What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment?
Travel has always been a meaningful part of my life. Growing up, my family prioritized yearly vacations where we immersed ourselves in local cultures and experiences, always striving to “live like locals.” My passion for world history made these trips even more impactful, especially when I had the chance to explore historic sites and walk the very battlefields I’d read about. These formative experiences, made possible by my parents and grandparents, instilled in me the value of learning through travel. This passion led me to earn my BComm in Hospitality and Tourism Management, work for an educational travel company, and ultimately inspired me to start my own travel agency.
Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do”?
While working at an educational travel company, I had the opportunity to accompany a group of high school students on a tour of Dublin, London, and Paris. One evening in London, we took the Tube from Wimbledon to Piccadilly Circus. As we emerged from the station, the whole square was aglow with lights, and I watched the students’ faces light up with wonder as they took in the city for the first time. Seeing their awe and excitement made me realize how rewarding it is to help others experience the world in such a meaningful way. In that moment, I knew I wanted to create these kinds of experiences for as many people as possible.
How has your journey evolved since graduating from The Travel Institute?
Although it’s only been about a month since completing my certification, I’ve already started shifting my focus toward group tours, an area I’ve always enjoyed from my previous roles. I’m now deep-diving into planning and leading more group experiences, with the goal of hosting at least one each quarter. Additionally, I’m actively promoting my new certification and looking for ways to bring even more value to my travellers.
What’s your favorite part about helping others experience the world through travel?
My favorite part is witnessing the sense of wonder and excitement that travel brings to my travellers. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping people step outside their everyday routines and immerse themselves in new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. I love knowing that I’ve played a part in creating memories that will last a lifetime. Being able to share my passion for travel and help others experience the world in a meaningful way is truly why I do what I do.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their travel industry journey?
My biggest advice is to follow your passion and stay open to new experiences. You don’t need to pick a niche right away, explore different styles of travel, destinations, and types of clients. The more you try, the better you’ll discover what truly excites you and where your strengths lie. You might find yourself drawn to a specialty you hadn’t considered at first. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and always keep learning; the travel industry is full of opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
What’s one place on your travel bucket list that you haven’t crossed off yet?
South Africa is at the very top of my travel bucket list. I’m a huge Shark Week fan, so the idea of cage diving in Shark Alley (the stretch of sea between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock) absolutely fascinates me. Experiencing the thrill of seeing great white sharks up close in their natural habitat would be a dream come true!
