Let's be honest, being a parent is a full-time commitment!
By the time you clock out of your 9-5, make dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and get the kids to bed, you're often left with very little time for yourself. Have you ever dreamed of what life would be like if you spent less time in the office and more time doing what you love? Don't let that dream just be a dream. Make it reality!
As a travel advisor, you'll unlock a whole new world of professional freedom that you never even knew existed. You'll be your own boss, so you'll make your own rules and your own schedule! With the flexibility to work wherever, whenever and however you want, you'll finally be able to achieve the work-life balance you've always wanted.
We know many remote positions might say they offer flexible hours, but then you find out that's not the case. At Avoya Travel®, when we say flexible, we mean actually flexible. Answer emails during nap time, send itineraries in the school pick-up line, text your clients at the pediatrician's office – you get the point! As an Independent Agency in the Avoya Network™, how, where and when you work is entirely up to you, along as it’s done with Integrity and Professionalism™.
The best part? The skills that make you a great parent are the exact same skills that would make you a great travel advisor! But don't just take our word for it. The Avoya Travel Network is full of parents who run successful travel businesses. Keep scrolling to hear their stories and learn why travel advising is the perfect path for parents.
1. You're a Memory-Maker
Travel is all about creating unforgettable memories and no one understands the importance of creating meaningful experiences quite like parents. You're always organizing extra special events that bring your family closer together. Whether it's planning a surprise party or orchestrating a big family trip, you know how to go the extra mile to make every moment memorable.
As a travel advisor, you'll be able to help so many people create lasting memories with families of their own. But helping make their travel dreams come true doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your own travel dreams!
When he's not booking incredible trips for his clients, Joshua Knight, Owner of Knight's Eco Tours, an Independent Agency in the Avoya Network, loves traveling with his son.
“As a travel agent and a parent of a nine-year-old, I have the chance to share the wonders of the world with my child,” Joshua says. “This summer, we're embarking on a father and son Alaska cruise, where he's excited to walk on a glacier. Next year, we're planning either a trip to Japan or a Northern Lights chase!”
Joshua's passion for making memories with his family is what fuels his success as a travel advisor. He's able to connect with his clients on an emotional level, helping them find the perfect vacation that fits their family's unique needs. “It's all about living life to the fullest and creating unforgettable moments with family,” he says.
2. You've Mastered the Art of Multitasking
The way you juggle school schedules, sports schedules, homework, doctor's appointments, paying bills, making dinner and so much more is truly impressive. You're also a pro at handling last-minute changes, unexpected obstacles and uncommon requests. Whether it's missed flights on your family vacation or a last-minute art project for your daughter, you always find the perfect solution. We couldn't think of someone more qualified to run their own travel business.
“Anyone who has ever tried to get a third grader to a 7 a.m. soccer game on time with all required uniform, equipment, snacks and drinks knows that parents are experts at travel logistics,” said Jeni Schrimsher, Owner of Voyages by Jeni LLC, an Independent Agency in the Avoya Network.
As a business owner, you'll wear many hats. Managing customer inquiries, budgeting, marketing, technology and multiple bookings might seem overwhelming to some people, but this isn't your first rodeo. You've been balancing responsibilities as a parent for years now. It's time you started getting paid for those kinds of skills!
Plus, just because you can do it all doesn't mean you have to. With Avoya, you'll have a team of travel experts by your side from day one to day 365 and beyond. We're here to provide you with as much (or as little) support as you need to start up, scale up and sell like an expert.
3. You're a Lifelong Learner
Your role as an educator within your family seamlessly translates into your role as trusted travel advisor. Your wealth of knowledge allows you to answer questions with confidence and ease, whether they're coming from your clients or your kids.
But let's face it, no one has all the answers, especially when it comes to kids. They're imaginative and can come up with some seriously creative questions. Yet, you openly embrace their curiosity by continuously growing and evolving alongside them. Your passion for being a lifelong learner will make you a great travel advisor and your clients will truly appreciate your endless pursuit of knowledge.
Another thing your clients will love? The fact that you know traveling is about experiencing different cultures, trying new foods, meeting new people and learning more about the world around us. You recognize the educational value of travel, effortlessly incorporating enriching learning experiences into every itinerary.
Jeni recently visited Turkey with her son where they attended a culinary expedition and cultural immersion that included a private concert at the Library of Celsus within the ruins of Ephesus. “This spectacular event started with a reception at sunset, followed by a string quartet performance,” Jeni says. Not only was this a picture-perfect evening, but it was also an incredible opportunity for her and her son to experience historical monuments in person.
This wasn't their first international trip together, though. They've also visited Antarctica and spent last summer adventuring through the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Germany! By escaping the typical 9-5 routine, Jeni has been able to travel all around the world with her family, working wherever and whenever she wants.
You can always find Independent Agents in the Avoya Network (and their families) on the go, using our industry-leading technology to seamlessly run their travel businesses from any corner of the world. Afterall, the best way to sell travel is to experience it for yourself!
No Travel Experience? No Problem!
So, you're a memory-maker, multi-tasker and lifelong learner, but you have no travel experience. Will you still make a great travel advisor? Yes! At Avoya, everyone is welcome - beginners, experts and everyone in between. Whether you're a parent who's never booked a hotel or a travel guru that plans all the family vacations, we'll meet you where you're at and help you build the travel business of your dreams. You'll be crafting elaborate trips for you, your family and your clients in no time!
We've made a commitment to empowering the next generation of travel advisors through customized learning experiences. We created Travel Agent Education Powered by Avoya to help aspiring travel advisors, like you, gain the knowledge needed to run a successful travel business. With three unique plan options, you can find the one that best suits your needs.
Joining the Avoya Family
When you join Avoya, you'll be joining a family of like-minded travel professionals who genuinely want you to succeed. We've carefully curated every single one of our resources to ensure you have everything you need to run the travel business of your dreams. Plus, our team of travel experts is full of parents, just like you, so you can rest assured that you're in good hands.
We know time is precious, especially as a mom or dad. That's why we've designed time-saving business solutions like our suite of customizable marketing assets. With free templates at your fingertips, you can download, post and relax. It really is that easy! Let us take care of your marketing so you can get back to spending time with the people you love.
Life can get busy – like really busy. Our colleague system enables you to work side-by-side with other Independent Agents in the Avoya Network. Have to take a week off work because your child is sick? Your colleague is just a phone call away, ready and willing to assist you when you need it most.
You're always choosing what's best for your family. It's time you choose what's best for you too. You deserve it! Become a travel advisor and join the industry's leading travel network today. Fill out the form below to get started!