Before becoming a travel advisor, I spent 24 years in the real estate sector, working in escrow, business development, real estate, and community involvement. That experience taught me how to build relationships, earn people’s trust, and follow through—skills that would become invaluable in my new career.
Travel had also been a lifelong passion of mine. Becoming a travel advisor offered an opportunity to combine the two things I loved most: helping people and discovering new destinations.
I was excited about creating memorable experiences for clients and developing relationships that could continue for years. At the same time, I knew I was entering an entirely new industry. I was concerned about how much I would need to learn and whether I had the time to commit to that learning curve.
Then I met Johanna. I immediately connected with her energy and positivity, and I felt that our values aligned both personally and professionally. That connection gave me confidence that Holiday Planit was the right place to begin.
The first few months were definitely challenging. I was learning new technology, new suppliers, and an entirely new way of doing business. Building something new requires time, dedication, and a willingness to keep going when you don’t have all the answers. Even today, there is always more to learn.
My first clients were friends and family. They were incredibly supportive and patient as I gained experience. After successfully planning my first few trips, I began to believe, “I really can do this.” Those clients are still the foundation of my business, and now they refer their own friends and family to me. There is no greater compliment—or gift—than having someone trust me enough to make that introduction.
My sales and business-development experience helped me get off to an extraordinary start. During my first year, I sold more than $400,000 in travel— I was told that's the fastest start of anyone who had completed Holiday Planit’s training program. But that success wasn’t built on sales skills alone. It was built on relationships, consistent learning, and the support I received along the way.
Johanna and the seasoned advisors on the Holiday Planit team were always willing to answer my many questions. Their patience and mentorship helped me understand the business and become more confident. Holiday Planit’s training videos and meetings gave me a strong foundation, while the agency community reminded me that I didn’t have to figure everything out alone.
Developing relationships with supplier partners has also been a game changer. For example, I have a wonderful partner at Viking who has become a friend and is always looking out for my clients. Support from both Holiday Planit and the travel industry has given me the confidence to take bigger steps and believe in myself.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that I don’t have to know everything to be successful. No travel advisor can know every destination, supplier, or answer. With every trip I plan, I learn something new and expand my knowledge.
Johanna told me that from the beginning, but it took experience for me to truly believe it.
My advice to someone considering this career is to be prepared to learn, ask questions, and give yourself time. Draw on the skills and relationships you already have, but remain open to becoming a beginner again. You don’t have to have every answer before you begin—you simply need the commitment to keep learning, growing, and taking great care of your clients.
Marnye B.
