FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
We are always training. We take classes provided by vendors as well as by travel associations such as CLIA (Cruise Line International Associations), OSSN (Outside Sales & Support Network), Travel Agent Academy, Travel University, all of the major cruise lines, hotel chains, theme parks (Disney, Universal, Sea World, etc.). Often we travel on "Fam Trips" (familiarization) to learn first hand about a destination or vendor. This year alone we have taken a cruise with Royal Caribbean to learn all about the cruise line and especially that ship, the Oasis of the Seas, we have cruised on Disney's brand new Dream, visited Asheville, NC and Hilton Head & Charleston, SC, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, & Key West, FL at a cruise convention with 5 days of training sessions. In a few months we'll be traveling to the Bahamas to learn all about Sandals and Beaches resorts.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
We have always loved to travel. We home schooled our children so were able to vacation at any time of the year. We made traveling and seeing our great country part of their education. Once they were out of school and we needed a change - this seemed like a great, fun thing to do. I have a sister and a brother who are both travel agents and helped us get into the business. Starting our own travel business was one of the best decisions we ever made!
- Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
We believe in giving back to our community. We participate in many local festivals by having a travel booth to give out information. Many of these festivals are sponsoring some sort of charity or are a fund raiser event. We always give back to that organization a portion of all our commissions earned from bookings resulting from the event. Recently we had a fund raiser for a local school and gave away a free vacation. The school earned nearly $4000 in just two weeks! That makes us feel great! This is a great opportunity for any of the local school groups, scouts, churches, civic organizations, etc.