Pauline Jacquet talks about her experience as a travel designer.

Pauline shares her experience with the free travel planning app Vialala.

Pauline took some time to answer a few questions about her experience as a travel designer with Vialala.

Can you tell us a little more about yourself?

About 10 years ago, I was already immersed in tourism while working at the heart of CDG airport. Independent for a year now, I wanted to take on a new challenge.

Today, as the co-founder of a new fine jewelry brand, Mayuri, and a travel designer for Vialala.com/en. I have always wanted to be independent and actively participate in and organize trips for my friends and family, and also for myself, not being a fan of all-inclusive packages. For many travelers, building their own trips has never been enjoyable, but for me, it is a passion and a desire to provide them with the custom journey they have always dreamed of.

Independent for a year, I wanted to take on a new challenge.

What destinations do you offer and what is your experience with them? 

Thailand twice, and constructions of two completely different itinerant trips.

Tanzania, Safari and beaches. Entirely organized by myself

Morocco, several times, complete organization by myself with traveling itineraries.

Portugal, several times, complete organization as well, itinerant trips

Indonesia, stay of more than three weeks on a traveling journey, also organized by myself.

London, I lived there for 1 year as an au pair.

Open to other destinations. Last destination sold: Iceland. Additionally, I am in the process of organizing a travel project for my parents and their friends to a distant destination, for example, Réunion Island or Louisiana.

What motivated you to become a travel organizer?

I was already more or less doing this job without being full-time since I was building my travel projects but also those of my relatives who were lost, overwhelmed by the mass of information on the Internet.

What does the job of a travel designer entail?

Travel planning involves gathering all the initial information from the future traveler about their various desires as well as the constraints of their travel project. Based on the feedback, we must be able to offer them a trip that matches the image of the traveler but taking into account each criterion they previously indicated to us. The organizer must be able to inspire the client and sell them a dream. We must reassure and instill confidence in them, by offering a stay that even exceeds their expectations.

What is your process when a traveler contacts you for a custom travel proposal?

Before I start a quote, I analyze the initial elements provided by Vialala.fr. If they are incomplete, I take it upon myself to contact them quickly to gather as much information as possible before actively starting a first quote.

To what extent do you accompany travelers?

I cannot accompany them physically but remain available by phone in case of needs on site in the country where they are staying ?

What do you think are the necessary qualities to become a travel designer? 

Passion, patience, perseverance, rigor, and efficiency.

What has been one of your best experiences as a traveler? And as a travel organizer?

My best experience by far as a traveler was Tanzania, a country I had always dreamed of exploring and the first country where the emotion overwhelmed me with its endless landscapes. And the first country where I cried when I left.

As a travel coach with Vialala.com, I would say all of them 😊 and I will surely have many more even better ones for the upcoming ones !

What role do, in your opinion, social networks play today in the organization of a trip?

Social networks play a predominant role today, due to the images that are published. For many, they have surely already visited the destination being highlighted on the networks but perhaps had no idea that they could have seen this or that thing, and all this helps to revive the demand of these travelers but also of new travelers.

What motivated you to join the Vialala.fr community?

For my part, I had planned to create my own structure, but then the opportunity with Vialala.fr came up, and I took it. It allowed me to participate and become a travel planner more quickly. Moreover, I've always been drawn to the "startup" environment, with its young and dynamic spirit, very open to our proposals. And above all, I fully endorse this concept.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a travel coach?

If it's a person who is available, who wishes to leverage their commitment and desire to have people travel without spending more by offering them tailor-made services, and who believes in this concept then come on! 😉

Why use a custom travel planner instead of a traditional travel agency?

Using a travel planner allows travelers to communicate with just one person for organizing their trip. Moreover, the range of travel designers is greatly surpassed as they offer trips they have already experienced. This platform provides as many organizers as there are destinations. And they will share with you their unique spots, or even places unknown to the general public. In short, a TP will become more of a confidant with the future traveler than a travel agent.

Using a travel planner allows travelers to communicate with a single person for the organization of their stay.

Conversely, in a traditional agency, they might not necessarily have experienced each destination they offer. Moreover, they will likely stick to accommodations from catalogues, the same goes for activities.

Thank you very much for your testimonial, Pauline. See you soon on our free app to create trips !