What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment?
Pandemic hit, I had to find something I could do remotely as I had 2 young kids at home. I found out that I could become a travel advisor/agent and can do it from anywhere. I was already very knowledgeable with the travel industry, as I love to travel and have booked many vacations/ trips for myself and family. I am very passionate about traveling and exploring the world in person, I decided to give it a go and see where it goes.
Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do”?
As I dove in, studied and learned more about what tourism has to offer, I knew I found my true passion.
I quit my full time job and put my time and joined every webinar, meeting in person with various vendors/tour operators, got certified in many inches to being able to offer my prospect travellers.
Once I put myself out there and shared my new path as a travel agent/advisor people were starting to contact me and have me plan their trips, and book their vacations. It might be a cliche, but the moment I knew “this was my calling, and what I am meant to do” when my clients came back from their trips and shared their personal experiences at each destination and their positive feedbacks while working with me, from the moment they reached out to the moment they came back home from their vacations. Knowing and hearing about my client’s great experiences, seeing their photos and videos made me realize how big the world is, and the best way to truly experience it, is in person.
How has your journey evolved since graduating from The Travel Institute?
My journey has evolved a bit since graduating from The Travel Institute. I had shared my accomplishment on social media, and have potential booking clients, for future travel. I am always looking for more ways to grow my audience and gain more credibility, which will lead to more actual booking clients.
What’s your favorite part about helping others experience the world through travel?
My favorite part about helping others experience the world through travel is: How excited they are when they’re back from their holiday, and share all their pictures and videos with me. Showing me what they saw and how it made them feel while they were abroad.
What’s one cultural experience that left a lasting impression on you?
One cultural experience that left a lasting impression on me is Bali, Indonesia. The strong family bond that they all share, and their faith and the Hindu religion by having more temples than actual homes throughout their island. They leave daily offerings known as Canang Sari, to honor deities and spirits.
