The owner of Group Travel by Susan found her niche booking experiential travel
Tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been a travel advisor?
I am a spicy soul who loves to learn, to get ‘out there’ and experience beyond the borders. I am a foodie and enjoy lots of hot sauce. I would say I have a very adventurous spirit and not afraid to try new things. My work background before the travel industry has always been directly related to customer service, training and education, event planning. I believe those skills were stepping stones that continue to craft me into a great travel advisor today. However, there’s no ceiling on growth so the best is still yet to come, and my bags are permanently packed at the door ready for the next adventure. I’ve been in the industry for over 12 years.
Why did you decide to become a travel advisor?
Being an agent is a 100% a customer service role. That’s me in a nutshell. Sales is about building relationships. People do business with people they know, like, and trust. What could be better than a ‘people business’ with a product like TRAVEL, the most beautiful and exciting product on the planet, and something I totally love. The travel industry is such an upbeat, optimistic world to be involved in. Stepping into someone else’s backyard/countries, opens our doors to endless exploration and know-how… the sky’s the limit! And the more I experience, the better I service others. My ongoing education and travels (FAM and personal) allow me to be at the top of my game, to give more, to offer others a more robust and memorable travel adventure.
What do you specialize in?
I specialize in destination weddings, adventure honeymoons, romance travel and adventure travel.
What have been some of your greatest career achievements to date?
Just when I think I hit a great achievement, another comes along! So, there isn’t just one, but these were game changers…
- Getting to Antarctica (thanks to Swan Hellenic). It was a dream, really. I probably would never have had this opportunity outside of the travel industry. Such close encounters with penguins, kayaking amongst whales, icebergs, and seals – breathtaking!
- Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia. WOW! The picture on my wall became a reality, and that’s what I want for my clients.
- The confidence to travel as a single woman, planning my own trips and proving to myself that ‘I can do this’. Every trip is a gift that taught me about ‘Susan’, taught me about being more adventurous, stretching a bit more beyond my personal comfort zones. And that personal growth spills over to how I service the next lucky person that chooses me to be their travel BFF.
- Being recognized by my industry peers, such as this, for my contribution so far is special and reminds me how far I’ve come since I began years ago, wide-eyed and bushy tailed. This privilege validates my efforts, my commitment to what I began, and the passion that still lives in me today.
What do you wish everybody knew about travel advisors?
It’s always surprising to hear folks ask, ‘Why would I use an agent when I can book it myself?’ If they only knew that most travel today is still booked with agents.
We are so much more than just salespeople. We are invested in every way. I can’t speak for all agents, but I so do wish folks understood the incredible value we bring to the table, the knowledge, the experience, the contacts, the passion and the personal service!
I wish folks knew that ‘we’ are a supplier’s greatest ally and how much they actually invest in us to be fully equipped to serve.
Like a favourite mechanic, hair stylist, accountant, babysitter, I wish folks knew how cool it is to have an agent to build a long-term relationship with who knows you and understands your needs, and how important it is to support ‘local independent business.’ It shouldn’t take a 2020 or 9/11 to remind folks how very important we are.
We are you – a mom, a sister, a coworker, neighbour and friend. Get to know us!
What’s your favourite part of the job?
I am a people person. You’ve got to be. I like meeting different people and backgrounds. It’s easy to be on the socials but I love putting myself out there in front of the public via different events like the Outdoor Adventure Show, bridal shows (6-12 per year), trade shows, chamber events and different networks.
It’s great meeting people in person, making connections. This is where people really get to know us, see us in action, get to know who we are and what we know.
What destinations and types of trips are you booking right now?
African safari honeymoons, luxury travel, adventures (beyond the Caribbean) like Malta, Maldives, New Zealand Europe, Azores Islands.
When I first started, like most agents, I highlighted Caribbean all-inclusives. It was a safe product and a great way to break in, but as our experience and knowledge evolves, we become more equipped to help clients move beyond their comfort zones, such as luxury, safaris, more experiential travel.
What do you do to grow your clientele?
Beyond socials, I can talk to anyone, anywhere, any place, any time, any how.
Regular monthly newsletters keep the conversations, going to my events that I get involved with and attend to engage with new prospects.
What’s your best piece of advice for new agents?
- What are you waiting for? Feel the fear and do it anyway. Step out. Go for it.
- Seek a trusted experienced teacher/coach/tutor to help you along.
- Invest in yourself; industry trade shows, webinars, courses, FAMs, industry publications/news sources, etc.
Do you have anything to add?
It’s so easy to say, “I think I’ll be a travel agent because I love to travel.” Wrong.
If you love to travel, keep travelling. But if you love people, meeting new folks, serving others, and learning, then it comes down to simply choosing an industry that inspires you. Anyone can be a salesperson (good or bad) but it takes a special someone to ‘be of service to others.’
Commit. Learn. Grow. Be honest. Work hard. And have fun!
