Help out the People Who Help You
For most people, traveling is something we do at max only a handful of times a year. Especially for longer, extended trips where time is taken off from work and a lot of effort and money has gone into the planning, we all hope and want an amazing, unforgettable trip.
What makes a trip a great experience is subjective to the type of trip planned and to one’s particularities. Such experiences high on one’s list might include a hotel room w/ a breath-taking view, tasting the food of a different culture, and flying business or first class on a particular airline.
Regardless of where you go and what’s high on your list, one of the many factors that make a trip memorable is the people you interact with.
A Thought to Not Forget
Whether it be a hotel receptionist, Uber driver, flight attendant, waiter/waitress, or another tourist, there is no avoiding social interaction when you travel. I would argue it is one of the benefits of traveling - having social interaction w/ strangers from all walks of life.
On my most recent trip to Vegas and then to Europe to fly some premium cabin flights, I would say the service and interactions I had with people are what I really remember from my trip. I encountered two front desk receptionists who were very helpful, affable, and patient, answering my questions and doing all they could to meet my requests. I also encountered some of the best flight attendants I have ever met (though to be fair these were in first-class cabins).
Now while a trip for you may be a special occasion, do not forget that for locals, many of them are working their everyday jobs and are just going about living their normal lives. Because of this, I do my best to always be kind, refrain from judging, and do what I can to spread the Aloha spirit in my words and actions. I don’t know what kind of day a person may be having and would rather make someone’s day better than worse. It is something I hope and wish everyone would embody.
Knowing this, you should not expect anyone to go above and beyond his/her/their duties, responsibilities, and service to their customers.
It is with that said that you should do your best to recognize when an employee does go above and beyond to help you and in return, you should help them out.
How you ask???
An Underrated Way to Help - Feedback and Surveys
Well beyond just thanking them and perhaps leaving a good tip, you should get the person’s name and recognize that person in a feedback email or survey. Many hotels, airlines, etc will send emails asking for feedback or have a section on their website. Feedback will take two or three minutes at the most to do and I think we can all find the time to do, especially if what the person did really enhanced your experience.
Now, to be honest, I don’t know how much this actually will help a person get some sort of promotion, raise, etc. I am sure the degree to which it helps varies by company, but I believe (and am told) it does make a difference. I am sure some of you know and can speak from experience that being recognized in feedback and mentioned because of your outstanding service does net you something in return.
Anyway, that’s it for this post. In summary, if someone goes above and beyond and provides you with exceptional service, do he/she/they a favor and help them out by giving feedback and recognizing them.
