What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment?
It all started with a mouse and a binder. When I was 12, I fully planned (including making itineraries and calling to book dining reservations) my family’s first trip to Disney World, and yes there were laminated pages with pockets for park maps. My love of Disney never waned and I began helping friends plan their trips for fun in my 30’s, but then realized I could (and probably should) turn my passion into a business. In just over a year it went from a side hustle to a full time career and I left my higher ed career to pursue travel!
How has your journey evolved since graduating from The Travel Institute?
I now feel well equipped to truly dive deeper and make this a long lasting career. I’ve been a full time advisor for 3 years but this has helped me solidify knowledge in my eyes and the eyes of clients and potential clients! I’ve been able to become more well rounded yet learn more within my specific niches as well.
What’s your favorite part about helping others experience the world through travel?
Giving my clients the confidence to have a successful trip with the tools and guidance I can equip them with. Anyone can book a trip themselves, but when clients and I become a powerhouse team, they have the best trip and we truly maximize things! I love texting them during a trip to check in and hear the exciting things they are doing!
What’s one cultural experience that left a lasting impression on you?
Visiting the south of France for my honeymoon. We sailed the Mediterranean thinking Italy and Greece would take the top spots, but it was Nice, Eze, and Monaco that stole our hearts forever!
What skills from The Travel Institute have made the biggest impact in your career?
Learning a deeper dive about Travel Insurance! It was something I was comfortable offering, but now I know much more about coverage and why it is important to recommend it and the best practices of doing so. Very thankful for that module!
What advice would you give to someone just starting their travel industry journey?
Don’t be shy about asking friends and family to refer you (or book with you, but that can be hard sometimes, don’t get discouraged). Then once you start to build up a clientele, give them the BEST client care you possibly can. From there, things will start to grow if you plant strong seeds!
What’s one place on your travel bucket list that you haven’t crossed off yet?
Sydney, Australia!
