Issue Date - April 27, 2023 / Profiles - April 27, 2023 / April 25, 2023
Jen Langlois
April 25, 2023

Tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been in the industry?
I am a mom of two littles ages four and two and I own a storefront office with Trevello called Suite Trip Travel, which has been open since 2013 in Thorold, Ont. I became an agent in 2006, previously working at a mall location of a retail agency before opening my storefront in 2013.
Why and how did you decide to become a travel advisor?

I always had an interest in travel. Since I was a small child I dreamed of going on a Disney cruise from the moment it hit the market when I was a kid. I had all the VHS marketing videos they mailed out and glossy brochures. When attending Niagara College we were required to do an internship. I knew a travel agent that used to work with my grandparents so I went to visit her and she got me a position for my internship and I never left… The rest is history!

What’s your favourite part of being a travel agent?
That’s a hard one. I think it’s a two-part answer. I love travel and it’s my passion so being able to travel the world as part of my job is huge. The other is helping people. I just find it so special and rewarding working with people to make their travel dreams come true. We also do a lot of destination weddings and there is just something special about being part of someone’s happily ever after.
What’s the main thing that’s changed about your clients or the travel industry since the pandemic?
People are booking far earlier and spending a lot more. People seem to be wanting to knock off bucket list trips right away post pandemic and aren’t afraid to spend to do it.
Do you believe more people are using travel advisors since the pandemic? Why or why not?
Yes, I think so. Many people learned a hard lesson when they were hung out to dry when Covid hit. They couldn’t reach these online TA websites and received zero support or assistance, with many losing so much money. It’s really shown the value of a travel agent and people that were booking online have come back.
Can you share a special travel memory and what travel means to you?
I think my most memorable trip to date is Africa. We spent 17 days in East Africa touring Kenya and Tanzania, it was just magical. Landing in Nairobi and seeing Zebras along the fence, it really hit us we were there! We were able to do so much exploring those few weeks, seeing so much of the culture and nature, it’s truly something special. Travel is all about memory making for me.

What’s still on your travel must see list?

That’s a long list! I think high on the list though would have to be Galapagos. I also would really love to see more of Europe, specifically Italy and Greece.
In hindsight, what do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting out?
How long and crazy the hours are to do this job. I find myself working far too much and it’s a hard balance, especially with a young family.
Where do you stand on charging fees?
We don’t charge fees on anything but air only. I am here to provide exceptional service to my clients. If I do so, they will be back and send all their friends. That is my business model and we do very well with this model so I plan to keep doing it this way.
What’s the nicest thing a client has ever done for you?

I had a bride send me a big gift basket full of all sorts of treats and gift cards once it was really special. I also love when destination wedding clients send me a thank you card with their wedding photo on it. We have an entire cork board full of them in the office and it’s just amazing to see.




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