Celebrating Travel Agent Day; Why We're an Agent

Happy Travel Agent Day!

There have definitely been ups and downs the last couple of years, but travel is back in a (very) big way.

We celebrated and spoke with a few agents at the Travel Agent Next Door conference earlier this month about what made them become an agent, after all, they are at the heart of everything we do in this industry. Here's a few pics and what some had to say.

"I'm a Lifer! I have been a Travel Agent for 42 years! One of the Original At Home Agents. I started working from home in 1986 (before it was cool) and had the privilege of raising my children at the same time. I really enjoy researching the off the beaten path places that clients come up with. When COVID-19 hit the travel world I was really too busy to thinking about giving it up. I have always felt the responsibility for my clients. Like a Dr or Teacher, you can't just walk away and leave your clients to fend for themselves. I had clients all over the World at the time and I had to get them home safely. COVID-19 did benefit the travel industry in that it taught travelers that using a Travel Agent was like having a safety net, someone to look out for you. I have had many new clients reach out to me for travel plans this year.

There's always a Silver Lining. You just can't always see it at the time."

"Being a travel travel for me, isn't just a job. Romance and Foodie Travel is who I am.

While we all work to earn an income, I feel that the income is secondary to the reward of feeling i've provided a great travel experience and exceptional service to my clients. It's not always easy, and I don't always nail it, but I strive to, every single day. While for some, covid was the straw that broke the camel's back, for me it only solidified that I am a travel professional at my core. I love what I do, but I also have now shifted my focus to also teaching, and mentoring my team to follow the path I've taken, and I kinda feel high on life right now, truly accomplished after 12 years in business.

I'd like to wish all of my compadres in travel, a very Happy Travel Agents Day!"

"I became a travel agent because I love helping people find the best pricing to travel and give them the best possible service to have an amazing vacation. When a client comes home and tells me that they had the best time, it melts my heart, knowing I have done a great job that allowed them to make lasting memories.

Although I wanted to wave the white flag during covid and wash my hands from travel, my clients continued to show me support and love which made me stick with it. My families support and continuously telling me that I worked too hard to be where I was to give up gave me the strength to keep going. The love and support from everyone was overwhelming.

I do my best to help my clients make memories with their family and friends. Live life to the fullest is my motto because tomorrow is never promised, so get out there and just do it and make as many memories as you can because memories are the only things that last."