We help you turn firsthand travel into confident client guidance
From Experience to Confidence: What Advisors Gained from Europe Express FAMs in 2025
We help you turn firsthand travel into confident client guidance
At Europe Express, familiarization trips are designed as immersive, small-group learning experiences—where Travel Advisors experience destinations the same way their clients do, build confidence in the details that matter most, and strengthen their partnership with our team along the way.
In 2025, Europe Express hosted three distinctive FAMs: Italy (October), Nice and the French Riviera (December), and Germany’s Christmas Markets (December). Across all three trips, one theme consistently emerged from advisor feedback: experiencing Europe Express products and services firsthand changes how advisors sell, and how confidently they guide their clients.
Here’s what advisors told us they gained from exploring Europe with us:
Italy: Selling the Details That Make or Break a Trip
Italy remains one of the most requested—and most complex—destinations advisors sell. From rail travel and private transfers to pacing and hotel location, small logistical details can dramatically shape the client experience.
For advisors on the Italy FAM, experiencing these elements in real time was invaluable. Traveling between Rome, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast by train and transfer gave advisors the clarity they need to set realistic expectations and design smoother itineraries for clients.
“[I] got so much out of experiencing traveling to Italy as my client would. I’ve sold Italy for a long time, but after what I’ve learned on this FAM, I will do some things very differently.”
— Travel Advisor, Italy FAM
Hotel site inspections and guided tours further reinforced how product selection, location, and pacing intersect, showcasing the true expertise and depth of knowledge of our product and operational teams.
“I learned a lot about Europe Express—what all is offered, what goes into hotel selections, tours, transfers, etc. The FAM will help build a stronger client base interested in traveling to Europe.”
— Laura Korty, Dream Vacations
The result? Advisors returned home better equipped to explain logistics clearly, guide clients toward the right accommodations, and confidently recommend Italy itineraries that align with traveler expectations.
Nice & the French Riviera: Seeing Beyond the Postcard
The French Riviera is often sold for its beauty—but selling it well requires nuance. Advisors on the Nice FAM emphasized how valuable it was to experience multiple Riviera towns, curated experiences, and built-in free time that mirrored a real client journey.
This balance helped advisors understand not just what’s included, but why certain experiences resonate most with travelers.
“Seeing the level of guides and drivers really showed me that Europe Express is top notch. I especially liked that we did tours Europe Express offers—it was a great overview of each city and village, with time to explore on our own.”
— Linda DeForest, All Seasons Travel
Experiencing hotels firsthand also gave advisors a sharper lens for advising clients, particularly when it comes to setting expectations around style, comfort, and value. Rather than relying on descriptions alone, advisors returned home with firsthand insight they could immediately apply to client conversations.
For many, the trip reframed how they’ll position the Riviera moving forward—less as a single destination, and more as a thoughtfully paced, multi-stop experience.
Festive Bavaria: Selling Seasonal Travel with Confidence
Germany’s Christmas markets are often sold on atmosphere alone, but advisors know that holiday travel comes with a different set of considerations: crowds, winter logistics, pacing, and client expectations during peak season. Experiencing Bavaria firsthand during the festive period gave advisors a deeper understanding of how these elements come together—and how Europe Express helps clients manage them thoughtfully.
Moving through Munich, advisors experienced the rhythm of holiday travel as their clients would: navigating busy squares, enjoying included experiences without feeling rushed, and seeing how well-planned transportation and timing can elevate what could otherwise feel overwhelming. The result was not just inspiration, but clarity—especially for advisors booking first-time Christmas market travelers.
The small-group format played a meaningful role in the overall experience. With a capped group size, advisors had the space to ask questions in real time, engage closely with local guides, and absorb the destination without the fatigue that often comes with larger-scale holiday tours. Hosts were able to adjust pacing as needed, offer context along the way, and ensure the experience felt immersive rather than hurried.
By the end of the trip, advisors weren’t just inspired by the glow of the markets—they returned home equipped to sell Christmas travel with confidence, credibility, and care.
From FAM to Forward Momentum
Europe Express FAMs are designed to be not just educational, but actionable. Advisors returned home with:
- Clearer destination knowledge
- Greater confidence in logistics and product selection
- Immediate client conversations already underway
Several advisors reported upcoming consultations, active inquiries, and quotes already in progress—demonstrating the real business impact of experiencing Europe Express firsthand.
What’s Next?
Interested in joining a future Europe Express FAM or learning more about how we support travel advisors?
Explore your next step:
- Learn how to qualify for a Europe Express FAM through Passport to Perks
- Connect with Europe Express to start designing custom European itineraries for your clients
- Learn more about our various travel styles: Custom FIT, Private Groups, and Elevated Journeys
We believe the best way to sell Europe is to experience it—with the support, transparency, and expertise travel advisors deserve. We look forward to welcoming more advisors on future FAMs and continuing to grow together!
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