What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment?
There wasn’t a defining moment per se, but a series of events that led me to becoming a Travel Advisor. I love Disney and found friends and family asking for advice planning their trip. I started writing a blog to avoid constantly writing the same things over and over. My aunt is a Travel Advisor and I then started selling Disney under her brand. Shortly after that, in 2015, my husband was hired by Disney – after I submitted his resume to Disney on his behalf, and we relocated from Denver to Orlando. I dreamed of spending my days in the theme parks and not continuing my 15-year career as an interior designer. Turns out I don’t know how to not work and really started to grow my travel business, opening my own agency in 2016.
Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do”?
About the time I opened my agency, I recognized selling travel as my passion. Not only planning vacations and sharing the world with people, which I am incredibly passionate about, but also being an entrepreneur and leader. My job is multifaceted and rewarding in so many ways. In addition to helping clients see the world and gain a global education (all while having fun and making memories), I have the privilege of leading many others who want to grow their own businesses and help clients vacation as well.
How has your journey evolved since graduating from The Travel Institute?
Yes, absolutely. I say all the time, “you don’t know what you don’t know”. And anytime you provide an education for yourself, not only are you learning new things, but you’re also opening the doors to conversations with others about the topics. Many times the class part of learning is just a stepping stone to new ideas and relationships that continue to further your knowledge.
What’s your favorite part about helping others experience the world through travel?
It may sound silly but really I love that I’m helping families experience new cultures and history. I think there is a lot of value in realizing the world is bigger than our backyard. It provides perspective and the ability to look at other cultures and have a broader understanding of why people are the way they are. Some cultures may seem odd or different from our own, but when you can view the world through their lens, it helps us to be better people. All of that may seem like a lot, but these experiences can be enjoyed even on vacations closer to home that are built around fun and relaxation. Even a week-long Caribbean cruise offers the opportunity to experience different cultures and the way people live in other parts of the world. All of this to say, you’re learning even when it’s not what you set out to do.
What’s one cultural experience that left a lasting impression on you?
There are so many experiences that have left a lasting impression on me and make me want to see more. However, the one that really stands out most is a river cruise I took last year on the lower Danube. Seeing firsthand the communist buildings and war-torn areas really left a lasting impact on me. I think it was impactful because it’s relatively recent history. Much of it is happening in my lifetime. We often look at the horrors of war and think, that was so long ago which makes it “sting” a little less. Being able to understand the life I was living during that time period vs what these people were experiencing at the same time was a lot to sort through. It was fascinating to hear from our guide about how many people felt about communisum. Some, even those who had lived through it, were still pro-communist. It really gives you something to think about. This itinerary, of course, consisted of more than the heavy history and culminated in a visit to Dracula’s castle. It just goes to show that a vacation can be multifaceted in so many ways without that being the intention.
What skills from The Travel Institute have made the biggest impact in your career?
An understanding of the broader picture of travel and tourism and resources to find the information I need for myself and my team.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their travel industry journey?
Dig in and learn everything you can. Make your education in the industry your obsession. Not just supplier education but also marketing best practices, leadership skills, best business practices, and finances in business.
How do you stay motivated and inspired in an industry that’s constantly changing?
Staying active in the industry. Its so easy to sit behind your computer in a home based business and just work yourself to death. Make a point to sign up for conferences, FAMS etc and get out there and keep yourself motivated and full of new inspirational ideas.
Are there any mentors or peers in the industry who’ve deeply influenced your path?
Yes, absolutely. Some who I am walking the same current path with. It’s so helpful to share your successes and failures and brainstorm ways to improve. Kristi Peek, Embrace the Journey Travel, is my travel bestie but also such a great influence in my business. We both bring different things to the table and help each other along the way. Kari Dillion, Marvelous Mouse Travels and Brandon and Lindsey White, Share the Magic Travel have always been gracious and answered my questions about growth and the next steps in scaling a business when I’m just not sure how to do a particular part of my job. I have several BDM’s that are essential parts of my travel path both in the sales side but in introducing me to other agents that are helpful. There are really so many others, too, that have shared nuggets of information along the way that have been influential in my success.
If you could only pack 3 items for a trip around the world, what would they be?
Oh, this is so hard. I am not a light packer! Definitely my iPhone. It’s perfect for taking pictures and looking up the places I’m visiting online. I love to read about the areas I’ve visited. Sunglasses, I can’t live without them. Good shoes. I need to go and see and do it all when I’m visiting.
What’s one place on your travel bucket list that you haven’t crossed off yet?
Oh gosh, the bucket list always gets longer, not shorter! I would really love to visit anywhere in Asia. That is a culture and area I would really love to know more about!
