My Love for Travel Started Early
Growing up, my mom would always give me the option to take a trip, or have a birthday party. Secretly, I think she just didn’t want to deal with the hassle of planning a big party (and I totally understand now that I’m a parent).
The answer was always, “GO”!
“A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.”
-Moslih Eddin Saadi
It’s funny how, as a child you make this whole plan and have it all laid out. By the time your twenties rolls around, life is completely different than how you thought it would be.
That’s life. A revolving door of unexpected experiences.
Three years ago, I was living by the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying every minute that I could. Then, one day everything crumbled. Here I was, in my mid-twenties having to essentially start over.
I moved closer to family and found a job in a corporate office that offered full benefits, and weekends off. Coming from the restaurant world, there’s never organization or a ‘schedule’. Everything is pure chaos. From the classic, closing one night and opening the next morning, to the last minute call-in shifts, there’s never any real structure with any position in a restaurant, even in a management position.
When I first started, I thought “this is great”. I didn’t have to deal with customers all day, or stand on my feet going in circles, so the slow pace of an office setting was a nice change. It was exactly what I was looking for.
Realizing I Could Turn Passion Into a Career
As the years went on, I continued to learn and grow in various departments from assistant to sales and asset management, and eventually ending up in a role within project management. This is where I began organizing and managing the travel details for our external crew members.
I was scrolling one day and I saw an ad for a travel agent opportunity. After watching a few videos, and reading more about the company, I impulsively made the decision to become an agent. Mainly for my personal gain.
Becoming an agent, meant all of those trips that I could now earn a little cash back on the trips that I already had planned. I thought, “I’m paying for the trip anyways, might as well get some perks too”.
What I Was Doing Before (and Why It Wasn’t Enough)
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my job. I loved the structure, I loved my coworkers and let’s not get into the benefits. It was exactly what I needed at that time.
Unfortunately, life had a funny way of showing me that my plan isn’t always THE plan.
After losing my father, I experienced more extreme life changes. When it rains it pours, right? Trying to settle back into a normal routine after continously fighting for peace is mentally exhausting. Add kids into the mix, and you might feel like you’re going crazy.
The lack of time, and effort for anything other than eat-sleep-work. It’s physically and emotionally draining. At the end of the day, I knew my kids having a stable, involved parent meant more to me than an extra big paycheck.
Looking back now, I am confident I made the right decision in stepping down from my full-time job. While I do miss the enviroment (sometimes), I don’t miss not having my time and freedom.
What I Love About Being a Travel Agent
If you asked me this question when I first started, I would’ve told you the extra perks; if you asked me on a deeper level, I’d say, the connection.
I don’t work for you, I work with you to bring your ideas to reality.
Every trip I plan is a chance to create lasting memories for my clients, whether it’s a relaxing beach escape, a cultural adventure, or a family vacation.
Knowing that I can make travel easier, more enjoyable, and perfectly tailored for both family memories and business success is what inspires me every day.
Advice for Anyone Considering This Path
Becoming a travel agent isn’t just about booking flights and hotels—it’s about creating experiences that people will cherish for a lifetime. If you’re considering this path, know that it’s a career fueled by passion, curiosity, and connection.
It is not a get rich quick option. You’ll need to do the work. However, Fora provides all marketing and business materials, training and support groups so you don’t have to spend your time focusing on the small things.
While the small details do matter, the one thing you should focus on the most is the connection. Building trust with your clients is the most important factor in this business. If you don’t have trust, you don’t have a business.
📎Find your niche – Decide if you want to focus on family vacations, luxury travel, cruises, corporate travel, or a mix. Specializing helps you stand out.
📎Keep learning – The travel industry is always changing. Stay updated on destinations, booking systems, and travel policies to provide the best advice.
📎Build relationships – Success often comes from trust. Strong client relationships and good supplier connections will help you grow.
📎Get comfortable with technology – From booking platforms to social media marketing, tech skills are essential.
📎Be patient and persistent – It takes time to build a steady client base. Focus on delivering excellent service, and referrals will follow.
📎Travel yourself when you can – First-hand experience is one of the best tools you can offer clients.
The journey takes patience and dedication, but every trip you plan is an opportunity to make someone’s dream a reality. If you love travel and helping others, this career can be one of the most rewarding paths you’ll ever take.
The Wavy Trip 
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