The "PIVOT"

I have always been a “FRIENDS” fan and one of my favorite episodes is the “PIVOT” one with the couch. In the last several years we have all seen many instances where we have had to “PIVOT” and the travel industry encountered this too in many ways.

In April I encountered my own “PIVOT.”  The plan was to fly from Nashville to Miami the night before my first ever cruise so I would ensure that I would have enough time! I was going to board Holland America for seven days and I was so excited! I had planned and was arriving early so I knew that my planning would pay off.

I made it to Atlanta for my connection to Miami, Florida with plenty of time to spare, work a bit, and grab a bite. As I headed to the terminal, I walk by and check the flights (just in case) and I had to take a step back - CANCELLED! So, my travel partner started looking at flights to Florida and everything CANCELLED. The flights were not just cancelled, there were no flights to Florida until MONDAY! My cruise was leaving Sunday! So, then I thought I let us drive. Not one car in Atlanta to rent… it was the master’s weekend. God was telling us, you need to “PIVOT.”

My travel partner and I had no luggage, no idea what we were going to do, but we had a room, and all that headed toward the hotels at the airport considered themselves the Delta Relocation Program – that was the name we all gave ourselves. Ya gotta laugh!

We sat in our hotel room trying to figure out the next step, and at that moment we found out our luggage was at one of the carousels. We headed over and we found mine.... halfway there. We were able to get the second one the next day. We were making progress. Next question... what do we do?

VEGAS BABY! After some soul searching, we booked and headed to Las Vegas! I had never been there and had clients that were interested so I thought sure! Why not! It was such a wonderful experience. I was able to take in some shows and eat at HELL’S KITCHEN. Yes, it is amazing.

I never would have thought to just move on and have this as a plan B, but it was perfect! I can now cross this one off my bucket list and ready to go back! There are so many things to do there and shows to see, I touched the tip of the iceberg. We were right on the strip and could see the dancing waters of the Bellagio every night from our window of our room at Planet Hollywood.

It was a positive “PIVOT” for the trip, and I am just so glad that I was open minded to the experience. But what did I learn?

With all the obstacles that we encountered I know that it is important to have a plan B. Some types of clients do not want to hear that things can go wrong, but what is the plan B or the “PIVOT.”  For all my clients going forward, especially if there is a cruise involved, we have a plan B incase there is an issue with the flights. Currently, I suggest coming in 2 days prior if there is a flight and it is not a direct flight. That is just one thing we can do.

No matter what the trip is, I am always not thinking of the plan B or the “PIVOT.”  It is better to have a plan and not need it than need it and not have it. This way if we need to flip the switch for the trip, we can and enjoy the vacation that is well deserved!

 

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