Many would say pretty Stratford, Ont. is the perfect place to live – but this agent loves nothing more that sending her clients (and herself) to far-flung corners of the world.
Where were you born? In Stratford – I live just outside Stratford now. I studied Travel and Tourism in Windsor.
What was your first job? I had a paper route, the Oxford County review. It paid $6 a day!
How long have you been in the business? It will be three years in October. I just love to travel and to help people get excited about it.
Tell me about your first airplane ride. I went to Edmonton with my mum’s baseball team when I was 11. I remember a lot of excitement, never fear or anxiety.
How has the business changed since you got into it? Even in the short time I’ve been here, I’m finding a lot more email and phone contact than walk-in. I honestly don’t think that the internet is stealing our clients: they do the research and then ask for my advice. It’s more a collaborative process.
Do you have a specialty? Not really. We do a lot of all-inclusives and FITs.
If you could have any job in the business what would it be? Oh. I think I’d like to do tour research and development. I love planning an FIT to a destination off the radar.
What was your best fam? I was just in Sri Lanka for 10 days, with Exodus. Definitely not enough time. It’s a great “stepping stone” for clients who are thinking of India but perhaps not ready for it yet.
Who do you most admire in the industry? Shannon Smith, Director of Sales at Travelbrands. I may be biased because we are related, but it also gives me an insight into just how hard she works not only on the job but behind the scenes as well, and how much she truly deserves everything she’s worked for.
What drives you crazy? (laughs!) People who don’t know what they want!
What’s the first thing you do when you get into a hotel room? Open the curtains and check out the view.
Do you have a magic sentence to close the sale? “When are you going to get the chance to do this again?”
Do you have any time management strategies? Lists. In order of priority – and updated twice daily.
If you had to spend six months in a destination, which one would you pick? Cambodia. Because I’ve always wanted to go to Southeast Asia. It’s on my list, big time.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing? If I could afford to travel and not work? Backpacking across Asia!
If you or someone you know who is a front line travel agent in Canada would like to be featured in Biting Questions, please contact us.
