Jean Gretz is a travel consultant with Alamo World Travel, in
Alamo, Calif., a Signature agency. She has been in the travel
industry for more than 50 years.
You just got back from a trip. Where did you
go?
Portland, Oregon. Actually to Hillsborough, to visit my daughter. I
have three kids and two are in Oregon. My other daughter works with
me at the agency.
What is your next trip?
In May, I’m going on a Viking cruise from Berlin to Prague and then
a Trafalgar Lake District of Italy tour. I’m combining the two. I
enjoy river cruising a lot. I think it’s the ideal way to go. We
book a lot of people on European rivers and also the United States.
One of my favorite river cruises is Russia from Moscow to St.
Petersburg and also the Yangtze River because the culture is so
different.
Do you sell a lot of cruises?
Yes we do. I try to organize groups of 10 to 20 people.
Do you lead the groups?
Yes. [Laughing] Taking a group on a cruise is not too difficult.
They keep you busy.
How many countries have you been to?
Over 90. I can’t tell you how many cruises. A lot!
Have you been to all the continents?
All but Antarctica.
Any favorite trips that stand out?
My husband and I, our favorite trips were African safaris. We’ve
been to Kenya and Botswana twice. We’ve taken groups each time and
I’ve sent a lot of people there. It’s a terrific experience for
anyone interested in wildlife.
When was the first time you went to Africa?
1970. Things were a little rough then.
How has it changed?
It’s become much more sophisticated. Back then, even a tent was a
luxury, and now they have such beautiful lodges. Of course the
price is accordingly higher, but it’s still a wonderful
experience.
When did you get into the business?
1950. My brother opened an agency called Campus Coach Lines in New
York. He started a charter bus company and then added the travel
part and asked me if I wanted to work with him. Then I moved to
California, and worked in agencies in both Northern and Southern
California. I’ve been with Alamo since 1982.
Can you remember one of your first trips?
Bermuda. I loved Bermuda. It’s a charming location. Not too many
people have been there from the West Coast. I did take one group
there and the island went on strike so we ended up in Nassau.
[Laughing.] We went back the next year.
When you started out, were there a lot of female travel
agents?
Yes. We had quite a few friends in the 4471 club in New York. It
was all women. It’s still in existence.
One interesting observation that I’ve made is that there are more
men entering the business now. I think they are from the tech
industry and they don’t have jobs anymore. They are mainly older
men. This is on the West Coast anyway. I’ve noticed it at our
seminars.
Were you selling to many families?
No. Families have really become bigger in the last few years. It
was mostly couples, singles and younger people. You saw very few
families as a whole unit. I think in today’s market, families are
tremendously important. And family reunions also. Of course, the
ships have followed the need.
What was the cruise experience like when you
started?
Cruises were pretty much the same idea but not as much of a variety
of entertainment on board as we have now like lectures and
different challenges. [Laughing] It was mostly horse races and
bingo and dance classes.
Were cruises more luxurious and glamorous?
Oh, no, now it’s beyond comparison. I think that’s whey people like
these mega-ships because it’s so elegant and luxurious and it
appeals to the mass public.
Do you still enjoy being an agent?
You bet. I never want to retire. It’s too fascinating and the
people involved are so pleasant and interesting. You know, the
opportunity affords meeting people from all over the world and
maintaining friendships.
I also belong to an organization called Friendship Force. It was
started by Jimmy Carter when he was president. There are clubs all
over the world and they exchange visits. We have a group of
Russians coming next week. They stay a week with our club in
private homes and we take them sightseeing and partying. Last year,
we went to England.
It’s a marvelous experience to get to know people individually. I
think that’s much more exciting than being on a tour with a bunch
of Americans. You learn more about the country and the customs.
What do you think of the future of the travel agent
industry?
I think it will maintain its present situation. People use the
computer and see what they want and if they are knowledgeable they
end up with an agent because they know they’re going to get
personal service. Problems always arise that you can’t answer on a
computer. People get frustrated when they can’t talk to someone and
express their personal needs.
People still need the personal service of a travel agent,
especially on cruises.
What advice do you have for other agents?
We have to keep up with all the changes and new things that happen
by attending seminars and shows and reading. I read about three or
four travel magazines a week. Because things happen that you don’t
have any knowledge of unless you keep up with it.
