Tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been in the industry?
Travelling can change people’s lives. I became braver after I summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2003, and success inspired me to go further and dream larger in my life. It seems fitting that I help others to fulfil their hero dream. For example, when I encourage people to fulfill their Antarctica dreams, I can see how they are proud of themselves. Six years ago, I launched a program called “Great Journey: Antarctic to Arctic” and more clients have joined in the program to explore the world.
Why and how did you decide to become a travel advisor?
When I was a teenager, I was inspired by the travel stories written by Sanmao, who was a famous writer in Taiwan. Exploring the world has been my passion since I graduated from university. As a result, I had no hesitation in choosing my career as a professional travel advisor.
What’s your favourite part of being a travel agent?
I truly love everything about my job. However, if I had to choose one, I would have to go with seeing my clients happy and satisfied with the planning I’ve been doing for them. Receiving a text message, an email or a phone call thanking me for a perfect vacation is my favourite part of being a travel agent. There is no better reward than exceeding their expectations.
What’s the main thing that’s changed about your clients or the travel industry since the pandemic?
More people are choosing to join in the wellness trips to take care of their body and mental health. I am a yogi and meditator, so I try to build positive energy amongst the client’s communities. That is why the clients would like to take the wellness trips with me.
Do you believe more people are using travel advisors since the pandemic? Why or why not?
Most of my clients are Chinese, and they depend on my advice if they are interested in niche trips. In the past four years, I have succeeded in sending two big groups to Antarctica with G Adventures. People need our support to build their complicated travel itineraries when combined with other destinations, such as Argentina, Chile, and Brazil.
Can you share a special travel memory and what travel means to you?
I have had experience with mountain climbing, and I have a group of clients who are mountain lovers. In 2018, I travelled with them to Tanzania, after a safari tour with G Adventures I sent them to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. When they got back from the mountain, they received the summit certifications, some of them cried in joy. I was the person who witnessed their success, and I was so proud of myself. I believed I did a wonderful job in changing their lives. I said to them, “you are heroes, but I am also a hero behind my heroes!”
What’s still on your travel must see list?
Even though I have sent 46 people to explore Antarctica, I am looking forward to my trip in 2024. Animal migration and more African countries are on my list.
In hindsight, what do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting out?
Looking back over my career as a travel advisor, I wish I had done more research into the destinations so that I could give my clients more information about their choices.
Moreover, I would have taken more time to interview my clients on their physical expectations when they travel. This would allow me to make suitable suggestions for adventurous travel. With so many travel choices, the client can have the best travel experience while working within their physical expectations and capabilities.
For example, I had clients trekking in W-Trek, some of them faced extreme physical and mental challenges even though they were determined to do it.
Where do you stand on charging fees?
I believe professional fees validate our knowledge, expertise, and commitment to our clients’ travel arrangements.
What’s the nicest thing a client has ever done for you?
My group sent me the photos from Ms. Expedition ship even though the Wi-Fi fees were so expensive. They shared their excitement with me, and I was so happy when they were happy and safe at the end of the earth.
Do you have anything to add?
As a travel advisor in Chinese communities, I have a passion to build a bridge between the Chinese travellers with wonderful tour operators. One of my goals is to open doors to sustainable travel to this community. In addition, I would like to make the clients feel at ease and informed in their travel. Moreover, I appreciate the trust of the clients, the support of tour operators, the mentorship of Donnalea Madeley, and encouragement of The Travel Agent Next Door. I also appreciate that you have given me the opportunity to introduce myself.
