Tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been in the industry?
I started out at Flight Centre in 2006. Climbed the corporate ladder rather quickly and within one year was running the 6th most profitable store in Canada. In 2010, I took the plunge to start my own agency, Travel Chicks. This puts me at 17 years in the industry. It’s been a wild ride and I must thank Flight Centre for where I came from. Working at Flight Centre taught me the value of leadership, how to run a business, hire staff, fire staff and train staff. Most of all it taught me the value of having a team behind you.
Why and how did you decide to become a travel advisor?
I got a taste of travel after my very first long haul trip to Thailand. Young, adventurous, freshly graduated out of school and not a care in the world. This trip transformed me, inside and out. It gave me the taste of travel. I will never look back. I applied for Flight Centre then got denied, and a few years later tried applying again and got the job.
What’s your favourite part of being a travel agent?
I love hearing the stories and experiences of clients after they return home, like this one: “Good morning Melissa. Hope you’re doing well. The trip was absolutely amazing and quite magical to be honest. I came back with another person growing in me. No lie, I’m 8 weeks pregnant now and only found out a few weeks ago. We did the math and it must have happened in the Dominican. We had such a great time and the resort was tons of fun and great service the entire time. Hope you’re also doing well and we look forward to booking our next trip with you.”
What’s the main thing that’s changed about your clients or the travel industry since the pandemic?
Everyone never questions insurance, and I am finding clients are a lot more patient and ready to book.
Do you believe more people are using travel advisors since the pandemic? Why or why not?
Yes, I do. I think this because they want a physical human they can speak with prior, during and even after the trip. They see the value in the relationship and they feel more trusting of having an advisor to work with.
What’s still on your travel must see list?
I’d love to venture across South America and explore the Amazon.
In hindsight, what do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting out?
The importance of staying in one lane. One niche. One tour operator. One thing. And get so darn good with this one area of focus, instead of focusing on so many things/places/etc.
Where do you stand on charging fees?
Stand strong. Time is precious and it’s worth asking for fees upfront before any research commences
What’s the nicest thing a client has ever done for you?
I’d say send me referrals and buy my daughter and I gifts.
Do you have anything to add?
Don’t stop dreaming. Always be learning. Start finding ways to collaborate with other agents and begin building masterminds together to share insights, top trends or tricks, perhaps even organizing a few trips together. The more ways you can find to work together, the more people you can serve.
