Stop Losing Clients to Expedia: 5 Evening Email Scripts That Convert Browsers into Bookings

You know the sting. A client asks for a quote on Monday, you send over a detailed proposal by Tuesday afternoon, and by Friday they have booked the exact same trip on Expedia. No phone call, no explanation, just radio silence and a vacation they will inevitably need help troubleshooting when something goes wrong at 2 AM in Cancun.

Here is the truth most travel agents miss: you are not losing clients because your pricing is off or your service lacks value. You are losing them because your follow-up game is weak, and big online booking platforms have mastered the art of the evening nudge. Those perfectly timed emails that land in inboxes right when people are winding down, scrolling their phones, and daydreaming about their next escape.

The good news? You can beat them at their own game. And it starts with five simple email scripts you can deploy tonight.

Why Evening Emails Win the Booking Battle

Let me paint you a picture. It is 7:45 PM on a Wednesday. Your potential client just finished dinner, the kids are finally in bed, and they are curled up on the couch with their phone. This is prime booking time. This is when dreams turn into credit card swipes.

Expedia knows this. Booking.com knows this. Every online travel agency has entire teams analyzing send times and conversion windows. Meanwhile, most travel agents are sending their follow-ups at 10 AM on a Tuesday when their clients are neck-deep in work emails and grocery lists.

Evening emails work because they meet people in their travel fantasy zone. Your Omaha-based travel agent expertise combined with strategic timing can turn those dreamers into bookers before they ever open a browser tab to compare prices.

Script One: The Personalized Dream Weaver

Subject Line: Sarah, I Found the Perfect Surf Spot for You in Portugal

Body: Hi Sarah,

I was putting together some options for your spring getaway and immediately thought of you when I came across this gem in Portugal. I remember you mentioning you love active vacations, and this place has some of the best beginner-friendly surf breaks in Europe.

Here is what caught my eye:

• Morning surf lessons included (no experience needed)

• Boutique hotel right on the beach in Ericeira

• Local foodie scene that rivals Lisbon

• Direct flights from Omaha with one connection

The pricing I am seeing right now is actually $340 less per person than what is showing on Expedia, and I can lock it in with just a deposit tonight.

Want me to send over the full details?

Talk soon, [Your Name]

Why This Works: Research shows that personalized email subject lines are 26% more likely to be opened. This script references a specific conversation detail and positions you as someone who actually listens and curates rather than just quotes. It also subtly mentions the price advantage without making it the entire focus.

Script Two: The Reactivation Reminder

Subject Line: It Has Been a Year Since Cabo, Ready for Round Two?

Body: Hey Michael and Lisa,

Can you believe it has been a year since your anniversary trip to Cabo? I still think about those photos you sent from the sunset dinner cruise.

I wanted to reach out because I am seeing some incredible deals right now for a return visit (or maybe somewhere new?). Bringing back past clients costs me five times less energy than finding new ones, so I always make sure my favorites get first dibs on the good stuff.

A few ideas I am holding for you:

• Adults-only resort in Tulum with swim-up suites

• Virgin Voyages Mexican Riviera sailing (all-inclusive, no kids, seriously fun)

• Boutique stay in San Miguel de Allende

No pressure. Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and here whenever you are ready to start planning the next adventure.

Cheers, [Your Name]

Why This Works: Reactivation emails tap into nostalgia and existing trust. Mentioning that it costs less to work with repeat clients makes them feel valued rather than pitched. The casual tone and low-pressure close keep it friendly. Plus, linking to hot deals like Virgin Voyages gives them something concrete to explore.

Script Three: The Insider Scoop

Subject Line: This Disney Cruise Deal Disappears Tomorrow (Seriously)

Body: Hi Jennifer,

Quick heads up, I just got off the phone with my Disney rep and there is a promotion ending tomorrow night that I think is perfect for your family.

Here is the deal:

• Kids sail free on select Caribbean sailings

• Onboard credit of $200 per stateroom

• Free upgrade to oceanview (based on availability)

I know you have been on the fence about booking a Disney cruise, but this is legitimately the best pricing I have seen in six months. If you want in, I need to submit by noon tomorrow to lock it.

I have your dates and cabin preferences from our last chat, so I can move fast if you are ready. Just say the word.

Best, [Your Name]

Why This Works: Urgency without being slimy. You are not manufacturing a fake deadline, this is a real promotion with a real expiration. The insider positioning (just got off the phone with my rep) reinforces your value as a connected professional, not just a middleman with a website.

Script Four: The Objection Crusher

Subject Line: Why Booking Direct Might Cost You More Than You Think

Body: Hey Alex,

I wanted to circle back on the quote I sent over last week. I know you are probably comparing prices right now (totally normal, I would do the same), so I thought I would break down what you are actually getting when you book with me versus going solo on Expedia.

What Expedia Gives You:

• The lowest advertised rate (sometimes)

• A confirmation number

• A customer service line with a 45-minute hold time

What You Get Working With Me:

• Price matching (I can often beat or match online rates)

• Someone who answers texts at 6 PM when your flight gets canceled

• Insider tips on room locations, excursions worth skipping, and how to actually use your resort credits

• A real human who knows your name and your trip details

I am not here to hard-sell you. I just want you to know that I am in your corner before, during, and after the trip. That peace of mind is worth something, even if the price tag looks the same.

Let me know if you have questions. Happy to hop on a quick call.

, [Your Name] Your Omaha-based travel agent with a global reach

Why This Works: This script tackles the elephant in the room head-on. Instead of pretending clients are not price shopping, it acknowledges the behavior and reframes the value proposition. Agents often lose bookings not because of price but because clients do not understand what they are paying for. This email educates without lecturing.

Script Five: The Soft Close Follow-Up

Subject Line: No Pressure, Just Checking In on Your Bali Plans

Body: Hi Rachel,

I know life gets busy, so I wanted to gently follow up on the Bali itinerary I put together for you a few weeks ago.

No pressure at all: I just want to make sure it did not get buried in your inbox. If the timing is not right or you are still thinking it over, that is totally fine. I will be here whenever you are ready.

If something about the itinerary felt off or the budget was not quite right, I am happy to tweak it. My goal is to make this as easy and exciting as possible for you.

Either way, let me know. I am rooting for you to take this trip.

Take care, [Your Name]

Why This Works: The soft close is underrated. Sometimes clients need permission to say "not yet" without feeling like they are disappointing you. This email lowers the pressure, opens the door for feedback, and positions you as a supportive partner rather than a pushy salesperson. It also keeps you top of mind without being annoying.

How to Deploy These Scripts Without Sounding Like a Robot

Here is the thing about email scripts: they only work if they sound like you. Copy-pasting these word-for-word will come off as stiff and impersonal. Instead, treat them as frameworks. Plug in your own voice, reference actual client details, and adjust the tone to match your relationship.

A few best practices:

• Send from your personal email, not a generic agency address

• Use the client's first name in the subject line when appropriate

• Keep it short: nobody wants to read a novel at 8 PM

• Include one clear call to action (reply, call, click a link)

• Test your send times: 8 PM works for most people, but your audience might be night owls or early birds

You can also layer these scripts into an automated sequence using tools like Mailchimp or ConvertKit, but make sure each message feels personal. The goal is to mimic the timing strategy of big booking platforms while maintaining the human touch that makes you irreplaceable.

Stop Competing on Price and Start Winning on Connection

Expedia has algorithms. You have relationships. When you combine smart email timing with genuine personalization and strategic follow-up, you become the obvious choice. Your clients do not just want the cheapest rate: they want someone who makes the process easy, handles the surprises, and actually cares whether their trip goes well.

These five scripts are your starting point. Tweak them, test them, and watch your response rates climb. And if you are looking for more ways to build your travel agent business, check out these evening habits that separate six-figure agents from everyone else.

The browsers are out there right now, scrolling and dreaming. Make sure your email is the one that lands in their inbox at exactly the right moment.

---

If you are not already a travel agent and stumbled upon this - it could be a sign that your next move is a flight to freedom. Learn more about how to become a travel agent.