my fam trip app

Privacy Policy

Introduction.

This policy applies only to information we collect in this App and, in email, text, and other electronic communications sent through this App.

This policy DOES NOT apply to information that we collect offline or on any other My Fam Trip apps or websites, including websites you may access through this App. or which you provide to or is collected by any third party (see Third Party Information Collection).

Our apps and other third parties may have their own privacy policies, which we encourage you to read before providing information on or through them. Please read this policy carefully to understand our policies and practices regarding your information and how we will treat it. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, do not download, register with, or use this App. By downloading, registering with, or using this App, you agree to this privacy policy. This policy may change from time to time. Your continued use of this App after we revise this policy means you accept those changes, so please check the policy periodically for updates.

Our apps and other third parties may have their own privacy policies, which we encourage you to read before providing information on or through them. Please read this policy carefully to understand our policies and practices regarding your information and how we will treat it. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, do not download, register with, or use this App. By downloading, registering with, or using this App, you agree to this privacy policy. This policy may change from time to time (see Changes to Our Privacy Policy). Your continued use of this App after we revise this policy means you accept those changes, so please check the policy periodically for updates.

Children Under the Age of 18

Information we collect and how we collect it, information you provide to us.

• Information that you provide by filling in forms in the App, including information provided at the time of registering to use the App, subscribing to our service, posting material, and requesting further services. We may also ask you for information when you enter a contest or promotion sponsored by us, and when you report a problem with the App.
• Records and copies of your correspondence (including email addresses and phone numbers), if you contact us.
• Your responses to surveys that we might ask you to complete for research purposes.
• Your search queries on the App.

You may also provide information for publication or display ("Posted") on public areas of websites you access through the App (collectively, "User Contributions"). Your User Contributions are Posted and transmitted to others at your own risk. Although you may set certain privacy settings for such information by logging into your account profile, please be aware that no security measures are perfect or impenetrable. Additionally, we cannot control the actions of third parties with whom you may choose to share your User Contributions. Therefore, we cannot and do not guarantee that your User Contributions will not be viewed by unauthorized persons.

Automatic Information Collection and Tracking

• Usage Details When you access and use the App, we may automatically collect certain details of your access to and use of the App, including traffic data, location data, logs, and other communication data and the resources that you access and use on or through the App.
• Device Information We may collect information about your mobile device and internet connection, including the device's unique device identifier, IP address, operating system, browser type, mobile network information, and the device's telephone number.
• Stored Information and Files The App also may access metadata and other information associated with other files stored on your device. This may include, for example, photographs, audio and video clips, personal contacts, and address book information.
• Location Information This App will prompt you to permit access to your gallery and the location of your device. If you do not want us to collect this information, do not download the App.

If you do not want us to collect this information, do not download the App.

Information Collection and Tracking Technologies

Third-party information collection.

• Advertisers, ad networks, and ad servers.
• Analytics companies.
• Your mobile device manufacturer.
• Your mobile service provider.

These third parties may use tracking technologies to collect information about you when you use this App. The information they collect may be associated with your personal information or they may collect information, including personal information, about your online activities over time and across different websites, apps, and other online services websites. They may use this information to provide you with interest-based (behavioral) advertising or other targeted content.

We do not control these third parties' tracking technologies or how they may be used. If you have any questions about an advertisement or other targeted content, you should contact the responsible provider directly.

How We Use Your Information

• Provide you with the App and its contents, and any other information, products or services that you request from us.
• Fulfill any other purpose for which you provide it.
• Give you notices about your subscription, including expiration and renewal notices.
• Carry out our obligations and enforce our rights arising from any contracts entered into between you and us, including for billing and collection.
• Notify you when App updates are available, and of changes to any products or services we offer or provide though it.

The usage information we collect helps us to improve our App and to deliver a better and more personalized experience by enabling us to:

• Estimate our audience size and usage patterns.
• Store information about your preferences, allowing us to customize our App according to your individual interests.
• Speed up your searches.
• Recognize you when you use the App.

We use location information we collect to maintain the operational integrity of the App. We may use the information we collect to display advertisements to our advertisers' target audiences. Even though we do not disclose your personal information for these purposes without your consent, if you click on or otherwise interact with an advertisement, the advertiser may assume that you meet its target criteria.

Disclosure of Your Information

In addition, we may disclose personal information that we collect or you provide:

• To contractors, service providers, and other third parties we use to support our business.
• To a buyer or other successor in the event of a merger, divestiture, restructuring, reorganization, dissolution, or other sale or transfer of some or all of MY FAM TRIP's assets, whether as a going concern or as part of bankruptcy, liquidation, or similar proceeding, in which personal information held by MY FAM TRIP about our App users is among the assets transferred.
• To third parties to market their products or services to you.
• To fulfill the purpose for which you provide it. For example, if you give us an email address to use the "email a friend" feature of our Website or App, we will transmit the contents of that email and your email address to the recipients. For any other purpose disclosed by us when you provide the information.
• With your consent.
• To comply with any court order, law, or legal process, including to respond to any government or regulatory request.
• To enforce our rights arising from any contracts entered into between you and us, including the App, and for billing and collection.
• If we believe disclosure is necessary or appropriate to protect the rights, property, or safety of MY FAM TRIP, our customers or others. This includes exchanging information with other companies and organizations for the purposes of fraud protection and credit risk reduction.

Your Choices About Our Collection, Use, and Disclosure of Your Information

• Tracking Technologies You can set your browser to refuse all or some browser cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If you disable or refuse cookies or block the use of other tracking technologies, some parts of the App may then be inaccessible or not function properly.
• Location Information You can choose whether or not to allow the App to collect and use real-time information about your device's location through the device's privacy settings. If you block the use of location information, some parts of the App may then be inaccessible or not function properly.
• Targeted Advertising by the My Fam Trip If you do not want us to use information that we collect or that you provide to us to deliver advertisements according to our advertisers' target-audience preferences, do not download this App.
• Disclosure of Your Information for Third-Party Advertising and Marketing If you do not want us to share your personal information with unaffiliated or non-agent third parties for advertising and marketing purposes, do not download the App.

We do not control third parties' collection or use of your information to serve interest-based advertising. However, these third parties may provide you with ways to choose not to have your information collected or used in this way. You can opt out of receiving targeted ads from members of the Network Advertising Initiative ("NAI") on the NAI's website. California residents may have additional personal information rights and choices.

Accessing and Correcting Your Personal Information

You may also send us an email at [email protected] to request access to, correct, or delete any personal information that you have provided to us. We cannot delete your personal information except by also deleting your user account. We may not accommodate a request to change information if we believe the change would violate any law or legal requirement or cause the information to be incorrect.

If you delete your User Contributions from the App, copies of your User Contributions may remain viewable in cached and archived pages, or might have been copied or stored by other App users. Proper access and use of information provided on the App, including User Contributions, is governed by our terms of use.

California residents may have additional personal information rights and choices. California's "Shine the Light" law (Civil Code Section § 1798.83) permits users of our App that are California residents to request certain information regarding our disclosure of personal information to third parties for their direct marketing purposes. To make such a request, please send an email to [email protected]

Data Security

The safety and security of your information also depends on you. Where we have given you (or where you have chosen) a password for access to certain parts of our App, you are responsible for keeping this password confidential. We ask you not to share your password with anyone. We urge you to be careful about giving out information in public areas of the App like message boards and/or social media. The information you share in public areas or shared/insecure Wi-Fi may be viewed by unauthorized parties.

Unfortunately, the transmission of information via the internet and mobile platforms is not completely secure. Although we do our best to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee the security of your personal information transmitted through our App. Any transmission of personal information is at your own risk. We are not responsible for circumvention of any privacy settings or security measures we provide.

Changes to Our Privacy Policy

The date the privacy policy was last revised is identified at the top of the page. You are responsible for periodically visiting this privacy policy to check for any changes.

Contact Information

An App for Travel Professionals

Maximize and enhance fam experiences.

Select Site Inspection, Cruise or Guided Tour Quickly pull your historic Fam trips to view & share Works on your internet browser - no apps needed! As seen in Travel Weekly and Travel Research Online

• A systematic way to observe and record your Fams
• Capture all the details of your Fam in one place
• Record all pertinent information (static and subjective)
• Store all Fam trip data
• Auto generate Fam reports (to keep or share)
• Know when to capture the money shots
• Market your Fam experience on the go
• Send client messages about a resort that is perfect for them
• Auto watermark all Fam photos
• Subscribe Today! $25 for 30 days or $99 for a year

How it All Started

Stephanie Cavelli, Co-Founder

Rochelle zemke, co-founder.

Travel, Share & Grow Business

Designed for iphone.

• 4.2 • 5 Ratings

iPhone Screenshots

Description.

Travel Advisors - Overwhelmed by your upcoming Fam Trip and the need to record and share all you learn? FamGuru streamlines your Fam experience before, during and after travel to boost sales, empowering Travel Advisors on the go. - Conquer FAM Trips: Ditch scattered notes, messages and emails. FamGuru centralizes everything. Capture key learnings, photos, and insightful notes with ease. Generate polished reports that showcase your expertise and impress clients. - Build Your FamArchive: No need to search your camera roll 10 months back or look at past Social posts to remember what you saw. FamGuru creates a searchable archive of all your Fam trips. Need details on that Tuscan gem? A quick search finds everything - contact info, amenities, and those captivating photos. - Client-Closing Machine: FamGuru transforms Fam Trips into powerful sales tools. Curate and share key insights, so you can demonstrate your in-depth knowledge. Wow potential and future clients with personalized recommendations backed by your real-world experiences. - Reclaim Your Time: FamGuru automates report generation after Fam Trips, freeing you to focus on building relationships and closing clients. No more late nights digging through past photos, emails, WhatsApp messages, social posts and emails. FamGuru gives you back precious time to focus on what matters most - crafting unforgettable travel experiences with great clients. - Share your Learnings: With Agency colleagues, Advisor friends, clients and your Fam Host at the touch of a button. FamGuru helps you help them, and raises your profile as an Advisor. - Stay Organized & Informed: FamTrip invitations and updates arrive conveniently within the app, keeping you on top of your schedule. Never miss a critical detail or pre-trip requirement again. Provide your flight details, dietaries and other information to your Fam host in one place, easily. FamGuru - More than just an app, it's your Travel Advisor success partner. Download FamGuru today and go from disorganized Fam participant to expert Advisor and hero to your clients and colleagues. Travel Advisors Love FamGuru: "To have everything organized in one place is priceless and makes it easy to share with my colleagues afterwards. I won’t travel without it again!" - Helen B., Ciao Bambino “FamGuru has become an invaluable tool when I travel and I highly recommend it to any Advisor looking to streamline their feedback process and elevate their trips.” - Rebecca F., Destinations Travel Advisors

Version 2.4.1

Organizations chat PDF Report index Consortia field for org info (Multiple for some org types) Personal Org type

Ratings and Reviews

Finally a way to organize and record my fam travels.

I’ve needed something like this app for years but just didn’t know it. Love that I can put in my best photos and also I’ll have a record of what I saw for the future to share with clients and friends.

App Privacy

The developer, FamPro Inc , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• User Content

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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What’s New in Travel Agent FAM Trips

Social media is now a requirement on some FAM trips. Photo: Shutterstock.com

FAM trips have always had real value, and still do. Typically, clients trust a travel advisor’s advice about a potential vacation much more if the advisor has had personal experience with the destination, hotel, or cruise, or if a colleague in the agency has had that first-hand experience and shared their insight.

But, like everything in travel, FAM trips have been reinvented and continue to evolve and roll with the punches.

Hashtag #travel One of the biggest changes in FAMs—social media is the new carry-on baggage, and travel advisors are often encouraged, even requested, to participate.

“FAMs have changed a lot in the last few years,” says Jonathan de Araujo, owner of The Vacationeer Travel Agency, which specializes in Disney, Universal, and cruise travel. “There’s a much larger focus on social media now. Most vendors want you to post on social as much as possible when you’re visiting their properties.”

Advisors are typically asked to use designated hashtags when posting, so the results of the FAM trip can be tracked.

“At the end of the day, FAMs are marketing for the vendor, and like any other marketing, they need to be able to show a return on investment,” says de Araujo.

Travel 101 And, while FAM trips are, of course, still fun and exciting, with opportunities to experience fabulous destinations and resorts, these days FAMs also tend to also be more educational.

“In the past, organized FAM trips were a fun way to introduce advisors to your product in a very controlled way,” said Steve Spivak, Tauck’s Vice President, Global Sales, and Reservations, who noted the company ended organized FAMs in 2013.

“Advisors got a glimpse into the brand but not really the experience a guest would have and not in a way that would build skills, a lasting connection, or an understanding of the true experiential difference from one product to the next.”

So, ten years ago, the company introduced Tauck Academy, a hybrid approach to traditional familiarization trips. “We wanted to create the same fun and engaging environment as a FAM but with a measurable lasting benefit for the advisors and for Tauck,” says Spivak. “We became much more data-driven and collaborative with agency owners in the attendee selection process and created a curriculum that would help the advisor build their business not just with Tauck but with any product that was the right fit for their clients.”

Spivak says the idea was to help the advisor to become better at marketing, prospecting, and closing and more astute at matching their clients to the right experience no matter what that is. And, he says, they want to show the advisor what it’s like to travel with Tauck, so academy experiences are typically held in Tauck hotels or onboard Tauck river ships.

“Our goal is for advisors to feel what our guests feel when they travel but to be able to do it in a three-day Academy program with nine hours of classroom content,” says Spivak.

Advisors who complete Tauck Academy are given the opportunity to travel with a guest—and as a guest—aboard one of Tauck’s river ships, says Spivak. Each year, nearly a hundred advisors are hosted. “We know the best advisors sell from experience and we want that experience to be as authentic as possible,” he says.

Sustainable FAMs There’s also a strong push to introduce advisors to the local culture for unique experiences rather than just touring the popular sites and attractions.

“FAM trips are an essential part of a travel advisor’s job,” says Balaram Thapa, director/travel advisor, of Nepal Hiking Team . 

“They help us gain invaluable insights into the destinations we recommend, allowing us to better inform our guests’ needs and expectations.”

“This year, we expect to see a shift toward more sustainable and responsible travel options on FAM trips,” says Thapa.

”The demand for sustainable tourism continues to grow, and we will be able to access more eco-friendly experiences, such as those focusing on reducing single-use plastic or promoting locally sourced products. Additionally, advisors can expect to experience more immersive cultural and community-based activities, such as homestays and volunteering projects.”

Staffing issues Discover Lancaster in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has hosted FAMs for 25-plus years, says Chris Ackerman, director of sales, Discover Lancaster.

One challenge in recent years that has been, and continues to be, is that a staffing shortage throughout the hospitality industry has also impacted FAMs.

“Staffing challenges have made it difficult for those to get out of the office to take a FAM trip,” says Ackerman.

Lancaster has pivoted and partnered with a trade publication to assist in planning and organizing a multi-meeting planner FAM, says Ackerman, and is also offering more ‘specific’  tailored FAMs for those requesting individualized exploratory visits, he says.

Ackerman offers these three pieces of advice for travel /advisors interested in participating in an upcoming FAM in Lancaster—and elsewhere:

• Explore unique experiences, “off the beaten path” in a destination
• Go where the locals go
• Be flexible due to the hospitality industry staffing challenges

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Organize your FamTrip knowledge so you can sell more travel

Travel, Share & Grow your business with FamGuru

FamGuru: The Fam Trip App for Travel Advisors

You love traveling, want more and better clients, and have no time. We get that.

FamGuru helps make Travel Advising easier and more lucrative.

Organize fam trip learnings, automate fam travel reports, share insights with clients real time, sell more effectively, travel more, stress less.

Travel more.

FamGuru Fam Trip App is designed to make your life easier as a Travel Advisor. Fam Trips are essential to increasing your knowledge so you can sell to clients. But when you’re traveling and trying to keep up with client work, who has time to organize, share and market what you’ve learned?

Convert clients.

Without a good way to organize and sell what you’ve learned, your business won’t grow. As travel advisors ourselves, we believe Fam Trips and other travel that expands our knowledge should support the growth of our businesses, not detract from it.

Make your travel business easier.

With FamGuru, site inspections, activities, photos and notes are organized and accessible now and in the future. Customize trip reports for clients or your agency. Share your learnings on social media or with industry colleagues.

“With FamGuru I have an archive of all my travels which I can refer to for years to come. No more relying on my memory or paging through thousands of photos on my phone!”

Kevin Doheny, Cerulean World Travel

“I love that FamGuru is a one stop shop that helps me to store my Fam trip experiences and share my knowledge with my clients”.

Julie Hamilton, Family on the Go Travel

“I finally have a way to organize everything I learn when I travel and don’t have to spend hours writing up my notes.”

Jay Johnson, Coastline Travel

The moment we realized there had to be a better way…

My client asked me about the beach at a resort in Mexico and how it compared to the beach of another resort nearby. I’d been on a fam and seen both hotels two years prior, but I could not remember even seeing the beach at the first property. I didn’t have a photo and couldn’t find a good review online. I fudged it “they’re both nice.” He booked the first resort.

Fast forward two months, he and his family are at the resort. The dreaded phone call comes: “The beach is awful – too rocky – the kids can’t swim. Get us out of here.” He hasn’t booked with me since. If only I’d had notes, observations, comparisons, something to remind me of what I’d seen!

Patchy memory and imperfect information can get us Travel Advisors into trouble. It can also hold us back from using what we learn to market and sell to clients. And when we can’t market and sell as we should, we miss out on future revenue and can’t grow our businesses and enhance the lifestyle we’ve chosen as Travel Advisors.

This is why we created FamGuru – to eliminate Fam disorganization, provide structure to what we learn and use this insight for our own and our clients’ benefit. Our team are all Travel Advisors ourselves, so we understand the need to create this structure and save time in our days so we can do what we do best: sell travel. FamGuru allows Travel Advisors to do just that: travel, share our insights and grow our businesses through simplification, organization and tools to market to clients.

Book a call with our experts

FamGuru helps make Travel Advising easier and more lucrative

© Copyright FamGuru 2021

Travel Agent FAM Trips: What They Are + How to Find Them

Ahhhh.... the travel industry. It's a beautiful industry and one we here at HAR are lucky enough to work/play in! One of the greatest perks in travel are travel agent familiarization trips, or FAM trips for short. They're also sometimes called FAM tours.

Here's the thing, people outside the industry usually have two conflicting thoughts about travel agents:

1) When they find out I work with travel advisors they ask if travel agents still exist.

2) Then they immediately think I'm a travel advisor and ask, " Do you get to travel a lot? For free?!? "

Here's the answers to those questions:

1) Ooooooh, my friend, travel agents sure do exist! In 2022, traditional travel agencies market share was 21% and online travel agencies was 22% ? True story. Here's more on a travel agent career outlook .

2) And yes, as a producing travel advisor you get to travel a lot and sometimes for free or at a significant discount. Producing is the key word here. :)

What I can never figure out is how you can think travel agents aren't around if they get to travel all the time to gorgeous destinations for free or reduced costs. 🤔 Wouldn't the market be flooded with people wanting to become a travel agent if that was the case?!

These enviable trips are called FAM trips and they're key to travel advisors being invaluable resources to their clients.

(For those of you dying for some 'me time' on the beach, don't worry, FAM trip is short for familiarization trip. It DOES NOT mean you have to bring your family with you on the trips. 😂 In fact, if +1s are allowed, it is often at a little higher cost but often FAM trips are just for advisors.)

So let me break down what a FAM trip is, what happens on FAM tours, where you can find FAM trips, and the question I know you all are asking, how you can get invited on a familiarization trip!

What is a FAM trip for travel agents?

A travel agent FAM trip is a trip offered by a vendor, destination or another entity in the travel industry

Let's clarify one thing. A FAM trip is not the same as travel agent discounts on personal travel. For that, you can check out our article with over 200+ travel agent rates we lovingly keep updated for you. :)

A travel agent FAM trip is a trip offered by a vendor, destination or another entity in the travel industry—like an industry association, a host agency or a travel consortium to travel advisors—allowing the travel agent to experience the product/destination so that they can better sell it.

Travel advisors are salespeople at their core and like any salesperson, they can sell more when they experience the product or service.

Vendors and destinations know that travel agent FAM tours are a cost-effective way to increase sales. All the pics the travel agents post while on FAM trips are darn good PR and advertising!

I'll tell you a secret: once you become a travel agent and start connecting with industry colleagues

a) you will get out of offices all. the. time. from colleagues traveling to awesome places and

b) your social feed will be crammed full of pics from your industry besties traveling around the world. :)

What are the different types of familiarization (FAM) trips?

Those social feeds crammed with enviable travel photos I just mentioned? Well, they are meant to be marketing the destination/property/etc. So you should definitely be feeling FOMO and jealousy.

BUT! That could literally be the only hour the advisor was able to enjoy the pool or beach during their 3-day familiarization trip. Like most things on social, the reality of a FAM trip is often much different than what the photos painted.

Let's break down FAM tours into a few categories so you have a better idea of what to expect.

And for the record, I just created these categories since I really feel like we need to differentiate them so please help me grow this industry lexicon and start throwing them around in industry forums! 😂

Working FAM trips

These FAM trips are exactly what they sound like. Working FAMs are the majority of familiarization trips and they are meant to maximize your time in the destination.

This means that you're often up at 6 am, on your feet all day visiting multiple properties (called site inspections ) or having in-destination experiences like a pasta-making class or white water rafting.

After a full day of action, you sit down for your dinner and do some serious networking. You don't hit the bed until 10 or 11 pm. FAM trips are tons of fun, but they are also tiring! It's like traveling with your ADHD friend that is inexhaustible. :)

The company or destination that organized the FAM trip wants you to see and experience as much as possible so you often have a jam-packed schedule from sun up to past sundown.

EXPERIENTIAL FAM trips

Experiential FAM trips are still working familiarization trips but have a more relaxed schedule, as in you won't be touring 4 resorts in Jamaica a day and then have evening activities. :)

You might be staying at a dude ranch and each day have an activity or two planned.

Or you might have attended a travel conference and signed on for the pre/post tours where you get to do a guided activity each day and then return to your hotel at night. (Here's a guide to maximize your travel conference learning and networking.)

Experiential FAM tours are my favorite FAMs because they're easier to remember more vividly. Plus, I don't come away completely overstimulated and sleep deprived!

AWARD FAM TRIPS

When your agency starts really producing, award FAM trips will open up for you.

Simply put, they're awards trips for top producing travel agencies but they also function as a FAM because they may include visiting a few properties. Plus, when most people think of FAM trips, they're wondering about free or discounted tours and award FAM trips fall into that category.

On award FAM trips, the host really pulls out the stops so you can experience all the host and the destination have to offer

On award FAM trips, the host really pulls out the stops so you can experience all the host and the destination have to offer! After all, these are the agencies that bring in a lot of sales.

Award FAM trips are typically fully comped and the familiarization trip host will have all sorts of great things planned for you! It's a lot of networking and fun, and less work. :)

What happens on a travel agent FAM trip?

Your itinerary will vary based on the type of travel agent FAM trip you're on. As I mentioned earlier, working FAMs have jam packed schedules!

If I were to generalize, I would say that on a FAM tour expect to be wined and dined at different properties or restaurants. You'll tour various properties where you'll see different room categories as well as meet with key staff that will allow you to better serve your clients.

When it comes to cruise ships, cruise FAM trips are often called Seminars at Sea when you get to sail on the ship and ship inspections when you tour it while it's in port.

And equally as important on FAM tours is the networking and bonding that happens with your host and fellow travel colleagues. Most advisors have their family and then they have their 'travel family', which are the colleagues they get to travel around the world with. As we all know, travel bonds people like nothing else!

Cruise FAM trips are often called Seminars at Sea when you get to sail on the ship and ship inspections when you tour it while it's in port.

Travel agent FAM trip technology + FAM trip marketing

You'll take tons of pictures and videos to share with clients and use for marketing. You'll also take a lot of notes. How do you keep all that FAM trip info straight? Here's a few resources for you.

Fam with Intention has a paid course on what to do before, during and after your travel agent FAM tour to make sure you maximize the experience.

Keeping track of everything you see and do, as well as the people you meet on travel agent FAM trips is challenging. HAR has free ship inspection forms as well as free site inspection forms that can help you out. They're old school PDF but can't beat free!

And if you are looking for something way more snazzy in app form (paid), check out MyFamTrip or FamGuru .

How much do travel agent FAMs cost?

I wish I had a specific answer for you but travel agent FAM prices will vary from completely free (sometimes referred to as hosted, as in they're 100% hosting you) to a decent discount.

Here's what you can generally expect included on a travel agent FAM trip:

• Excursions/Activities

What's usually not included on travel agent FAM tours:

• Tips for your drivers, bellhops, guides, housekeeping, etc. (These people work incredibly hard and depend on tips so make sure to bring cash.)
• Your travel insurance (never included)

Where can I find a list of travel agent FAM trips?

Great question! Here are a few places you can find FAM trips listed.

HAR's INDUSTRy calendar

We have a great list of FAM trips on HAR's free travel industry event calendar that you can check out.

Often times travel industry conferences in popular tourist destinations will offer pre/post-add-ons that allow you to experience the destination at a discounted rates.

FAM-SPEcific websites

Other online places to find travel agent FAMs are destination-specific websites like:

• MexicoFamTrips.com
• CaribbeanFamTrips.com
• JamaicaFamTrips.com

There are also a few websites that list travel agent FAM trips like :

• Famtrips.travel
• FAMrates.com (paid subscription)
• WanderfullyFammed , which are led by an advisor/photographer and part of the trip is that she provides all the marketing content for advisors to promote it during and after.

But here's another secret, the real travel agent FAM deals that are generously subsidized are not publicized. They are invite-only FAM trips or require you to apply, where the competition is stiff.

Travel Consortium + Host AgencY FAM TRIPS

Your host agency and/or consortium are one of the places where you can find the generously subsidized FAM trips.

Only members of their networks have access to these FAM trips and there may be sales or other requirements you need to meet. They may send out an email with the opportunity or they may reach out to advisors they know would be a good fit for it so that's another reason to cultivate those relationships with your host and consortium!

DESTINATIONS and vendors FAM TourS FOR TRAVEL AGENTS

Another place where you can find severely discounted travel agent FAM trips is through destinations and preferred suppliers like cruise lines, tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs), and resorts.

\When you sign up as an advisor with them that gets you into their database and you'll receive information on upcoming travel agent FAM opportunities.

These FAM trips may be emailed out to the entire database and you have to apply, or it may be that the organization reaches out individually to their ideal travel advisors. Again, build those relationships at travel industry events so you're top of mind. :)

How the heck can I get invited on a travel agent FAM trip?!?

Love your enthusiasm!

Let's back up a step because the first requirement is that you're a travel agent. If you aren't one but think it would be a cool career (it totally is), check out our article with more info on how to start your travel agency .

The next requirement hurdle is you'll need to be a producing advisor.

On rare occasions, new advisors without a history of sales can be invited on a travel agent FAM trip, but you'd have to show you have the potential to bring in sales. This is usually done by showing your network of friends/colleagues/clients as the target demographic for that particular FAM trip.

Another option for newbies is you can show that you are serious and focused on selling that particular brand/destination/trip type. Do this by reaching out to your BDM (business development manager) and writing up an in-depth sales plan on what you'll do to bring them sales.

Other than that, each FAM will have its own requirements which they'll communicate to you.

FAM Trip Etiquette

Believe it or not, not everyone behaves well on FAM trips. Whether this is your first FAM trip or your 30th, it's important to know FAM trip etiquette.

We put together a one sheet for you to help promote proper FAM etiquette. Share with colleagues or print some out for your upcoming FAM and offer them to any new advisors who may need some guidance on etiquette!

If you're someone that hosts FAM trips, feel free to use the image and send out with your FAM materials.

You now are fully educated on one of the best travel industry secrets... travel agent FAM trips! I hope you can experience one soon as they're amazing experiences. :)

If you're an advisor that landed on this article, I would LOVE to have you share any FAM experiences or advice in the comments below!

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7 Essential Apps for Your Next Family Vacation (2024)

Planning a trip can be exciting. In fact, researchers have found that most people derive most of their vacation happiness not from the trip itself, but their anticipation of the journey. 

Yet planning can also be stressful, with all the options and decisions and up-front payments. We found eight travel apps that will help you arrange, organize and enjoy your family vacation. They’ll assist with booking accommodations, mapping out itineraries, and even cherishing your memories for years to come. 

Packing can be a pain. PackPoint   takes the guesswork (and forgetfulness) out of packing by letting you create a comprehensive packing list for your entire family. It will automatically suggest a customizable checklist based on the weather at your vacation spot, the length of your trip, and outings you have planned. Everything from toiletries to international travel items like power adapters and vaccination certificates will pop up. It will even remind you to bring an umbrella if the forecast calls for rain. Check off items as you pack, giving you peace of mind that you’re not leaving anything important behind. 

GOWhee bills itself as the app made for parents, by parents. Use the “around me” function to find nearby sites that kids would enjoy, based on crowdsourced opinions. There are more than 30 filters to narrow down your search—including whether a restaurant has a kids’ menu or a hotel has on-site childcare. This app is highly inclusive, with filters related to special needs, such as wheelchair accessibility and sensory-sensitivity. It even provides details about medical providers, babysitters, meet-ups with other GOWhee user parents in your location. The recommendations are placed in chronological order and include photos, offering authentic reviews about their experiences, whether positive or negative. 

Hoptale is a travel journal, scrapbook, and blog all rolled into one app. By using the metadata from your travel photos, such as the date and location that the picture was taken, it organizes it as a keepsake. You can also customize things like a blog, by tracking maps of the places you visited, as well as your itinerary, and adding commentary. With minimal effort on your end, and in a matter of 10 minutes or less, you’ll have a digital scrapbook to remember your family vacation. This is helpful when you want a travel souvenir to look back on or when you want to share your trip with friends and loved ones. Plus, it can also be used as a trip-planning tool by using the explore feed to discover other photos and user-generated itineraries. 

LoungeBuddy

Why settle for the crowds and noise of the regular airport waiting area? LoungeBuddy is THE app for finding pay-as-you-go access to private airport lounges, which often offer free snacks, wifi, and more. It makes the airport experience far more enjoyable, especially if you’re traveling with kids. And it’s useful even if you get lounge access with one of your premium credit cards , since it can cover airports that aren’t included in your existing benefits.

TripIt 

This comprehensive travel app can organize all your travel details—flight reservations, tours, hotel bookings, car rentals, and even restaurant reservations—in one place, no matter what platform you booked on. Simply forward your confirmation booking emails to TripIt . Then, it automatically creates a custom itinerary in the app so you don’t have to organize the information yourself, and auto-syncs with your calendar apps. The app features airport maps, keeps track of all your reward programs, and notifies you of airfare prices dropping after booking. Subscribers can get notified of flight delays, cancellations, and gate changes in real-time, sometimes even before the airlines reach out. TripIt Pro also lets you know if a better airline seat becomes available, 

The Transportation Security Administration’s MyTSA App provides an abundance of useful info about airport security. The searchable “Can I Bring?” database explains what’s permitted (or not) in checked and carry-on baggage. For families traveling with young children or infants, it provides children-specific info like if you can bring breast milk, formula, or medications. It can also notify you about delays and the current weather condition at airports, as well as how busy it will be based on historical data. 

Mamava  

Designed by two women who were frustrated by the lack of lactation and breastfeeding spaces in public areas and bathrooms, Mamava lists thousands of the best places to pump or nurse. Just type in your location and find the nearest one near you, with reviews and intel on amenities like changing tables, power outlets, or a sink. In addition to the communal areas they share on the app, Mamava has thousands of their own self-contained lactation pods. These are available country-wide and you can unlock them easily with the app via Bluetooth. Mamava pods have a table and bench and electrical outlets for breast pumps moms will need, and are big enough to accommodate a mother, her baby, and other children. The app will even tell you if the pod is already in use, saving you time and energy. 

Carrie Back

Carrie Ann Back is a Native American travel writer and full-time globetrotter.

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Fam Trips for Travel Agents: Exploring the Perks of Travel Industry Adventures

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of travel, staying ahead of the game is crucial for travel agents. Familiarization trips, commonly known as fam trips, are an excellent way for travel agents to enhance their knowledge, experience, and expertise in the destinations they promote. In this article, we will delve into the world of fam trips, understanding their significance, benefits, and how they can be an invaluable tool for travel agents.

Table of Contents

What are Fam Trips?

Gaining First-hand Experience

Building Strong Supplier Relationships

Improving Productivity and Sales

Creating Memorable Customer Experiences

Meeting Sales Targets

Proving Expertise and Market Knowledge

Building a Solid Reputation

Research and Plan Ahead

Act Professionally and Respectfully

Network and Collaborate

Take Detailed Notes and Photos

Time Constraints

Competition for Spots

Balancing Personal and Professional Time

Creating Engaging Content

Utilizing Social Media

Hosting Informative Workshops

Establishing Client Trust

How Fam Trips Transformed My Career

A Destination’s Impact on Sales

The Art of Storytelling

Fam trips are organized by travel suppliers, tourism boards, and hotels to offer travel agents firsthand experience of a destination or travel product. These trips are designed to provide agents with an in-depth understanding of the destination’s attractions, accommodations, activities, and culture. Fam trips are not only limited to popular tourist destinations; they can also cover niche markets, luxury travel, adventure trips, and more.

The Importance of Fam Trips for Travel Agents

Fam trips allow travel agents to experience destinations personally, giving them a deeper insight into what they are selling. Being able to speak authentically about a destination enhances the agent’s credibility and builds trust with potential clients.

Participating in fam trips fosters relationships with travel suppliers and industry professionals. This personal connection can lead to better deals, exclusive offers, and improved support for the agent’s clients.

Knowledge gained from fam trips empowers travel agents to create tailor-made itineraries that match their clients’ preferences and needs. This personalized approach can significantly increase sales and customer satisfaction.

The first-hand knowledge gained during fam trips enables travel agents to curate unique experiences for their clients. This personalized touch can turn a regular trip into a memorable and extraordinary adventure.

How to Qualify for Fam Trips

Travel agents who consistently meet or exceed sales targets are often given priority for fam trip invitations. Suppliers seek agents who have a proven track record of actively selling their destinations.

Agents with comprehensive knowledge of a specific destination or market niche are highly sought after for fam trips. Demonstrating expertise and specialization can increase the chances of being selected.

A strong professional reputation within the travel industry can lead to more opportunities for fam trips. Positive reviews and recommendations from clients and industry peers are valuable in this regard.

How to Make the Most of Fam Trips

Before embarking on a fam trip, travel agents should thoroughly research the destination and create a list of specific aspects they wish to explore. Proper planning ensures agents make the most of their time during the trip.

While fam trips are meant to be enjoyable, it is essential for agents to remember that they are also a form of business. Acting professionally and respectfully towards suppliers and other participants is crucial.

Fam trips provide an excellent opportunity to network with fellow travel agents and industry professionals. Collaborating with peers can lead to valuable insights and potential partnerships.

During fam trips, agents should take detailed notes and photographs to refer back to when creating content or recommending the destination to clients.

Challenges and Limitations of Fam Trips

Fam trips are often packed with activities and site visits, leaving limited free time for exploration. Agents need to manage their time effectively to experience as much as possible.

Due to their popularity, fam trips can have limited spots, and competition among travel agents to secure a place can be fierce.

While fam trips offer exciting experiences, agents should remember to find a balance between personal enjoyment and professional obligations.

Tips for Leveraging Fam Trip Experiences

Agents can use their fam trip experiences to create engaging content for blogs, social media, and newsletters. Visual storytelling through photos and videos can captivate audiences.

Sharing real-time updates and experiences on social media platforms can generate interest and engagement from potential clients.

Agents can host workshops to share their newfound knowledge and experiences with colleagues and potential clients, showcasing their expertise.

By relaying their personal experiences, agents can instill trust in their clients, convincing them that they are recommending destinations based on genuine experiences.

Success Stories: Real-life Accounts from Agents

Mary, a travel agent, shares how participating in fam trips shaped her career and helped her become a destination specialist.

John recounts how a fam trip to an exotic location boosted his sales and allowed him to target a new market segment.

Linda explains how the experiences she gained from fam trips enabled her to craft compelling stories for her clients.

Fam trips are a gateway for travel agents to enhance their expertise, build strong industry relationships, and offer unique experiences to their clients. Embracing these opportunities can elevate a travel agent’s career and enrich their clients’ journeys.

• How much do fam trips cost for travel agents? Fam trip costs are usually covered by suppliers or tourism boards. However, agents may need to bear their travel expenses and incidentals.
• Are fam trips only for experienced agents? Fam trips are open to both experienced and novice agents, but preference is often given to those with proven sales records and expertise.
• Can agents bring companions on fam trips? Some fam trips allow agents to bring companions at their own expense, while others may be exclusive to agents only.
• How can I maximize the benefits of a fam trip? Research the destination beforehand, network with industry peers, take detailed notes, and create engaging content based on your experiences.

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FAM Trip Checklist for Travel Advisors

As we head into the fall, we look forward to things cooling down a bit – the temperature, and maybe even your workload! If fall is a slower season for you, this might be the optimal time to plan a FAM trip. A FAM trip, or a familiarization trip, is a vacation exclusively for travel agents that is either free or deeply discounted by travel vendors, hotels, resorts, or cruise lines. The purpose of a FAM trip is to help a travel agent become familiar with the products and services travel vendors offer so they can help their clients choose the perfect vacation package.

FAM trips are one of the many fun parts about being a travel agent. But what many of your friends may not realize, is that it’s also a work trip! In order to make the most of any FAM trip travel agents ask questions, make notes, and take any learning experience that comes their way. If you’re getting ready for an upcoming FAM trip, make sure you’re checking off a few important to-do’s.

➡️ Related: 8 Ways for TA’s to Stay Productive During a Slow Season

Get Ready for Your Next FAM Trip

1. set goals for yourself.

Don’t leave home without writing down goals for your trip! What do you hope to learn, try or see? Once you have your goals, figure out how you will accomplish them, whether it’s adding something to your itinerary or connecting with a vendor you want to work with.

2. Try new things

Even if you have a narrow target demographic, your clients represent a diverse group of interests and preferences. Put some unique experiences and outings on your itinerary. Try a wide range of activities that will cater to all of your clients.

3. Take trips that fit your niche

Of course, take some trips just for you to enjoy! But make sure you are also staying up-to-date with the ins and outs of your niche . Take a trip (or multiple!) specific to your niche each year. There will always be something new to learn!

4. Take notes

Keep a little notepad with you for taking specific notes you might be more likely to forget when you return home. When taking notes, think about some of the most frequently asked questions you get from clients and jot down info you think would benefit them the most.

5. Let travel frustrations be learning experiences

Rather than be frustrated with a travel delay (problem), look at it as a learning experience. Any problem you run into is one you can now help your clients avoid. Any problem you experience (and survive!) just gives you that much more credibility to advise your clients.

6. Network while you’re there

A good industry network is PRICELESS to travel agents. This is because relationships with travel vendors is one thing your clients do not have and cannot buy. A FAM trip is a great time to do a little networking !

7. Ask questions

Good questions – the best way to learn! Ask vendors specific questions about their properties, tours, excursions and whatever else your clients might need to know.

8. Take photos and videos

You don’t have to be the world’s greatest photographer. But you can still improve your photography and videography skills! Travel marketing is 90% visual so you cannot overlook the skill of getting some high quality photos to share with potential clients. Take some time to learn photography basics, then make sure you are capturing some good stuff while you’re traveling!

Shawna Levet

Shawna is passionate about helping travel agents grow their business and expand their knowledge as travel experts. She has been in the travel industry since 2011, helping agents and travelers alike find the best negotiated airfare and travel coverage to meet their needs.

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