Familiarization or as we call them, FAM trips, are an amazing way for travel agents to experience destinations, hotels, and suppliers firsthand. They’re designed to boost your knowledge so you can offer clients firsthand recommendations with confidence. But while these trips are packed with exciting experiences, they’re also a professional opportunity—and how you show up matters.
To make the most of your FAM trip, keep these five best practices in mind:
1. Remember—It’s a Business Trip, Not a Vacation
Sure, FAM trips can be fun, but they’re not a personal getaway. Suppliers and hosts put a lot into organizing these trips to educate travel pros like you, so it’s important to take them seriously. Be on time for all scheduled activities, participate in site visits, and engage with your hosts and fellow agents. This is your chance to soak up insights, ask questions, and build connections that can benefit your business.
2. Stay Organized and Take Good Notes
You’ll be visiting multiple locations, meeting new contacts, and gathering tons of details. Taking notes and snapping photos or videos (where allowed) will help you remember key info when it’s time to assist clients. Consider using apps like FamGuru and MyFamTrip—they’re great for keeping track of your notes, images, and insights all in one place.
3. Stick to the Itinerary
FAM trip itineraries are designed to maximize your exposure to important sites and experiences, so it’s important to follow the schedule. Attend all required activities, make the most of site inspections, and be mindful of the group’s time. If there’s free time, use it wisely—explore areas that might interest your clients rather than heading off for personal leisure. Respecting the itinerary helps ensure a smooth experience for everyone.
4. Be Engaged and Professional
Your hosts and suppliers are investing in your success, so show interest! Ask questions, learn about accommodations, amenities, and booking policies, and take note of what stands out. Professionalism also means being respectful to your hosts and their guests, fellow agents, and service staff. Dress appropriately, be courteous, and keep personal behavior in check—this isn’t the time to overindulge at the bar. A great impression can lead to lasting partnerships.
5. Follow Up and Share What You Learned
The real value of a FAM trip comes from how you use what you’ve learned. Once you’re back, share your experiences on social media, write a blog post, or include highlights in your newsletter. Tag suppliers and destinations to show appreciation and keep the momentum going. If you have any feedback for your hosts, let them know—it helps improve future trips and by all means send a note of appreciation for the invitation to join the FAM. While there’s no obligation, supporting the suppliers and destinations that hosted you by recommending them to clients is always a smart business move.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll get the most out of your FAM trip while building strong supplier relationships and boosting your credibility as a travel advisor. Sharing your firsthand experiences, offering personalized recommendations, and staying on top of industry trends will make clients trust you even more and you become the go- to travel expert.
The more you showcase your knowledge, the more clients will trust you to plan their perfect trip! And the more you invest in these experiences, the more they’ll pay off for your business!