Owner of Biondi Travel , independent affiliate of Brownell Travel , in Virginia
How many years have you been in the industry ? It was two years in March .
Tell me how you got started , and why you wanted to work in travel . I was a stay-at-home mom for 17 years and was feeling increasingly stifled by the day-to-day routine . A good friend suggested I find something I could be passionate about , and the thing I kept coming back to was travel . After a lot of research online , I found Brownell Travel and their wonderful mentorship program , which gives you every tool possible to get your travel business going .
More and more women are now filling leadership positions in the travel industry . What do you make of this change ? Many women have to make a choice of being home with their family or working at something they love — but working in travel gives you the flexibility to do both . Technology and innovative services and products make it possible for us to work and take care of a household .
What wisdom can you offer to other women in travel ? In the beginning , it feels like you have to take every client that comes your way , but you don ’ t . Be mindful of clients who do not value the service you are providing or just want the cheapest deal . You want clients that respect your time and who become great repeat business .
Do you have any predictions for the future of travel ? I think the future is bright for travel agents . We can explain not just the benefits of travel , but why you might need insurance . We can explain when it is important to spend extra on travel and when it is a waste of money . And we are there to protect our clients to make sure they have the most seamless and enjoyable experience possible .
Where are you traveling next ? I ’ m hoping to travel to Mexico and Italy — both places I ’ m very passionate about . I ’ m also planning on visiting some new places , including Portugal and South Africa .
GIVAGA / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
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