Caitlin Bradley reveals what’s on her daily agenda – making clients happy.
What are your responsibilities as a travel designer?
I work in the cruise department. Utilizing our knowledge of the destinations and products, I work with the agent to prepare a shortlist of travel options based on what the client has told us they are interested in and what they have liked in the past. I gather the information, research the options and present them with a quote.
Your to-do list doesn't likely stop there, does it?
You’re right! I also look for shore excursions for existing bookings when they become available, and reserve those for guests, along with flights, car rentals and hotels. The other admin work that keeps me busy includes keeping our system updated, including all our client information.
For clients wanting pre- and post-cruise stays in port cities, I source just the right hotel to suit their style and needs, including its proximity to the things they’re interested in doing, be it historical or cultural or social – a busy city experience, the shopping districts or the museums. Whatever they’re looking for.
Do you like the variety?
Though the travel world is filled with peaks and valleys for sure, my day is never boring – there is always something to do and every day is different.
How do you stay on top of all the different travel brands?
I have connections with all our suppliers, cruise lines and hotels, and make note of any updates they have on their properties or offerings, discussing what changes are going on, things that might affect or enhance a client’s visit. The cruise lines have little update sessions you can take to familiarize yourself with anything new that’s going on. The reservation centers, and cruise and hotel representatives are always able to assist me with clarifications on certain promotions or extending credit expiration deadlines, or when I need a little extra help with a booking, trying to zero in on what will make a travel experience special.
Who is your ideal client?
I like clients who are a little bit adventurous, who would enjoy the historic tours and museums that make up a big part of destination itineraries, but who are also looking for something beyond the fringe. I also like it when people know what they’re looking for, who come to me with their bucket-list trip, because they are so eager to make it happen. It’s really fun to bring that bucket-list vacation to life and then hear about it afterward, seeing how it met all their expectations. Not that “I need to take my kids on a Disney cruise” is not exciting, but “this is my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit” somewhere is a total challenge. I love people who have an eye on something specific and special.
You yourself must have a lot of special opportunities?
We get invited to a lot of industry events, social events held at Toronto hotels. I went to one recently at The Hazelton Hotel in Toronto, which is gorgeous. We liaise with hotel industry and tourist boards to get a glimpse of what their offerings are like, to let them paint a picture of their destinations. In the end, it helps me develop a feel for the destination or product, so that when a client says, “I want to see Switzerland,” I know the perfect place.
What destinations are trending right now?
Antarctica. It used to be a bucket-list destination visited by people who were trying to tick off all seven continents, but now people want to see penguins and learn about the fragility of the environment, and experience the beauty of the isolation. That has been on the rise for the last year or two.
What about industry trends?
I think people are more aware of the environmental impact of travel and are requesting travel alternatives that are more sustainable in the long run.
Where is your next adventure?
I really wanted to go to Scotland this year, but it has gotten away from me a little bit – because my boyfriend decided to propose, so now we're planning a wedding instead. He really wants to go to French Polynesia, so we’ll see.
