05/31/2025
A heartfelt note from someone who has spent 17 years building a professional career in travel…My feed is filled with “licensed and insured travel agents” posting deals. There’s never been more noise in the travel space, and with so many people calling themselves “travel agents,” it can be hard to know who to trust. But here’s the truth: not all travel advisors are created equal.
A true professional advisor is so much more than
someone who "takes orders" and "books your trip". We invest in ongoing training and certifications. We travel often—on our own dime—to personally experience the destinations and products we recommend. We build relationships with our travel partners and spend years learning how to deliver not just a vacation, but an unforgettable, seamless experience.
Unfortunately, there’s been a rise in multi-level marketing (MLM) “travel agents” who are focused more on recruitment than on expertise. They pay a small fee to use industry credentials to book travel and get discounts on their own trips. Many post flashy travel deals that seem too good to be true—and they usually are. Hidden fees, inconvenient flight schedules, long layovers, or major restrictions are often conveniently left out. What looks like a “cheap” trip can end up costing you far more in frustration, time, and unexpected charges.
This isn’t about competition—it’s about integrity. These MLM’ers are not my competition. Most will not be around in 1-3 years. If you know me then you know that my business is about protecting travelers from being misled and honoring the standards of a profession that requires real commitment, deep knowledge, a lot of patience, and a lot of heart. If you're planning a special trip, work with someone who lives and breathes this industry.
