Kim has been a Travel Consultant with Avanti for 7 years, but her time spent in the realm of travel spans decades, having worked in the industry since 1988. Previously a Travel Advisor, her background boosts her knowledge, giving her a knack for making connections and helping craft amazing vacations. Kim balances her time between curating new bookings with a dedicated set of Travel Advisors who are part of our TC Connect program, updating important details on itineraries, and communicating with Advisors who may call in with inquiries. Learn more about Kim and her insider travel tips with the full article below!
Tell Us About Your Time in the Travel Industry: 'I first got started with travel in 1988, and over the years have worked for different travel companies and agencies. I took on many roles including spending years as a Travel Advisor, which is why I enjoy connecting with TAs so much! I love building packages for people, especially when it's something they have dreamed about for a long time and it will be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for them. Before Avanti, I specialized in the South Pacific, and I came on board with Avanti around the time when we were first talking about launching our own South Pac destinations. I am very excited that we now offer Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji!'
What Excites You About Avanti: 'The people. From the very beginning at my very first interview with Avanti 7 years ago, I immediately connected with the staff and realized there was something special here. I truly value the people I work with. But it's not only the staff – I really enjoy building relationships with the Advisors. Some of them I have worked with since I first started! I am very blessed with so many incredible people around me and I love coming to work every day.'
Tell Us More About What You Do as a Travel Consultant: 'Avanti's Travel Consultant (TC Connect) program is highly unique and personalized. When Advisors reach out about a booking, they typically stay with one TC throughout the entire booking process, which is different than other places where people are just connected at random every time they call in. At Avanti, you have the opportunity to build relationships with people. For my role personally, I do sometimes answer calls, but I’m primarily email-based and spend my time responding to online inquiries. Half of day is spent putting together new bookings and the other half is making changes and updates to existing bookings.'
What Can Travelers Look Forward to in 2025: 'This upcoming year, Rome will be having its Jubilee at the Vatican, which they celebrate every 25 years, offering special grace and reconciliation for those of Catholic faith. This is going to make that region extremely busy – so if your travelers are wanting to visit for the festivities, book now! If they are wanting to visit Italy in 2025 but hoping to avoid crowds, get in touch with us for recommendations during this time. This will be a big year for travel, especially in September! September used to be a quieter and more affordable month for travel but now we are seeing it trending as one of the busiest times.'
What Avanti Trips Have You Gone On: 'With Avanti, I have traveled to Germany for a Christmas Market experience, London and Paris, Portugal, and Italy (Venice and Sicily, on two different trips). Sicily was my favorite destination as a whole, it's so beautiful and unlike any other place! The most memorable was London and Paris because our group was incredible and we got to see the most famous sites like Buckingham Palace and the Van Gogh exhibit when it was brand new. When it comes to trips outside of Avanti, I have also absolutely loved the South Pacific islands. I have sailed around Fiji, and I loved seeing sharks! I am really excited that Avanti now sells Fiji, it's one of my favorite places.'
What Are Some of Your Travel Recommendations: 'If possible, just take a carry on, don’t check a bag! Learning how to travel light will really save you time and energy when it comes to checking your luggage in, and it could even save you from last-minute schedule changes and lost luggage. Also, be sure to book food tours in every city you visit (or at least one during your trip). Local flavors will blow you away, especially Avanti foodie tours that are so personalized. If you aren't already a foodie, this will turn you into one!'
Thank you, Kim, for sharing your insights, and for all that you do for Avanti!