10/12/2021
Thinking about how I started this little online business from a simple idea. If you can find something that people need and demand, all you have to do is supply that demand. When I started as a travel agent in 1996, we had a limited amount of forms and documents to use in our daily business. We had a PNR form, a credit card authorization form, credit card slips, paper tickets, and printed invoices. Mostly, we had to take notes on paper and try to keep track of our own commissions so we could compare accounting's reports. Most of us worked at a retail agency until the airlines decreased then cutoff our commissions.
Working from home possed its own challenges because we had to work harder and smarter. I started developing forms back then to make the client planning process more seamless. So over the course of several decades, I created the forms that are listed on my website. They worked so well and I was able to keep my office and clients organized with those hard copies. Paper will never go away because it is reliable.
Often in relying on technology and our mobile devices we disregard paper print outs or hard copy files. It's a good idea to use both methods, digital and static. Having a backup may save you in a crunch. For instance, on a trip to Ethiopia a few years ago I experienced the inability to communicate with anyone by phone, computer, or tablet because the government shut down the internet during the 14-day duration of that educational trip.
Another time, an airport lost computer connections and had to check everyone in using their printed out boarding passes. Usually, as a practice, I print out and carry paper backup of all my travel docs and have encouraged my clients to do so as well. You never know when that paper will save you from having a few headaches because you may not have access to the files and documents on your phone.
Staying organized is key. Downloadable travel forms and documents can be stored on your devices and printed out for hard copy backups.
Don't rely completely on technology, eventually it will let you down like a bad friend and possibly at a time when you need access to your files and documents the most.
Thanks for visiting my page and website. If you ever have any questions about my forms and docs just send me a comment, message, email or text. I am happy to communicate and answer any questions you may have about my business travel forms or the travel business in general.
Best regards,
Celeste
