What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment?
After 28 years in the mortgage industry, I was ready for a new career path. I’ve always enjoyed travel and planning, so I pivoted to Dream Vacations and haven’t looked back since.
Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do”?
When a friend and her husband were touring Spain and Portugal. She texted me a photo and said she felt like they were in a fairy tale.
What’s one cultural experience that left a lasting impression on you?
While my husband and I were vacationing in Belize, one of the groundskeepers saw us trudging along the beach in the heat, cut the top of a coconut off with a machete, and handed it to us. There’s nothing like fresh coconut milk to cool you down quickly! This stranger typified the friendliness of the local people and left an impression on us both.
What skills from The Travel Institute have made the biggest impact in your career?
I learned about parts of the world I’ve never been to and haven’t sent clients to yet. I feel like the coursework filled in many of the gaps in my knowledge and experience.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their travel industry journey?
To be patient, build their brand day by day, and ask for reviews and referrals. Success will come in time.
How do you stay motivated and inspired in an industry that’s constantly changing?
By reading industry publications daily, weekly, and monthly. Keeping on top of it by ingesting a little at a time prevents me from becoming overwhelmed.
