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An Expert’s Guide to Travel: A Conversation with Megan Winslett

Photo by: Camilla Cheade. Shot on location for TSG Wilmington at The Hotel Continentale in Florence, Italy.

Meet Megan Winslett, owner of Megan Winslett Travel, an independent affiliate of Brownell Travel, a luxury travel consultancy. Megan’s professional background includes stints as executive director of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s foundation, and in executive-level leadership development partnered with the Center for Creative Leadership.

Travel has always been an important aspect of her life. She grew up in a military family, and she always thought of a travel career as a dream job. Two and a half years ago, Megan made the leap and established her own travel advisory business affiliated with Brownell.  For Megan, it’s the perfect mix of being an entrepreneur designing custom travel itineraries for clients with the ability to tap into the resources of a well-established, premier travel company. Brownell luxury travel consultants have been advising clients since 1887, and their network of independent advisors expands around the entire globe. Brownell consultants have guided clients through wars, global pandemics, and everyday hiccups that can happen while traveling.

We caught up with Megan to get her thoughts on the topic on every traveler’s mind, COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus, as well as the benefits of working with a travel advisor when planning your next vacation, or altering plans when unexpected challenges come up!  Here are her recommendations.

British Virgin Islands

TSG: We're heading into a busy time of year for travel. How are you advising clients who are planning or have already planned a trip during this period when we are experiencing uncertainty when it comes to the coronavirus?

MW: Truly, it’s a case-by-case situation. I’ve looked through my list of clients with upcoming travel and have been reaching out with updates, giving them the time and space they need to think through their travel plans, as well as their own risk threshold and preferences. For instance, I’ve talked to clients who are more susceptible to the virus- families with children with a compromised respiratory system, and those who are going overseas and over 60- and gave them facts to evaluate the options available so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

For some people, the risk isn’t about the virus itself, rather the consequences of travel that could hold them up in an airport or postpone their return from a trip. While there’s always a risk of viruses like the flu or general travel delays, it’s more about trying to take the emotion out of the news and discuss reality on a factual basis. 

In times where there are major disruptions like this, I see it as our time to shine.

TSG: Walk us through the process of working with a travel consultant like yourself right now.  What’s involved? 

MW: I start the process by having a “discover call” with each client, not just to talk about the nuts and bolts of their trip, but also to cover key topics like their travel style, and what they are looking to get out of the trip. Lately, I’ve been leading with the fact that we’re in unknown times, but many of the people who are planning right now know and understand the climate, and are moving forward with plans. Some people have made adjustments to their itineraries, but what’s most important from the advisor role is communication that many partners are loosening cancellation policies and some waiving fees to accommodate the needs of travelers. The companies that Brownell works with are not looking for the quick sell, it’s about building relationships with our clients through thick and thin.

In times where there are major disruptions like this, I see it as our time to shine. We are able to provide the best service possible for our clients, and the partners we work with are really able to build a relationship with travelers that will last longer than the trip. One small example is the Brownell Travel Air Desk, which helps with flight changes, and the use of an emergency number for any after-hours flight cancellations or disruptions. From the minute they leave their home, my clients are backed with 24/7 global support that is part of the service.

Cartagena, Colombia

People who move forward with travel always have my full support and that of Brownell, which can provide peace of mind when something, anything, comes up during travel...

TSG: What are some of the places people are interested in traveling to right now, and where are you recommending people visit?

MW: It’s all changing so quickly, but as of right now I would say that the United States, Central and South America, and the Caribbean are the “safe” destinations, but I’m still booking Europe and have several trips for clients on the horizon for the summer in Italy. A key right now is managing the changes that are happening all the time. I get updates three times per day, which helps me have the most up-to-date information to share with my clients. The main partners that we use are focused on making everything easier for people to move on with travel plans and minimize any risks. 

One thing I always recommend is travel insurance to protect your investment. It is, of course, a personal decision, but the best insurance is CFAR insurance, aka “Cancel For Any Reason,” which allows travelers to cancel their trip as needed when problems like an epidemic or pandemic arises.

Southern California

TSG: If somebody did have to change their plans on short notice, are you recommending any in-state or regional trips?

MW: I’m working with a family who has had to adjust their spring break plans which they’ve switched to Colonial Williamsburg, Washington, DC, and Charlottesville, VA. It is going to be a great trip for them, and an added bonus is that they’re able to work in some college visits. 

Florida is also an option for a quick-change getaway. The Florida Keys are a great place for spring vacation. My own family is headed to southern California for spring break, and I am planning to travel to Mexico and the Caribbean in the coming weeks, as well as a multi-week trip to Europe this summer. I would never want to put myself or my family at risk for any potential issues, but I’m moving forward with my own plans to visit probably four countries in Europe this summer, and of course heeding the advice that I’m giving to my clients when planning personal travel. 

People who move forward with travel always have my full support and that of Brownell, which can provide peace of mind when something, anything, comes up during travel no matter the status of any high-importance travel watches.

Washington, DC

TSG: Finally, are there any websites that you recommend for people to follow during what seems to be a crisis?

MW: It’s all about getting the facts. I’m recommending to clients (and following myself) the World Health Organization (WHO), The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as Johns Hopkins University, which has a tracking map updated in real-time and informative blog. I also always recommend registering with the State Department and checking for advisories in case anything happens, we know our citizens who are abroad. 

Megan Winslett Travel is an independent affiliate of Brownell Travel, one of the oldest and most prestigious travel organizations in the United States. Brownell is a premier partner with Virtuoso, a ‘by-invitation-only’ network of luxury travel providers. Leveraging Brownell’s prominence in the travel industry and partnership with Virtuoso, Megan's affiliations ensure her clients receive additional value through unparalleled level of service with additional amenities and upgrades.

Megan will be featured in the upcoming Scout Guide Wilmington VOL 4. Follow her through Instagram at @meganwinsletttravel or reach out via email at megan [at] meganwinsletttravel.com