Travel Counsellors’ Post

After checking out of my 5th hotel in two weeks, and reflecting on over 20 years of business travel, I'm reminded of the depth and richness each journey brings. While business travel presents its fair share of challenges, it’s the connections made along the way that stand out, transforming each trip into a treasure trove of experiences. This time, it was particularly wonderful to see well over 100 close connections made throughout my career—a testament to the enduring relationships that define our industry. Despite the early flights, late nights, and the myriad challenges that come with being on the road, the real essence of corporate travel is about more than just the logistics. It’s about the incredible opportunity to strengthen ties with business partners, meet clients face to face, and offer solutions that only personal interactions can achieve. In a world that leans increasingly digital, these moments of genuine connection are invaluable. The rigor of travel is undeniable, but seeing a project come to fruition, solving a problem in person, or the simple joy of converting email exchanges into handshakes and smiles, makes every challenge worthwhile. These are the moments we capture, celebrate, and remember. Looking back on the past week specifically— I'm filled with gratitude for the journey and the myriad of connections it has fostered. The opportunity to reunite with so many familiar faces has been an absolute highlight. There are far too many names to name, but please know your presence and partnership mean the world to me. I eagerly anticipate our next meeting, wherever and whenever that may be. Here’s to embracing the journey, its challenges, and the invaluable connections that make our professional paths so rewarding. #BusinessRelationships #InPersonConnections #ProfessionalJourney

Reflecting on my journey with TravelThru, I'm continually amazed by the power of connections in shaping one's professional life. Tan Steven's observation beautifully encapsulates this journey: "In your 20s, it's what you know; in your 30s, it's who you know; and above 40-50, it's who knows you." This progression through knowledge, networks, and reputation resonates deeply with my experiences. In the early days, it was all about acquiring knowledge and skills, striving to understand the intricacies of the travel industry. This foundation was crucial, but as I ventured into my 30s, the importance of building a robust network became apparent. It was during this period that some of my most valuable connections turned into staunch supporters of TravelThru. One memorable example was when a connection from an industry conference, who I had kept in touch with over the years, introduced us to several high-value clients. This not only broadened our client base but also reinforced the significance of cultivating relationships. As I watched my connections move into their 40s, the dynamic shifted. It became less about seeking out connections and more about being a known entity in the industry. At this stage, the reputation I had built through my network and TravelThru's successes meant that new opportunities and connections often came to us. This was a testament to the power of a good reputation and the cumulative effect of years of networking and hard work. These experiences highlight the essence of Tan's words and the evolutionary nature of professional growth and networking. Starting with what you know, moving on to who you know, and finally reaching a point where your reputation precedes you, this journey underscores the invaluable role of connections in not just advancing one's career but also enriching it with meaningful relationships and opportunities. The journey of building and nurturing connections is a continuous one, full of learning and growth. As I look back, I'm grateful for every connection made, for they've each played a part in shaping the journey of TravelThru. Let's cherish and invest in our connections, for they are indeed the gateway to endless possibilities. #ProfessionalGrowth #Networking #TravelThru #CareerJourney #StevenTan #PowerOfConnection

Thinking about becoming a Travel CNA? Here's a basic starter roadmap to help you navigate this exciting career path!  Are you ready to explore new horizons and make a difference on the go? Let's get started! 💼✈️ #ConnectedHealthCare #CNAWeek #HealthcareHeroes #CertifiedNursingAssistants #TravelCNA #TravelCNATips

This week, while in Austin for a trade show, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to take a weekend trip to Houston to visit my newlywed daughter. These moments remind me why we work so hard to create a life that allows us to savor the things that matter most. Sometimes business travel comes with unexpected perks, like quality time with family. Grateful for a career that takes me places both professionally and personally. #BusinessTravel #FamilyConnections #WorkLifeBalance"

Are you keen on turning your passion for globetrotting into a profitable career? Have you ever imagined yourself helping others design their dream vacations? Can you envision a worklife that transcends the barriers of physical offices and binds you to the infinite beauty of multiculturalism? Welcome to the world of travel agency! 🌍 #TravelCareer #TravelIndustry Mastering the art of becoming a successful travel representative involves more than simply loving to travel. It requires developing a rich skill-set, understanding industry practices, connecting with like-minded professionals, and, most importantly, capturing the spirit of adventure. Here are some key essentials to guide you on your journey: ✅ Develop Essential Skills - Soft skills like communication, planning, and customer service are your bread and butter. ✅ Understand Certifications - There are certifications available that add to your crediblity such as Certified Travel Counselor

The undeniable power of human connections!!! As a destination management professional, I've had the privilege of creating unforgettable experiences for clients from all corners of the globe. One truth has become abundantly clear - the cornerstone of our business and its success lies in human connections & relationships. In an era where digital interactions often overshadow face-to-face meetings, the value of personal connections cannot be overstated. It's the warm handshake, the shared laugh, and the eye-to-eye agreement that a job will be done not just to a standard, but exceptionally, that build the foundations of trust & understanding. Our industry thrives on the personal touch. Whether it's understanding a client's unique needs for an incentive trip or navigating the complex logistics of group travel, it is the relationships we cultivate that allow us to tailor experiences that are not only seamless but deeply impactful. These human interactions transform a standard itinerary into a memorable program, creating moments that last long after our clients return home. Our partnerships and networks within the local communities we operate in are vital. They are built on mutual respect and a shared goal to showcase the best of what our destination has to offer. It's these relationships that enable us to unlock doors to exclusive experiences, offering our clients a glimpse into the soul of a place. Staying grounded in the importance of human connections is our compass. It guides us in everything we do. As we look to the future, let's continue to invest in these relationships, to listen actively, engage sincerely, and collaborate openly. After all, it's through these connections that we achieve not only business success but also contribute to a world that feels a little smaller, a little warmer, and a lot more connected. Leslie Fravel Pam Kanjanamarakul Perez, CSEP Susan Richardson #dmcprofs #california

Travel Weekly UK has once again teamed up with some of the biggest names in the sector to provide a careers resource to help attract young people to the industry. Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief of Travel Weekly, said: “Take Off in Travel was created more than a decade ago to showcase the range of careers available in the travel industry, and it continues to be an essential resource for those invested in attracting and shaping the next generation of talent." Access the free edition through the link in comments! #JacobsMedia #TravelWeekly #TakeoffinTravel #Careers #Travel

🫶🏼 Advance Notice 🫶🏼 Our offices will be closed from 3pm today as the team get together to celebrate a number of occasions and moments that have come (and gone) for 2024 without celebration, applause or acknowledgement. It's fair to say its been an incredibly busy Peaks Season and only now are we coming up for air to review and reflect on the moments we've shared. Here's a snapshot of what we have to celebrate 🍾 ✨ Award: Travel Agency of the Year, 2024 ✨ Clare Aspire Travel 2nd Year Anniversary ✨ Mia Aspire Travel Promotion to Assistant Manager ✨ Employee of the Month: Jan to Apr Inclusive ✨ Introduction of Marie Aspire Travel & Lauren Aspire Travel to the Team ✨ 3 Birthday Celebrations: Kelly Baldwin, Mia Aspire Travel & Amy Aspire Travel ✨ Competition Winners: Incredible FamTrips & Opportunities Presented to Us ✨ Personal Bests: Spanning 20 Years in Travel ✨ Company Milestones ✨ Growth: Future Plans, Innovation and Strategy Spending time with colleagues beyond the confines of work is essential for fostering strong relationships and building a supportive work environment. These informal interactions provide opportunities to connect on a personal level, share experiences, and discover common interests outside of work tasks. By investing in this time and these bonds, teams can cultivate trust, empathy, and understanding, leading to improved communication, collaboration, and morale. Ultimately, prioritising time for socialising and bonding today will help create a sense of belonging and unity within our team as we push forward for the next period of Peaks in our calendar and as a business, we pride ourselves on contributing to both personal and professional growth. We'll be sure to share photos and updates as the evening progresses 📸 Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we take this time out to enjoy our successes and each other 💙 #AspireTravel #AdvanceNotice #TeamBonding #Celebrations #Celebrate #Success

Traveling abroad with the family for three weeks as a barely year-old solo business owner (in an election year) was both challenging and one of the most rewarding experiences I've had. Hands down, getting to spend that kind of time with the family filled my cup and then some. Whether it was savoring macarons in Paris, or navigating the narrow streets of Coimbra, or relaxing on the beaches of the Algarve, I realized how rare and precious these moments of exploration as a family unit really are. It brought us closer together and taught us things about each other we might never have discovered in our day-to-day routines. Working through the trip was a stark contrast to my past experiences in agency roles, where I felt glued to my phone and constantly torn between family and work (even when taking PTO). This time, I set clear boundaries and structured my time meticulously. I prepared extensively and mapped out my client interactions. The result? No fires erupted, nothing went haywire, and I could fully immerse myself in both work and family time when needed. This experience taught me that with proper planning and communication, it's possible to run a business while still prioritizing family and personal growth. It's not about perfect balance, but about intentionality. When I was on with my family (which was most of the time), I was able to be on. When I needed to get work done, I was able to make it happen. With each family trip in this new career, I feel like I'll be able to refine even further. This was my first true test of a new way of looking at work-life balance, and I think it worked beautifully. But with that, I'll be back to my regularly scheduled posts. Until then, my advice to you is...take that time off!