Crafting unforgettable journeys – how Helen planned a surprise Greek adventure

Welcome to the world of Travel Counsellors, where creating memorable trips is more than just a job — it's a passion. If you're a prospective Travel Counsellor looking to make a mark in the travel industry, you're in the right place. Today, we're taking you behind the scenes of a surprise trip planned by Helen Davis, one of our talented independent business owners. Get ready to be inspired by the creativity and personalised service that goes into every Travel Counsellors booking.

Hi Helen! Tell us how the surprise trip came about

My customer, Ann, asked if I could plan a little surprise getaway for her and her partner, Dan. I asked them what they wanted out of the trip, and they made it clear that they wanted a full day to explore the location. They let me know their budget, and had a one-month window in which to do the trip. This meant I could explore different dates and options for them. I also included a few added extras that I knew they’d appreciate. Naturally, I was ecstatic to take on this task!

Why did you decide on Athens?

Since I’d never sent them to Athens before, and with it being summer, I thought it would be the ideal place for them to enjoy the sun and have time to relax and take in the sights. Though it provides so much, I don’t think people often think of visiting Athens. It’s such a vibrant city that’s rich in history, with an amazing food scene and vibrant nightlife. It’s really not to be missed.

What itinerary did you plan for them?

On day one, I set my alarm for 2.30am to personally pick them up and drop them off at Birmingham airport. I gave them an envelope to open once we got there to reveal where they were going. I organised fast-track security so they didn’t have to worry about huge airport queues.

The hotel I chose for them in Athens was the Brown Acropol. It has a rooftop bar and a hot tub, so I thought after a day of travel – with an early start – this was the base they needed with a beautiful rooftop view over the Acropolis.

I also booked the Museum of Illusions for their first day as it was just a short walk from their hotel. In the evening, they visited some of the many bars in the area.

Athens is the gateway to Greece, so for their second day, I arranged for them to do a one-day cruise to Poros, Hydra, and Aegina to discover more of the Greek culture and relaxed lifestyle. They were picked up and taken to the port. I knew Ann and Dan love ocean cruising, and thought a day on the water would be great for them.

I left day three free for them to enjoy Athens at their leisure and to have some down time, then on day four I arranged for them to do a bike tour around the city in the morning, then a tour of the Acropolis in the evening when it wouldn’t be as hot and crowded.

How did you feel when you dropped Ann and Dan at the airport?

It was just as exciting for me as it was for Ann and Dan! It was so nice to see their reaction when they found out where they were going.

Why is it important for you to get to know your customers on a personal level?

It’s important for me to not just book a holiday but to get to know what my clients like and dislike. Even the most travelled clients can have experiences they’d never considered because of the relationships I build with them. I can think of things that they’d enjoy that they might not have thought about themselves.

Being a Travel Counsellors is the only job I’ve had where I’ve been able to build genuine relationships and sell what’s right for the client. It’s all about the client’s experience. I wouldn’t change being a Travel Counsellor for the world.

How does our technology help you create unforgettable trips for your clients?

Having Phenix at my fingertips to help with everything, from hotels to transfers and excursions, really helps me to tailor the trip to the client’s needs.

For those considering a career as a Travel Counsellor, this story serves as an inspiration. It's a reminder of the impact you can have on people's lives and the joy that comes from creating magical travel experiences. If you're ready to join a community that values personal connections and exceptional service, there's no better time to get started. Get in touch today for an informal chat about our award-winning franchise model.