Travellers with specific requirements
People arranging holidays involving accessibility, mobility or dietary needs. Craig described coordinating wheelchair assistance for a cruise and checking arrangements directly with the operator.
BNI referral guide · Craig Bidder
Know someone who needs a holiday without the hassle?
Meet Craig Bidder, a personal travel consultant who researches the options, helps with the arrangements and gives travellers someone real to turn to.
Why this guide exists
Making it easier to spot a good introduction
Following our BNI one-to-one, I put together this practical guide to help us recognise the conversations, people and situations where Craig could make a real difference.
“I’ve done all the research ... I’ve done all the check-ins as well. And I’ve been there for them ... if they needed support.”
Craig Bidder, from our BNI conversation. Excerpt shortened for clarity.
Who to look out for
Four useful referral opportunities
Craig can help a wide range of travellers. These situations are especially worth listening for.
People planning a significant trip
Retirees and others preparing for a memorable, higher-value holiday who want confidence that the destination, facilities and arrangements are right.
Busy people who dislike travel admin
Couples, families and professionals who want someone else to research suitable options, compare details and help manage check-ins.
Travellers who value personal support
People who worry about missed connections, hotel problems or lost luggage and would value a named person to contact.
What makes him different
It’s not just finding a holiday
Craig explained that his value lies in the time, care and support he brings to the whole experience.
Research and the right fit
Helping customers assess locations, facilities, preferences and value rather than guessing from a search result.
Less administration
Helping with practical arrangements and check-ins so customers can focus on the trip ahead.
Individual requirements
Checking arrangements for mobility, accessibility and dietary needs with relevant travel providers.
A person to contact
Helping customers deal with problems such as flight disruptions, lost luggage or hotel issues.
Referral partners
Who might hear these conversations?
These are networking connections worth exploring, not exclusive referral categories.
Financial and pension advisers
Conversations about retirement plans and travel ambitions
Accessibility and mobility specialists
Clients wondering whether travel or cruises can accommodate their needs
Family and community networks
People discussing upcoming holidays or special celebrations
Business owners and professional contacts
Busy clients who would rather delegate the research and arrangements
Conversation starters
Questions that open the door
No hard sell needed. Just listen for the travel planning problems people are already talking about.
Retirement
“Have you got any big trips planned now you have more time?”
Travel admin
“Do you enjoy organising holidays, or is it a bit of a chore?”
Accessibility
“Is there anything that makes planning a holiday more complicated?”
Confidence
“Do you ever worry about choosing the right hotel or location?”
Support
“If something went wrong abroad, who would you call?”
Special occasions
“Are you planning a trip for a birthday, anniversary or family celebration?”
The handover
How to make a referral to Craig
Craig said the easiest approach is to introduce people through BNI Connect. He is happy to have an initial, no-obligation conversation with anyone curious about the benefits of using a personal travel consultant.
STEP 01
Spot the opportunity
Someone mentions an upcoming holiday, complicated arrangements or travel-related worries.
STEP 02
Make a warm introduction
Explain briefly that Craig helps with research, arrangements and personal support.
STEP 03
Connect through BNI
Use BNI Connect to pass on the referral, with the person’s permission.
Something simple you could say
“I know Craig, a personal travel consultant. He helps take the hassle out of organising holidays and can support you if things go wrong. Would you like me to introduce you?”
See what this could look like online
Craig’s sample travel website
As part of our conversation, I also created a demonstration landing page showing how Craig’s personal approach could be presented to potential customers.
Concept website only. Photography, reviews and booking features are illustrative.
The sample page link works when both HTML files are kept in the same folder. Update the link when the sample page is published online.
If you like the idea
We can turn it into your own permanent site.
If you like the direction of the example, I can build it properly for you using Help With Digital Builder.
Your own permanent website rather than a page on Help With Digital.
We can use the Craig travel page we've already started as the basis.
The Builder annual package includes two websites.
The second website could be useful for another project or business, at no additional platform subscription cost.
A final thought
Listen for the hassle, not just the holiday
The strongest referral may not be someone saying “I need a travel agent.” It may be someone saying “I haven't got time to sort it”, “I'm not sure where to book”, or “I need someone to help with the details.” That's where Craig can start a useful conversation.
Prepared by Ady Howes · Help With Digital