What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment?
I didn’t originally plan to work in the travel industry. Early in my career, I found myself in a position with a tour operator specializing in travel to Cuba. That experience opened my eyes to an industry I had never really considered before. It sparked an interest in destinations, trip planning, and all the work that happens behind the scenes to create a great travel experience.
In 2019, I decided to pursue travel professionally and founded Telamon Travel. I quickly realized how much I enjoyed helping people plan trips, navigate the details, and discover places they might not have found on their own. Looking back, that opportunity with the Cuba tour operator was what set everything in motion.
Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do”?
Honestly, there wasn’t one defining moment. It was something I realized over time through conversations with clients. Hearing someone talk about a special experience they had, a place they fell in love with, or a memory they’ll never forget is incredibly rewarding. Those moments remind me that what I do isn’t really about booking travel. It’s about helping people create experiences that become part of their story.
How has your journey evolved since graduating from The Travel Institute?
When I earned my CTA, I was still building my business and figuring out what kind of advisor I wanted to be. Since then, I’ve refined my focus and built a boutique agency specializing in luxury travel, wellness travel, and ocean and river voyages. Over time, I’ve become much clearer about the clients I enjoy working with most and the type of travel experiences I love creating.
The industry has changed significantly over the years, but the foundation of professionalism and client advocacy that I learned through The Travel Institute remains at the center of everything I do.
What’s your favorite part about helping others experience the world through travel?
Getting to know people and figuring out what makes them excited to travel. Some clients want to see and do everything. Others are perfectly happy spending an afternoon at a café, by a pool, or exploring a new city on their own. I enjoy learning what matters most to them and helping shape a trip around that.
What’s one cultural experience that left a lasting impression on you?
Cuba sticks with me and always will. Visiting the island gave me a perspective on travel that I hadn’t experienced before. Beyond the colorful streets and classic cars, it was the resilience, warmth, and sense of community that left the biggest impression on me. It’s a place that continues to influence how I view travel and the importance of human connection.
What skills from The Travel Institute have made the biggest impact in your career?
The emphasis on professionalism, ethics, and client advocacy has had the biggest impact. Product knowledge can always be learned and updated, but understanding how to guide clients, manage expectations, solve problems, and serve as a trusted advisor is what turns a transaction into a long-term client relationship.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their travel industry journey?
Focus on building knowledge before chasing sales. Take advantage of educational opportunities, learn how suppliers and destinations work, and never stop asking questions. The more questions you ask, the more you’ll learn.
Most importantly, remember that relationships matter. The connections you build with clients and industry partners will shape your career.
How do you stay motivated and inspired in an industry that’s constantly changing?
I think curiosity helps. The travel industry never really stands still, so there is always something new to learn. I also make it a point to travel whenever I can because firsthand experience is one of the best tools an advisor can have.
Are there any mentors or peers in the industry who’ve deeply influenced your path?
I’ve learned something from almost everyone I’ve met in this industry. Some have shared business advice, others have shared destination knowledge, and many have been generous with their time and experience.
One of the things I appreciate most about the travel industry is how willing people are to help one another succeed. Lifting others up is incredibly important to me. I’ve never viewed other advisors as competitors. We all bring different perspectives, strengths, and experiences to this industry, and there’s room for all of us to succeed.
If you could only pack 3 items for a trip around the world, what would they be?
A comfortable pair of walking shoes, my passport, and my phone. With those three things, I can get where I need to go, stay connected, and handle just about anything that comes up along the way.
What’s one place on your travel bucket list that you haven’t crossed off yet?
Morocco. It’s been at the top of my list since I was a kid, and it all started with the Morocco pavilion at Epcot. I remember being completely fascinated by it and wanting to know more about the country behind it.
That curiosity never went away. The architecture, the markets, the history, the desert landscapes, and the blend of cultures have fascinated me for as long as I can remember. After all these years, it’s still the first destination I’d book for myself if I had the chance.
