting clients back home.
Our suppliers and our top tips
Because we work with over 450 travel suppliers, you’ll never run out of options for the types of holidays you want to specialise in – or invites!
That said, most consultants focus on around a dozen suppliers that match their niche and customer base. By booking a number of holidays through the same supplier, you build a strong relationship with them – and in return, they may offer you a spot on a fam trip.
It’s their way of investing in you: if you experience their resort or cruise firsthand, you’re far more likely to recommend it confidently to your clients.
What to expect on a Fam Trip
It’s important to understand that a fam trip isn’t a holiday. Yes, you’ll be jetting off to incredible destinations, but you’ll also be working.
You’ll be expected to tour multiple hotels or resorts (including different room types) and meet managers and tour providers.
There will be ample time to learn about the destination and its unique selling points.
You’ll also have the chance to capture videos, photos, and stories to share online, showing potential customers that you’re a trusted, experienced advisor.
The flexibility of our business
Our consultants travel far and wide. We’ve had agents travel with Audley to New Zealand, and Helen (video below) was recently lucky enough to go to the Maldives with Kuoni!
One of the best parts? Many of our agents continue selling holidays while they’re away. All you need is your laptop (or even just your phone), and you can keep running your business.
These experiences not only give you unforgettable memories but also provide the insider knowledge that sets you apart from other travel agents.
Tips if you’re new
If you’re just starting out it’s a good idea to attend webinars with our suppliers – they’re free and while they are recorded, if you want to win prizes it’s best to watch them live.
Sign up to our suppliers Facebook pages (closed groups for agents) as these will also promote opportunities. For example, some suppliers offer free prize draws for a place on a fam trip and you can enter if you make a booking with them during a set time period.
Others will invite you on trips if you become a prolific booker with them!
In short, Fam trips are about more than travel, they’re about growth and opportunities.
You’ll:
- Gain first-hand product knowledge that makes your recommendations credible.
- Build stronger relationships with suppliers.
- Create authentic content to attract and inspire customers.
- Network with other consultants and share experiences.
And most importantly – you’ll be able to sell more holidays because your clients trust your expertise.
