"DON'T GET INTO THE INDUSTRY JUST BECAUSE YOU 'LOVE TO TRAVEL.'"

Visser is also an adoptive mother, having adopted two daughters alongside her husband when she was ages 44 and 46. Visser quipped, “I’m an old lady with teens to keep me young!”

‘home office’ that backs us on our road to success.”

When thinking about challenges faced in her career so far, Visser—like most travel industry professionals—looks back on the pandemic and its many obstacles as a tough time. From booking and canceling trips without pay, to waiting on hold for hours on end, to keeping up with worldwide travel restrictions (some of which continue today), Visser acknowledges what many felt:

“We became experts in cancellations.”

Because Visser herself loves to travel, she considers helping give others once-in-a-lifetime trips an experience that’s second to none. She reflects on memorable trips she’s organized for clients (a complicated couples trip to Africa and South Africa and an Alaskan cruise with 47 cousins come to mind).

Lessons learned abound, from finding the best approach for advising clients when the unexpected happens, to balancing always being on-call, to encouraging clients to never skip travel insurance. And while Visser enjoys accolades like earning various sales awards, she says her career highlights undoubtedly stem from receiving amazing reviews and unexpected testimonials.

“I have a federal judge who is a fan!”

Visser says industry newcomers should recognize that success won’t happen overnight. She suggests getting to know local Business Development Managers and training resources and considering specializing in a certain niche.

“If you’re invited on a FAM, be on your best business behavior; it’s a business trip—not a boyfriend’s/girlfriend’s weekend,” Visser said, emphasizing the importance of dressing appropriately, respecting hosts by being on time, using your manners and being attentive. “Keep quiet when walking the resort, move over for guests, and don’t touch things in rooms set up for guests.

“Overall, it’s harder than you expect it to be. Don’t get into the industry just because you ‘love to travel.’”