One Year in Travel

I have recently celebrated one year of joining the travel industry and founding my travel agency, FOMO Travel Co. I have to admit how nice it is to be a little further along in my journey and to not feel so green. It’s hard to be a newbie. I have had the pleasure of booking dozens of trips - from all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean to multi-country European adventures to weekend getaways in the US to river and ocean cruises. Suffice it to say, it has been an incredible year of learning. I thought I would share a few nuggets with you here.

Why choosing the right cruise ship matters

The “Right” Cruise Line Matters More Than the Destination

To start with, some people may not realize which cruise line is a good fit for them. The same itinerary does not equal the same experience, so it is important to make a good match. I have completed many, many trainings on various cruise lines, and I have had numerous conversation with my contacts at the assorted cruise companies so that I can help clients make the right decision when choosing a cruise.

Through these contacts, I can also get the scoop on where the best room locations are, the best restaurants onboard and insider tips for having the best possible experience. And, as I mentioned in my newsletter, booking through a Virtuoso advisor like me can sometimes result in additional amenities like shipboard credit or complimentary specialty dining.

The Ease of Letting Someone Else Handle the Details

I am not saying that you shouldn’t be involved in the planning. But, once we have a conversation about what you want out of your travel experience, I can handle the logistics. You don’t have to sort through all the hotels on the island, I will do that and choose a few that I think you will like. You don’t have to spend time on hold to see why the online booking platform is not working properly, I can do that for you. I can even provide a link to tours and activities that you might want to check out in your destination that you can book ahead of time, or you can be more spontaneous and book once you arrive. The best trips happen when clients get to enjoy the fun decisions and skip the tedious ones.

Road trips are still one of the best ways to travel

Travel Insurance: The Thing You Hope You Never Need

My view of travel insurance has definitely changed over this year. I have come to realize that travel insurance is for more than trip cancellations. Unfortunately, I have heard a few stories of injuries and serious illnesses that have happened while people were traveling overseas. Their travel insurance covered their medical expenses abroad and even helped them to find a credible doctor in their destination. Travel insurance is also about covering expenses incurred due to trip interruption (i.e. the flight was cancelled causing you to have to get a hotel near the airport and missing the first night in your destination.) Or maybe your bags don’t arrive and you have to buy a few items of clothing to make due until they do show up. Many insurance plans provide compensation in these instances. Travel insurance isn’t about expecting the worst; it’s about not being stranded when life happens.

Why Ease and Efficiency Matter to Travelers

One thing I consistently hear from clients is how much they appreciate the time they save during the planning process. Instead of spending hours comparing options without clear context, they value having a streamlined starting point and clear recommendations tailored to what they want. Knowing there’s one knowledgeable person guiding the process helps decisions come together more quickly and with far less second-guessing. For many clients, that ease and efficiency is just as valuable as the trip itself.

One year into this journey, I’m reminded that great travel rarely happens by accident. It comes from thoughtful planning, trusted partnerships, and experience built trip by trip. I’m grateful for every client who has trusted me with their travels so far, and excited for all there is still to learn. If you’re starting to think about an upcoming trip, or simply curious about what’s possible, I’m always happy to be a resource.