Samm Avis is a marketer turned travel business owner. She leaned into her passion for visiting new places and planning bespoke experiences to set up a business for corporate and leisure clients.
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘work hard, play hard’, and that’s because we all need to balance work with time to recharge. It’s often through travel that we get inspired and tap into our most creative side to refuel our productivity.
It’s good to catch up Samm! How do you help people balance their demanding work schedules with travel?
I listen to what my clients want and create options that match this. They’re often too busy, so taking this burden away helps them. With clients travelling for business, it’s important to look at flights that allow the client to arrive less jet lagged, see if there are upgrade options that don’t break the budget, or find a hotel with a pool or gym so they can make the most of any free time. Meanwhile, for clients travelling for leisure, if they want to tour a new destination but I know they have a busy work life, then I make sure I schedule some ‘downtime’ into their holiday. For example, a few nights’ stay at a resort at the end of their tour.
Do you think a particular holiday is best for busy professionals?
I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all holiday. Some people’s idea of a relaxing holiday is an all-inclusive beach holiday, whereas others find being more active through sports such as skiing or hiking relaxes them. Others love taking cruises as they only have to unpack once, but still get to experience new destinations. I always ask who’s going on the trip and what they enjoy to make sure everyone’s catered for.
Can you share examples of some unique client travel experiences?
I provide an itinerary based on their requirements but often add a ‘wild card’ into their options. I had a family who initially wanted an all-inclusive holiday to Europe for two weeks. As something different, I also threw in an all-inclusive option to Sri Lanka with some excursions, including the Elephant Orphanage and river safari, as I knew they loved animals. They ended up booking this option and loved it. They assumed that long-haul options wouldn’t fit their budget but were surprised it did. Prices have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, so it’s knowing where to look.
For another client, I’m currently looking at a trip to Norway to search for the Northern Lights. The options include staying at some stunning log cabins. The types of trips you can plan are endless, which is why I love what I do.
Do you find stepping out of the familiar helps people get clarity on their lives?
Learning about new cultures and destinations is a great way to see the world from another perspective. While holidaying in Vietnam and other countries that have been at war for many years, I understood how this can affect people’s outlook on life. They’re grateful for the simple things and look for positives in the everyday. This helps you put into context what’s actually important in your normal workday.
What common obstacles do people face when trying to plan holidays?
They spend hours doing the research and go around in circles. I can do that for them in probably a fraction of that time, as I know where to look and how to pick options that match their needs. Providing a bespoke trip also doesn’t have to be an expensive service as I get paid by the suppliers such as the travel agents or hotels they end up booking with. I can take away all the stress of the research, planning and booking. For any issues, they can also contact me on WhatsApp or email, as I’m with them every step of the way, before, during and after their holiday.
As a business owner, how do you balance work with taking time off?
I started my business post-covid in 2022 when there was an uptake of people wanting to travel more after being cooped indoors for so long. Some of the perks of running a travel business are getting great deals and knowing the best times to go on holiday. The busy periods for travel are usually January to March (post-Christmas when people want something to look forward to) and in the summer. So, I schedule my holidays to fit in the less busy times. Taking regular trips is also important as it helps me experience new destinations to recommend to my clients. When I take time out, I have a 24/7 backing duty office to help with any urgent queries or emergencies, so my business is always manned.
What would you say to those who feel too busy to take a break or holiday, or don’t feel they can afford it?
Taking a break from our busy work lives helps to energise the body and brain. It’s important for our general and mental health to prevent burnout. You then come back with a renewed sense of creativity and purpose for what you do.
It doesn’t have to be an expensive and far-away trip. Even taking a 10-minute walk can recharge your brain, body, and focus, especially now that more of us are working from home. I’ve solved some big issues by just stepping away from my desk and getting some fresh air to think through things more clearly.
Life is also too short, so make sure you enjoy it. You can be replaced in a job, but you can’t replace time with family and friends, so make the most of them.
If you don’t feel you have the time or money to take a week off, start by taking a night off, in a city or seaside bed and breakfast or a mini spa somewhere to rejuvenate your mind.
And if there’s a holiday you’ve been trying to take, then make time to do it, even if it means planning and saving up for it months or years in advance. You’ll have that to look forward to, and you won’t regret it!
Thanks, Samm, and that’s so true! For any travel tips, support and inspiration, you can visit Samm’s website.