Travel Advisors Share Strategies to Manage Holiday Travel Rush

Travel advisors face some of their toughest working conditions during the holiday season, as last-minute bookings, weather disruptions, and heightened client expectations converge with personal and family commitments. Industry leaders say the period demands not only operational agility but also clear communication and resilience to avoid burnout.

Mark Faldmo, owner of Blue Planet Vacations, says the holidays bring a surge in urgent requests as travelers finalize plans or scramble to rebook trips affected by winter storms and airline disruptions. Advisors often find themselves responding around the clock, managing complex itineraries while navigating limited availability and rising prices. “It’s one of the most intense times of the year,” Faldmo says, noting that clients expect immediate solutions when problems arise.

McLean Robbins, founder of Lily Pond Luxury, highlights the emotional and logistical pressure advisors face during the holiday rush. Luxury travelers, in particular, expect seamless experiences despite crowded airports and strained airline operations. Robbins says the key is setting realistic expectations early, including clear communication about response times and potential disruptions. “Clients value transparency,” she says. “When they understand the constraints, they’re more patient and trusting.”

For many agencies, the workload does not ease once the holidays end. Debra Hines Brown, founder of SmartBird World Travel, notes that January often marks the start of the busiest booking season of the year. As travelers return home and begin planning spring and summer trips, advisors must transition immediately from holiday problem-solving to high-volume trip planning.

To manage the pressure, advisors are increasingly turning to technology to streamline workflows. Customer relationship management systems, automated messaging tools, and real-time flight tracking help advisors respond more efficiently while reducing manual tasks. Some agencies also rely on shared inboxes or on-call rotations to ensure coverage without overwhelming individual team members.

Equally important, advisors emphasize the need for boundaries and self-care. Many set firm office hours, use out-of-office notifications when possible, and prioritize rest during quieter moments. Building trusted supplier relationships also plays a critical role, enabling advisors to secure faster assistance during disruptions.

Despite the challenges, many advisors say the holiday season reinforces the value of professional travel planning. When trips go wrong, travelers often gain a deeper appreciation for expert support. By combining proactive communication, smart use of technology, and personal well-being strategies, travel advisors are finding ways to navigate the holiday rush while positioning themselves for a strong start to the new year.

Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com