Success stories highlight how advisors have found success, like these ones from Rachel Slabotsky and Shivani Meave, co-founders of The Beyond Borders Collective, an affiliate of Jetset World Travel.
How did your career as a travel advisor begin?
Sharing a passion for adventure and experience-driven travel, we started The Beyond Borders Collective as a travel blog in 2020. Together we’ve explored all seven continents and over 50 countries (and counting). At the time, we both had full-time jobs in completely different industries and sharing our travel experiences was a way of escape when the world was shutting down. As we began to consider where to take our careers next, it became clear to us that the answer was right in front of us.
Rachel: In 2023, I took the plunge and left my full-time position at a startup to begin my journey to become a travel advisor. This was daunting, given that I had worked for over a decade to build my career in my previous industry and relied on a steady, predictable paycheck. However, I was excited because for the first time in my life, my job aligned with my passion. We partnered with Jetset World Travel as our host agency. The company was extremely supportive while allowing us to maintain our independence as a small business.
Shivani: I continue to run the family business, but Rachel taking on this role full time has allowed me to help turn the blog into a business, and I hope to join her full time when the time is right.
How have you built your business over the years?
So far, our main focus has been referrals. Kansas City has a very supportive local community and we have built relationships through the networking groups and committees we are a part of. We are also looking to partner with a local wedding coordinator to plan honeymoons for our clients. Finally, we would like to thank our friends and family who have followed our personal journey and trusted us with planning their trips. Through these channels, we have been able to secure repeat clients and hope to take on even more.
What characteristics do you need to be a successful advisor?
Our passion for travel and first-hand experiences is what drives us and drives the majority of our referrals. We focus on luxury and experiential trips in 4.5 to 5 star properties because it matches our personal experience and connection with our partners. We understand that travel is an investment and strive to find experiences that best fit your budget. We also curate unique experiences that make your trip memorable, such as a sunset picnic in the African bush, a private cooking class with a local home, glamping under the Northern Lights, or a professional photoshoot capturing stunning landscapes. It’s the unique elements and details that make the difference.
We also act as your advocate before, during and after your trip, and are ready to step in and step up if things aren’t going smoothly.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Rachel: We launched our business while both were pregnant with our first children. Shivani signed with our hosting agency the same day she was due to be induced. Balancing parenting and building a business (or “our other baby,” as we call it) can be a challenge. The first six months were the most adjustments, but we feel like we’re on a better foundation now.
Shivani: Like any industry, there’s a lot to learn when you first start. It took time to get up to speed, research best practices, and incorporate it all into our business operations. Additionally, the travel industry is one that’s constantly changing with new travel restrictions, health advisories, visa requirements, and airline policies, all of which can change quickly.
What is your greatest achievement?
Our biggest indicator of success is repeat business and referrals. It’s incredibly rewarding when our connections not only trust us with planning their trips, but also introduce us to their networks. We believe travel inspires curiosity and open-mindedness, so we encourage our clients to travel to destinations they might not normally consider. We recently convinced a couple to spend a vacation in the coffee country of Colombia, South America, instead of a planned one in a tourist destination in Europe. Without trust, this wouldn’t be possible.
On the personal side, as new moms, we’re passionate about traveling, with and without our kids. We’ve visited South America, Africa, and Japan, leaving our 4-month-old and 6-month-old children behind. At the same time, our babies have traveled through all four time zones within the country. That means we’re here to encourage and help you plan trips that may seem unrealistic or daunting. We recently helped another young mom plan an international trip to see Taylor Swift. We’re also scouting African safari destinations that are traditionally for couples, looking for those that are expanding and offering family-friendly accommodations. Shivani recently returned from a safari in Botswana and experienced this firsthand.
What tips can you offer advisors new to the industry?
Find a niche that matches what you’re most passionate about: travel. This will help you come across as authentic and build more trust with your customers.
Be a sponge. So There is a lot to learn in this industry, and information is constantly changing. We spoke to advisors who have been in the industry for over 15 years and still learn something new every day. See this as an opportunity to grow and don’t be afraid to ask questions. A great advisor doesn’t need to have all the answers; they just need to know the right resources where they can find the answers.
If you’re thinking about starting your own business, join a host agency. Take the time to research and interview agencies to find one that offers the right level of support for where you are in your career. We’re thrilled to be part of Jetset World Travel. The amount of support we get from our fellow advisors and the level of service we receive from our preferred partners is immeasurable. In this industry, connections are a powerful force.
Finally, be sure to manage customer expectations appropriately and over-communicate if necessary. Travel is a very personal experience and every customer has different tastes, needs, and budgets. Communicating expectations up front will ensure you create the most positive travel experience for your customers.
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