What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment?
I have always been that person in the family everyone turns to for advice on vacation ideas or putting together reunions or family vacations. It’s been a passion of mine to research Destinations, as I am an avid reader and often dreamt of visiting the amazing places that I’ve read about in books. It wasn’t until around 2016 that I was speaking with a friend about planning a family vacation and she said to me, do you realize that you are doing the job of a travel agent?
This is when I had that aha moment and decided that I would take my Passion and turn it into a profession. I really enjoy helping others create Vacations that will stay with them for a lifetime. Vacations are an investment in yourself and your family and as such should be an experience that is remembered fondly from start to finish. my job as a travel professional is to enable that all the hiccups And situations that can arise from the planning stage, to in destination and back home are alleviated or that my clients have my personal support while they are traveling.
Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do”?
I have had quite a few moments over the years to realize that this is truly my purpose, but the most defining I would say was when I had a client call me while vacationing in Barcelona with an issue. With me being in New York of course we were on different times zones, but realizing that my clients were confident they had a person that was supporting them, even from a distance was very eye-opening for me. They trusted me to resolve their issues, even though we were on different time zones. It really crystallized the importance of having a travel professional on your team when vacationing versus a website.
How has your journey evolved since graduating from The Travel Institute?
Since graduating from the Travel Institute, I definitely felt as if this accomplishment has solidified my comfortability in calling myself a travel professional. I strive at always learning new ways to support my clients. I strive at continuing to learn my profession and everything that goes with making me a better advisor for my clients.
What’s one cultural experience that left a lasting impression on you?
I remember the first traveling to Abu Dhabi and experiencing that absolute difference in culture, in terms of how people are dressed in this part of the world. It was not my first time seeing this type of clothing as you will see this in New York City, however it was the first time seeing it Through the eyes of someone in the Emirates and it brought this level of reverence and appreciation for something that at times seems out of place in New York. I actually welcome the experience of dressing in the appropriate attire for visiting the mosques and it was with this sense of really being a part of a culture that is so removed from what I was used to, but I welcomed and enjoyed the experience of stepping outside of what I’ve always known And opening my eyes to experience something that was new. Also, discovering the significance of each attire and what the different colors meant was also very eye-opening.
What skills from The Travel Institute have made the biggest impact in your career?
I must say the section on geography was probably the most impactful for me because I tend to look at the world in small pieces as I research a new destination for a new group. H owever, the course really highlighted the world as a whole and what each continent and country had to offer in terms of its beauty, culture, and so much more.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their travel industry journey?
My biggest advice would be to be patient because there is so much to learn and so much to know that you have to give yourself grace, and you have to have patience to take the time to learn. Knowledge Takes away fear and so it is very important to always be learning as a travel agent. The Travel Institute is truly an amazing vehicle for starting and continuing this infinite search for knowledge as a travel agent. Rules, procedures and Destinations are always evolving and changing and it is important to keep up your learning so that you are best able to support your clients.
If you could only pack 3 items for a trip around the world, what would they be?
I would have to say a camera to capture my experiences so I can revisit them. A light jacket because I am always chilly. And then finally, I would have to say maybe a power adapter because I do know power adapters change, depending on where you are in the world.
