Hello, my name is Brenda Dillon and I began my career in travel in the late ‘80s. I was born and raised in Saskatoon and my parents always made sure my brother and sister and I were able to experience other parts of Canada and the USA doing family road trips. I was very involved in sports so I also did some travelling for that. My sister went at the age of 18 to Australia all by herself and I remember thinking how lucky and brave she was and how envious I was of her adventure. I am married and have a son who will be finishing up his degree in nursing and has been talking about being a travelling nurse. My husband and I are nearing retirement and looking forward to crossing off more from our travel bucket list.
After finishing my physical education degree from the University of Saskatchewan, I went on a graduation trip with a friend for two and a half months island hopping in the Caribbean. Upon my return, I worked in my degree field for the sole purpose of saving for another trip. Less than a year later I was off to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific for six months and before I even returned home, I was planning my next trip. It was then that I decided I needed to pursue a career in travel. I went to Westervelt Travel School in London, Ontario. The early years were challenging with one airline computer for the whole office, handwriting tickets, and most travel planning was done by phone. Seeing how our industry has progressed and changed in the past 30 plus years is really amazing.
We have tons of people who want an all inclusive to that direct winter destination every year where they can relax, be pampered and there are no surprises. My favourite part though is sending clients to exotic places around the globe. Offering them options for things that they may not have thought about and then finding the perfect cruise or tour to match their needs and budget. I also love hearing about their trip when they return and then using that information moving forward.
My least favourite is the person who just wants information so they can go home and book it themselves to avoid my professional fee. We have also been met with so many challenges that are totally out of our control. SARS, 9/11, Covid, pilot strikes, lost bags, cancelled flights and the list goes on and on. It is then that you realize how valuable your co-workers are and how getting through these obstacles is not a one-person job but rather a joint effort from our whole office.
Listen to your client and what they are wanting to help narrow down the options. Be patient. Ask them lots of questions to really get a handle on what they want to experience on their trip and what their budget is. Ask your co-workers for input on a place or destination you know they have recently been to. Do your research. Don’t be afraid to ask for a plan to go fee. Demand is high and people want the most bang for their buck.
It really is the case and we have been busier than ever. Many storefront agencies closed during the pandemic and so there are not many offices left in Saskatoon where you can speak to an advisor face to face. We have in fact become so busy that clients need to make an appointment, and most are happy to do so for the comfort of working with a trained professional.
Things have changed. Required documents and ever-changing entry requirements can be confusing. There are so many closures of many types of businesses and reports of frauds online that people want to spend their hard-earned money at a reputable agency. When trouble happens then we are there to pick up the pieces and find solutions or back up plans. Without an agent, you are on your own!
My clients are mostly high end well-seasoned travellers who want a luxury worry-free vacation. I do though often get referrals to help younger clients who want more adventure travel and experiences. It is easy enough for the younger client to book an air only on their own, but when they are spending thousands of dollars and have questions about insurance, entry visas and health requirements then they see the value of our services.
Travel has opened the door to the world. It has given me experiences I will treasure for a lifetime. South Africa was an amazing experience. Going out on safari at night and stumbling upon Lions eating a fresh kill although it sounds horrific, it was just such an amazing “pinch me I can’t believe this is real” moment for sure.
I have a group of long-time clients who have travelled together on many adventures. Post Covid, they were ready to go again. I helped organize their friend group of five couples book a Silversea Cruise for departure in late 2023. When all was said and done it was just north of $300,000. The best part was hearing about all the pranks and how much fun they had. We are busy planning their next adventure.
I am one hundred percent in favour of fees. My knowledge and experience that I share with my clients along with the extensive research I do is more than worth the fees I charge. Travel agents should not work for free! No other professional does and our time and knowledge are invaluable. My job is not over once I have their deposit, made final payment and sent out their documents. I am here for them from that first step into my office until the moment they return.
I love my co-workers. I am very fortunate to work in a great office where we have lots of laughs. Being able to go away and know that my clients will be looked after in the best possible way by someone I one hundred percent trust is beyond valuable. their deposit, made final payment and sent out their documents. I am here for them from that first step into my office until the moment they return.
