Tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been in the industry?
I grew up in Brantford, Ont., but now call Waterford home, where I live with my husband and son. This June, I’ll be celebrating my 53rd birthday, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting year of travel. I have trips planned to Morocco in May and a South African safari in July.
My love for travel started early—when I was 12, my mom took me on my first big trip to Hawaii, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Initially, I pursued Early Childhood Education in college, but soon realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. After taking a year off, I returned to study Travel and Tourism in a two-year program, and I’ve never looked back. Now, with over 26 years in the industry and more than 30 countries visited, I’m still just as passionate about exploring the world and helping others do the same.
What do you specialize in and why?
I specialize in European coach tours and have had the privilege of escorting many trips over the years. Each year, I’m consistently a top producer for TTC, and one of my proudest achievements was ranking among the top six producers in Canada—an honor that earned me a reward trip to Vietnam!
Trafalgar and Costsaver are my go-to tour operators because they continuously exceed expectations. They offer an exceptional guest experience, high-quality itineraries, and expert guides who truly bring each destination to life.
I recently read a study that women above the age of 50 will drive $746 billion in travel spending by 2035 – coming in right after millennials. Does that align with your clientele?
I’ve built a diverse clientele, but the majority of my clients tend to be between the ages of 40 and 65. That said, since COVID, there’s been a noticeable shift—more younger travelers are seeking expert guidance and experience to help them plan their trips with confidence.
Are you noticing any interesting trends from the bookings you have? Are your clients still travelling to the U.S. with the ongoing tariffs?
Unfortunately, I’ve had a few cancellations for U.S. trips, as some travellers are choosing to redirect their spending elsewhere. However, we’re seeing a strong increase in demand for European travel, along with a surge in advance bookings for the Caribbean, especially for late 2025 and well into 2026.
What’s your biggest piece of advice for travel advisors right now?
Travel as much as you can! Personal experience is key to truly understanding what clients are looking for. Many travellers are drawn to destinations we’ve visited ourselves, valuing our firsthand insights and recommendations. They appreciate our opinions and trust the knowledge we bring to the table, making their travel planning experience even more seamless and enjoyable.
Tell us a little bit about a booking that stands out – whether it’s the most expensive, the longest, the most adventurous, etc.
One of the most memorable and high-value trips I’ve had the pleasure of booking was for a client of a former agent in our office. They booked a luxurious 39-day Oceania sailing, which came to $62K. Currently, they’re enjoying a remarkable 45-day journey through Australia and New Zealand, creating memories of a lifetime.
What are your thoughts on FAM trips? Are they valuable? Why? Do they help you sell more? How can they be improved?
I love FAM trips. When I worked at Sears Travel, they weren’t really supported, but at Marlin Travel with Denise Luciani, they’re highly encouraged. While past FAM trips focused mostly on hotel inspections, which didn’t always show the true essence of a destination, they’ve shifted to more cultural immersion, which I find much more valuable. Travelling to these destinations firsthand definitely helps me sell them better. However, I think they could improve by offering trips further in advance, as they are often last-minute and sometimes costly.
What’s the biggest challenge you are facing in the travel industry right now? What do you think can be done to help it?
Hold times with suppliers, airline cancellations, U.S. tariffs, and unpredictable travel disruptions can be challenging. I believe the key is staying educated on policies and procedures, ensuring clients have the proper insurance, and above all, maintaining a positive attitude. Things will always improve in the end.
Do you have anything to add?
I truly love what I do, and I believe that passion shines through in how I connect with my clients. I’m fortunate to work in a great environment, with an amazing boss and wonderful co-workers. Over the years, I’ve built a loyal repeat clientele, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their trust and support. Along the way, I’ve made so many treasured memories and new friendships through my travel adventures. Travel really is good for the mind, body, and soul!
Nominator:
“Michelle is able to effectively qualify her clients, figure out what is the best fit for them and have fun along the way. Thank you, Michelle, for connecting your travellers to our tours, we look forward to another great year of partnership!”
