Jordana Botting Travels

03/04/2025

Travel advisors who have been in the game a while…this one’s for you!

Oh how times have changed!😅

28/03/2025

✨ The Keys to Success (From Someone Still Figuring It Out)

When I first started working in travel, I thought success would come from knowing everything—every deal, every destination, every booking tool.
➡️Spoiler: it didn’t.

What I’ve learned so far is that the real keys to success are quieter. Less glamorous. But way more powerful.

It’s about showing up.
Even when you’re exhausted.
Even when engagement is low.
Even when your inbox feels like a second job.

The keys to success as a travel advisor aren’t flashy. They look like this:

🔑 It’s caring about your clients—really caring.
Like remembering the name of the resort they got married at, or that they hate connecting flights. The little details are the big difference.

🔑 Being consistent, even when results are slow.
Posting when no one’s liking. Following up when no one’s replying. Showing up anyway. (Because someone is watching. Even silently.)

🔑 It’s figuring things out as you go.
Most of what I’ve learned came from experience, mistakes, and “trial by fire” moments no course could’ve prepared me for.

🔑 Having the patience to build something long-term.
The inquiries may come slowly at first, but if you stay with it, they start to come.

🔑 It’s continuing to learn.
Whether it’s changes in the industry, marketing strategies, or just new ways to streamline your process—staying curious keeps you growing.

💛 If you're in this industry and still figuring it out—you’re not alone. We all are. And you're doing better than you think.

24/03/2025

For the feelings no itinerary could schedule…why do you travel? ✈️⛰️🏝️

18/03/2025

🚨 Red flag alert! 🚨 If you’re a travel agent, chances are you’ve got a few very specific habits that others might find… concerning. 😂 Here are some of my favourites⬇️

🚩 Checks flight prices for fun🚩
💭I don’t need to go to Paris right now, but if I did… it would be $487 round-trip, nonstop👀

🚩 Immediately judges people based on how they book travel🚩
💭Oh, you booked through a third-party site with no cancellation policy? Interesting choice…

🚩 Can’t ‘turn off’ travel agent mode🚩Friend: “We’re going to Greece this summer!” Me: “Ohhh, you’re gonna want to avoid Santorini in peak season unless you love crowds.”😅

🚩 Has an emotional reaction when someone says, “I found it cheaper online🚩
Oh? Did you also find free 24/7 support and personalized service?😒

🚩 Hears about someone’s vacation plans and immediately starts optimizing them🚩
💭That sounds great, but if you go a week later, you’ll save $300 and get better weather…

🚩 Gets excited about a flight deal—even when it’s not for them🚩
💭$299 to Tokyo?! Someone I know has to book this so I can live vicariously through them✈️

🚩 Genuinely enjoys being on hold with airlines because they can multitask🚩
💭 It’s just part of the job at this point📑

✨ Bonus Red Flag: If you read this list and nodded at more than five, congrats—you’re definitely a travel agent. 😆

14/03/2025

☀️ Happy Friday! ☀️

I hope everyone has had a chance to enjoy the nice weather this week! This time of year always reminds me of the “real” seasons in Canada (pictured below).

I’m optimistically hoping we’ve made it to mud season, but knowing Canadian weather, a small part of me fears we’re still stuck in the spring of deception. 😅

Anyone else cautiously enjoying the sunshine while keeping their winter jacket within reach just in case? 😂

06/03/2025

✈️ Signs You’re a Travel Advisor 🌍

If you know, you know! Being a travel advisor comes with its own set of quirks…

1️⃣You have at least 20 tabs open at all times—and somehow, you still know exactly where everything is. 💻

2️⃣Your phone buzzes at midnight and you automatically think, “Client emergency?”📱

3️⃣You can recite airport codes like they’re your ABCs. LAX? CDG? Got it covered.

4️⃣You spend more time planning vacations than taking them. (But hey, someone’s gotta do it!) 🗺️

5️⃣You dream in flight schedules and itineraries. Connecting flights? No problem—even in your sleep.

6️⃣You’re a master of small talk about destinations. “Oh, you’re going to Bali? Let me tell you about the hidden beaches…” 🌴

7️⃣You feel like you’ve traveled the world—through your clients’ stories.🌍

8️⃣You’re always ready with a backup plan. Flight canceled? Hotel overbooked? You’ve got this. 💪

💡What would you add to this list?😊

03/03/2025

✈️Destination Spotlight: Laos🇱🇦

I took a trip across the world when I found myself at a crossroads in life, unsure of my next step. Laos wasn’t just a destination; it became a place of quiet revelation. The rhythmic hum of temple chants, the golden glow of morning almsgiving, and the beauty of the Mekong River created a stark contrast to the structured, fast-paced life I had taken a break from.

Immersing myself in a culture so different from the westernized life I knew was transformative on an emotional, spiritual, and physical level.

I spent mornings sipping rich, fragrant Lao coffee and tea. I wandered through bustling night markets, where the scent of lemongrass and charcoal-grilled meats filled the air, and I found unexpected moments of connection in conversations with locals who welcomed me with warmth and curiosity.

Laos didn’t just change the way I traveled—it changed the way I existed. It taught me how to embrace stillness, find joy in simplicity, and let go of the need to always have a plan. In the stillness of the jungle, the rhythm of the rivers, and the quiet wisdom of a land steeped in history, I found clarity where I once felt lost.🙏

26/02/2025

When Clients Hesitate: Here’s What to Do⬇️

🚨They’re interested. They love the itinerary. But when it’s time to book… they hesitate. Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing—most of the time, hesitation isn’t about price. It’s about uncertainty. Your job isn’t just to sell—it’s to help clients feel 100% confident in their decision.

✅ Ask What’s Holding Them Back – Sometimes, they’re worried about logistics, cancellations, or just need reassurance that they’re making the right choice. A simple “What’s stopping you from booking today?” can help you address the real concern.

✅ Offer Low-Risk Booking Options – Flexible cancellation policies, deposit-based bookings, and travel insurance can make a huge difference in helping clients feel secure.

✅ Show Proof of Value – Share past client testimonials, a quick comparison of perks they’ll get by booking through you, or examples of price increases over time. People feel more confident when they see others had great experiences.

✅ Remind Them That Waiting Often Costs More – Prices rarely go down! Let them know that delays can lead to higher fares, limited availability, or missing out on special promotions. “I’d hate for you to lose this great deal—let’s lock it in while it’s still available.”

Sometimes all it takes is a little reassurance to turn hesitation into excitement! 🥳

19/02/2025

Messages no travel advisor ever wants to receive 😂

p.s ➡️ Always get travel insurance!

14/02/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day!❤️

Love is in the air… and so is travel!❤️🛫

Are you choosing roses or runways this Valentine’s Day? Leave a 🌹 or ✈️ in the comments!⬇️😁

10/02/2025

We all know that happy clients = loyal clients. But the key to keeping them happy? Managing expectations from the start!

Here are 5 quick tips that work every time:
1️⃣ Be Honest and Transparent: If a destination, deal, or itinerary has limitations, say so upfront. Clients appreciate honesty more than surprises!

2️⃣ Set Clear Boundaries: Let clients know your working hours and response times. It shows professionalism and keeps communication stress-free.

3️⃣ Explain What’s Included (and What’s Not): From hidden fees to cancellation policies, go over the fine print so there’s no confusion later.

4️⃣ Follow Up Regularly: A quick check-in email or call reassures clients that you’re on top of their booking. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

5️⃣ Under-Promise and Over-Deliver: Always aim to exceed expectations. If you can throw in a bonus suggestion or upgrade, it’ll go a long way!

✨ Remember: Clients don’t just want a trip—they want peace of mind. Managing expectations isn’t just about avoiding misunderstandings; it’s about building trust and lasting relationships.

What’s your go-to tip for keeping clients happy? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!⬇️

31/01/2025

Congratulations, everyone! We’ve made it to the final day of January—the month that has 31 days but somehow feels like it has 100🫠. February, please be kind. 🙏💕

29/01/2025

✉️ Want to Keep Clients Coming Back? Let’s Talk Email Marketing! ✨

Staying top-of-mind with your clients is key to long-term success as a travel agent—and email marketing is your secret weapon! Done right, it keeps clients engaged, inspired, and ready to book. Here’s how to craft emails your clients will actually open (and love!):

1️⃣ Make It Personal 💌
No one likes a generic email! Use their name and reference a past booking: “Hope you loved your trip to Italy! Ready for your next adventure?” Personalized touches strengthen relationships.

2️⃣ Share Irresistible Travel Inspiration 🌍
Give them a reason to dream! Whether it’s “Top 5 Hidden Gem Destinations for 2025” or “How to Maximize a 24-Hour Layover in Paris,” engaging content keeps them excited about travel.

3️⃣ Include a Clear Call-to-Action 🚀
Don’t leave them guessing—tell them what to do next! Whether it’s “Reply to this email for a free itinerary consult” or “Book now and get VIP perks”, make it easy to take action.

4️⃣ Send Emails at the Right Time ⏰
Timing is everything! The best times to send travel-related emails are:
📩 Tuesday & Thursday mornings (8-10 AM) – Clients check emails early before getting busy.
📩 Sunday evenings (6-9 PM) – People plan trips when they’re relaxed.
📩 Mid-week lunch hours (12-1 PM) – A quick travel inspiration boost during a work break!

20/01/2025

💬 Ever had a client say, “I found it cheaper online”?

We’ve all been there, right? It can feel frustrating, but it’s also a great opportunity to show them why booking with you is worth every penny.

➡️Here are 3 responses I’ve used that not only address the objection but also emphasize the value we bring as travel agents:

1️⃣ “Let me check into that for you—sometimes those online prices don’t include things like baggage fees, transfers, or cancellation protection. I can make sure you’re comparing apples to apples!”
💡 Why It Works: This positions you as a helpful expert who ensures they aren’t blindsided by hidden costs.

2️⃣ “I completely understand wanting the best deal. The great thing about booking with me is that you’re not just getting a trip—you’re getting personalized support if anything goes wrong, from flight delays to cancellations.”
💡 Why It Works: This highlights the added value of having an agent who’s got their back, which online bookings often lack.

3️⃣ “Price is important, but so is peace of mind. I’ve seen clients save money upfront online but end up spending more later because they didn’t get the right package or coverage. I’ll make sure you’re protected every step of the way.”
💡 Why It Works: It emphasizes long-term value over short-term savings.

📝 Pro Tip: Always keep the focus on the value YOU bring to the table. Price alone isn’t the full story—your expertise, time, and personalized care are priceless.

18/01/2025

Who else is guilty of getting distracted by every animal they meet while traveling? 🐾

Tag someone who’s just as guilty in the comments!⬇️

11/01/2025

☀️New job, new opportunities to grow—but one thing that never changes is my love for connecting with all of you! 🌎

I’m curious: what’s been your biggest win in the travel business? Let’s celebrate together! Let me know in the comments!⬇️😃

09/01/2025

So excited to be back!

Exclusive: One of Canada’s most reputable cruise professionals has sailed into an exciting new role. Jordana Botting, formally of Viking and Norwegian, has joined Crystal as a regional sales director for Canada, PAX has learned. Botting will be responsible for strengthening Crystal’s partnership...