What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment?
My journey began after planning an Alaska cruise for my husband and me to celebrate our 25th anniversary following the pandemic. I loved researching the destinations, comparing the options, and bringing every detail together. That experience reminded me that travel is more than simply visiting a destination—it creates memories that can stay with us forever.
When on this trip, I met a lady through world, travel organization, and she was telling me that I could be a travel agent and I’d be good at it, that’s when
I realized I could use my love of travel, planning, and helping others to build a meaningful career. I joined Cruise Brothers and made my first sale within three days. That was the defining moment when I knew I had found something special.
Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do”?
There have been many of those moments, but the most meaningful happen when someone trusts me with a trip they have dreamed about for years. Hearing their excitement when the plans come together—and then seeing their photographs and hearing their stories afterward—reminds me why I do this.
I experience that same feeling as a Team Leader when a new advisor makes their first booking or begins believing in their own abilities. I realized that I was not only meant to help people experience the world; I was also meant to teach, encourage, and help other travel professionals build successful businesses of their own.
How has your journey evolved since graduating from The Travel Institute?
My certification strengthened the knowledge, confidence, and professionalism I bring to every part of my career. It affirmed the experience I had gained while encouraging me to continue learning and growing.
Today, I serve as a Business Development Manager (aka) Team Leader with Cruise Brothers while continuing to work directly with travelers through Travel With Tiffany—The GOAT of Travel. I mentor advisors, lead training, share practical business strategies, and help others develop the confidence to serve their clients well. My journey has evolved from selling travel to creating amazing memories , and developing people, building the next age of agents , and helping raise the professional standard of our industry.
What’s your favorite part about helping others experience the world through travel?
My favorite part is helping people turn a dream that may have felt impossible into a real experience. Travel brings families together, celebrates important milestones, introduces us to different cultures, and gives us memories that cannot be replaced.
I love learning what matters most to each traveler and creating an experience that feels personal to them. Whether it is someone’s first cruise, a long-awaited family vacation, or an adventure to a bucket-list destination, being trusted with those moments is both a privilege and a responsibility. Helping people experience more of the world—and seeing how travel changes them—is incredibly rewarding.
What’s one cultural experience that left a lasting impression on you?
Visiting South Africa left a lasting impression on me. Experiencing the country’s history, traditions, natural beauty, and incredible sense of community reminded me that a destination is about much more than the places we photograph—it is about the people who call it home.
Listening to local stories and seeing life from another perspective deepened my respect for the resilience and warmth of the South African people. It reinforced my belief that travel can break down barriers, create understanding, and connect us in ways no textbook ever could. I returned home not only with wonderful memories, but also with a broader view of the world and an even greater desire to help others experience it.
What skills from The Travel Institute have made the biggest impact in your career?
The skills that have made the greatest impact are strategic business planning, professional communication, relationship building, ethical decision-making, and leadership. The Travel Institute helped me look beyond making an individual sale and focus on creating long-term value for clients, advisors, and my organization.
It also reinforced the importance of asking thoughtful questions, listening carefully, continuing my education, and approaching every client relationship with professionalism. These skills have strengthened me as a travel advisor and made me a more confident leader, mentor, and educator.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their travel industry journey?
My advice is to begin before you feel completely ready, because you will never know everything in this constantly changing industry. Commit to learning, find a mentor, ask questions, and take advantage of every training opportunity available to you.
Focus on building relationships rather than chasing individual sales. Listen carefully, follow through, and treat every traveler’s vacation as if it were your own. Be patient and consistent—success does not happen overnight. Your confidence will grow with every conversation, quote, booking, and challenge. Most importantly, remember that you are not simply selling travel; you are helping people create memories and experiences that may last a lifetime.
How do you stay motivated and inspired in an industry that’s constantly changing?
I stay motivated by remembering that change creates new opportunities to learn, serve, and grow. I regularly attend training, industry events, supplier presentations, and familiarization trips so I can continue expanding my knowledge and bring current information back to my clients and team.
I am also inspired by the people around me. A client’s excitement, an advisor’s first booking, or a team member reaching a new goal reminds me that the work we do matters. I never want to stop learning, because every new skill I gain becomes something I can use to help someone else succeed.
Are there any mentors or peers in the industry who’ve deeply influenced your path?
Four leaders have had an especially meaningful influence on my journey: Jenn Lee of Travel Planners International, Charles Sylvia of CLIA, Katy Jones, and David Accettura, president of Cruise Brothers.
Jenn Lee inspired me through the openness with which she shares her knowledge and experience. She encourages advisors without viewing them as competition or fearing that someone will steal a client or idea. She showed me that true leadership means creating room for others to learn and succeed. My goal is to provide that same encouragement and generosity to the advisors I mentor.
Charles Sylvia inspired me to get involved in the industry, meet people, build genuine relationships, and become a recognizable and trusted presence. His example taught me that professional connections provide opportunities for growth, support, and guidance when challenges arise.
Katy Jones has inspired me to pay closer attention to the details, continue my education, and pursue new opportunities, including applying to become a host with Distinctive Journeys. She encourages me to approach each opportunity with intention and to plan for the future with continued growth in mind.
David Accettura has influenced me since the moment I became a Cruise Brothers agent. I listened to his presentations, sought his advice, and learned from the leadership that came before me. I told him that one day I would become a Team Leader, and I proudly accomplished that goal during my second year.
I may bring a fresh approach through AI and modern education, but I never forget the leaders whose wisdom helped me reach this point. Their examples inspire me to become that same kind of supportive, knowledgeable, and encouraging mentor for others.
If you could only pack 3 items for a trip around the world, what would they be?
My passport, my phone with a portable charger, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes. My passport gets me there, my phone helps me capture the memories and stay connected, and comfortable shoes allow me to explore every destination. Everything else can be purchased along the way—but I am not missing the adventure!
What’s one place on your travel bucket list that you haven’t crossed off yet?
Antarctica is at the top of my bucket list. I dream of standing on the continent, seeing penguins and whales in their natural environment, and experiencing its vast, untouched beauty for myself. I am planning to make that dream a reality in 2028. Reaching Antarctica will be more than another trip—it will be a major milestone in my personal goal of experiencing all seven continents and a powerful reminder that there is always more of the world waiting to be discovered.
