Who better to give us an Agent Insight into selling stateside holidays than ex-New-Yorker-turned-Travel-Counsellor Sarah Freeman?
"The U.S of A: This vast country covering 9.83 million sq. km offers literally every type of holiday a client could desire and that’s where the tricky part comes in….what do you recommend?
"Understanding your client is key, whether they are first-timers or regular visitors, what their travel style and budget is, and critically what they are interested in experiencing – the city, beach, mountains, desert, nature, wildlife, history, music or sports… as it’s all on offer.
"Many clients will be interested in a multi-centre, so managing expectations as to what’s feasible in their time scale is important. What an American thinks is a short drive cross-state for tourists is a major road trip, so it’s good to understand how long clients are happy to travel daily and what pace works for them."
"...expectations as to what’s feasible in their time scale is important... it’s good to understand how long clients are happy to travel daily and what pace works for them."
"Whilst flying between locations is the norm, it’s great to understand the other transportation options available and which logistically make sense.
"For example, in major cities like New York the subway and Uber/Lyft are your friends, but for other locations like California they’ll likely need to hire a car, or an RV may be more suitable if they want to venture into one of the national parks.
"Amtrak offers long-distance and intercity trains, and the bus service in the US is extensive, operators like Greyhound provide regular cross-country coaches equipped with free movies and Wi-Fi.
"You could even recommend taking a river cruise in locations like Mississippi or there’s a plethora of ocean cruises covering key coastal routes including New England and Alaska.
"We’re all familiar with iconic tourist destinations, but perhaps throw out a couple of less familiar options like the beaches of the Outer Banks (North Carolina), hiking in Horseshoe Bend Canyon (Arizona) or exploring the entertainment of Kansas City (Missouri).
"We're all familiar with iconic tourist destinations, but perhaps throw out a couple of less familiar options..."
"Remember, as well, that there’s not just hotel chains, switch it up. Suggest a stay on a dude ranch in Texas, a wigwam in Arizona, a lighthouse in Massachusetts, an underwater hotel in Florida, or soon clients will even be able to stay in a UFO hotel in California!
"America really does offer it all, just remember to stay focused."
Sarah Freeman is a Travel Counsellor based in Didsbury.
