‘fam trip (plural fam trips) (Britain, hospitality industry) A free (or low cost) trip for travel agents or consultants, provided by a travel operator or airline as a means of promoting their service.’
Now, this isn’t to say we spend most of out time out of the country. 95% of the time we get up, go to work and go home. But that other 5% and (in my opinion) the best part of being a travel agent is the trips to different corners of the world.
Some call them educationals, some call them fam trips. Whatever you call them, I don’t think there is any greater perk in any other job. During my first fam trip, I had to constantly reminding myself that I was being paid to go to the most beautiful part of Italy, sit on the beach, eat, drink, swim and drink. Now, don’t get me wrong. They aren’t all like that, colleagues have reported visiting 20 hotels a day, with no let up in-between. I have been incredibly lucky with both of my trips. There were incredibly chilled out, and I love every minute of it.
Here, just a snippet of what I got up to on my educationals last year, the best (not full weeks) of my life.
PUGLIA – 20th May 2017
As stated in my previous post, being away from home hasn’t always been the easiest thing. Anything out of my comfort zone really, I would rather not take part in. However, that had to change when I was offered 4 nights in Puglia Region of Italy..completely free. Forgive me for the cliché, but it did honestly change my life.
Puglia is an undiscovered gem of Italy. With hardly any tourists around, beaches like the Caribbean, the freshest food and local wine, I don’t know what more you could ask for from a holiday destination. For a family, couples, friends, anyone! You don’t need an excuse to go to Puglia.
SÖLDEN – 12th Dec 2017
After my trip to Italy, when the opportunity of the a skiing educational turned up, I was that hands in the air emoji (if only there was a ginger one). I have skied my whole life and the chance to ski for free, meet amazing people and travel to Austria which I had never done before, was too good to turn down.
Personal highlight for me, Sölden is the location where the latest James Bond film Spectre. One of my favourite films! I don’t think he actually skied in the film, but I like to pretend I have skied in the same place as Daniel.
It is for reasons I have mentioned already which is why the travel industry is such a good place to work. I have made friends on these trips which I am still in contact with on a regular basis. They will be friends for life and memories forever.
If there is anyone out there thinking a job in travel might be for them, but scared to take the plunge, all I can say is go for it. It was the best choice I ever made and I know that you won’t regret it.
If I can do it, anyone can.
travel is good for the soul 