The American Dream is a powerful concept that has inspired many people to strive for (and achieve) success, regardless of their background or circumstances. If you share the same dream of turning your passion into a thriving business, you're not alone! Meet Annette Hernandez, owner of SEAQUEST 3US TRAVESIAS, LLC, a dedicated travel advisor with a spectacular story who has been affiliated with Avoya Travel for over 17 years.
Annette's story is one of determination, hard work and a deep love of travel that has led her to become a successful travel business owner. Born in Sweden and raised in the United States, Annette has always had a thirst for adventure and a desire to see the world. Her journey is a testament to the power of following your dreams and working hard to achieve them. So, if you're looking for inspiration to chase your goals and live a lifestyle of success, read on as we dive into Annette's story!
Following the Dream
Annette's love for travel can be traced back to her early years when her family immigrated to the United States from Sweden through Ellis Island. "I'm quite sure that my love of travel began on that voyage!" Annette reminisces about her family's journey to America on the SS Kungsholm, a Swedish ocean liner. The desire to explore new lands, ignited by her parents' "America Fever," had a profound impact on her young mind. Little did she know that this adventure would be the spark that ignited a lifelong passion for travel.
After settling in Washington, Annette's wanderlust grew, and her affinity for travel flourished during her college years in Mexico City where she met her now husband and business partner, Luis Hernandez. Shortly after, the couple traveled back to the US where they would have four daughters and reside in three different states.
"Our daughters are first-generation Americans because Luis immigrated to the USA after we were married," Annette shares. This cultural fusion within her own family gave her a unique perspective and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of travel. It was only a matter of time before Annette felt the calling to share this gift with others.
Making the Dream Reality
As the years passed, Annette and Luis found themselves as empty nesters in San Diego and this chapter of their lives presented an opportunity for new adventures. Annette's longing to weave her passion for travel into a fulfilling business led her to explore becoming a travel advisor.
"I decided that being a travel advisor would be a good and enjoyable business opportunity for me since I speak English, Swedish and Spanish, and have traveled extensively," Annette says. Her diverse language skills and vast travel experiences gave her the confidence to step into this new realm. This newfound determination brought Annette to a large brick-and-mortar agency, which would later evolve into the innovative Avoya Travel you know today.
Initially working for other agencies, Annette closely observed a co-worker who ventured into starting her own travel agency through affiliation with Avoya Travel. Witnessing her friend's success and satisfaction, Annette decided to retire alongside her husband, allowing them to start and run their travel business together through Avoya.
One of the aspects that Annette cherishes most about her partnership with Avoya is the flexibility provided through innovative technology like Agent Power™, as well as Outlook. With the ability to access Avoya's resources and emails on her smartphone, Annette can stay connected to her clients no matter where she is in the world, ensuring they always receive exceptional service. "All my clients have my cell number, and I am available always," Annette proudly asserts. This connectivity has enabled her to maintain a strong relationship with her clients, and her commitment to exceptional service resonates deeply with those seeking her guidance and expertise.
Throughout her 17-year journey with Avoya, Annette has found great joy in engaging with the community through the Avoya Community Forum, and felt unwavering support from Avoya’s help desk and Tech Department. "They are so helpful when we are stuck, and the new, helpful features in Agent Power that they create for us are great!" Avoya's commitment to continuous innovation equips travel advisors with the latest business products and services to enhance their efficiency and elevate their client experiences.
"We are so happy with the affiliation!" Annette exclaims, reflecting on the fulfilling partnership she and her husband share with Avoya Travel. "The Anderson family's affiliations and relationships created with great vendors and suppliers help us in offering great service, amenities and pricing for our clients so we can be competitive!" Avoya's strong partnerships enable advisors like Annette to provide unparalleled experiences to their clients, ensuring that each journey is crafted with care and attention to detail.
Travel Beyond Profession
Annette's passion for travel extends beyond her profession, as she shares a few heartwarming personal travel stories. She recounts a spiritual experience inside the Great Pyramid in Egypt when her husband, Luis, was granted special permission to enter the Pyramid and hold the symbol of eternity. After emerging from the structure, a guard who stood by pointed at Luis saying, 'You got it!' Annette states, “He felt like he was saying that he "plugged in" to the power of the pyramid,” as they both connected deeply with the ancient structure.
She also recalls a special moment in Cairo when she used the phrase "Salaam-Alaikum" to greet a woman in the bathroom, leading to a heartwarming interaction and a beautiful exchange of culture and warmth. Additionally, Annette recounts a train journey in Europe, where Luis' language skills and empathy diffused a tense situation with a fellow American traveler. Their act of kindness was rewarded with a bottle of champagne and shared with fellow passengers, creating unforgettable memories. These cherished memories reaffirm her belief in the power of travel to bridge cultures and create meaningful connections.
As Annette and Luis continue to explore the world, they are excited about their upcoming sailing adventure on a 14-day Windstar cruise to Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands on the Star Breeze in March 2025.
Finding Success in Travel
Annette's journey as a successful Independent Travel Advisor in the Avoya Network is truly inspiring and is a testament to the potential of following one's passions and transforming them into a successful and fulfilling business. Her story encourages us to embrace new possibilities, nurture our love for travel and discover the world alongside those who seek extraordinary experiences.
If you aspire to find similar success in the travel advising industry, joining the Avoya Network can open a new world of opportunities! Gain access to innovative resources, unwavering support and empowering technology that can make your goals a reality.
Just like Annette Hernandez, you too can embark on a spectacular journey of success as your story becomes an inspiration to others with Avoya Travel by your side. To learn more, fill out the form below to get connected with a specialist and start the conversation today. We can't wait to explore the future of travel with you.