My 2019 Year in Review

Wow! I cannot believe we are already at the end of 2019. Time really flew by this year! I wanted to continue my 2nd annual Year in Review for this past year. To see how I’ve grown both personally and professionally. Here is the link to last year’s year in review. It truly is an honor and privilege to work full time in a job that you are passionate in and absolutely love. I have my clients to thank for that. So with that said, let’s get into my top experiences of 2019 (in no particular order).

Sales Increased

According to Vacation CRM, my sales revenue increased year over year 173.20%. I’m ECSTATIC about that number. HUGE thank you to my clients, as I could not have reached that without you. Next year, I’d like to increase my sales revenue by 200.00% year over year.

Visited The Hawaiian Islands

This past summer, I was able to spend Two Weeks in Hawaii and it was magical. I visited Oahu, Maui, and The Big Island and was able to get a better sense of the land there. I’m always trying to travel to popular destinations that my clients are traveling to so I can become a great resource for them. Within those two weeks, I was able to tour different hotels, go on sightseeing tours, drive around each island, and spend some time with the locals. It was an invaluable experience and I officially have my Hawaiian Tourism Authority badge displayed proudly on my page.

Got Engaged! 

While in Hawaii, my fiancé proposed to me! He proposed in Maui on Kaanapali Beach. It was just the most perfect trip and I was so grateful I was able to meet some of his family members who live in Hawaii.

Completed Princess Cruises Commodore Training

This year, I completed the commodore training program with Princess Cruises. Commodore is the highest level possible. It was one of my top goals this year, since I have never been on a cruise (yet). I want to become more familiar with the different cruise lines, because admittedly I mostly sell Royal Caribbean. It’s good to have a slew of options in your corner as a travel agent.

Took Mom Out of the Country

2019 …. the first year my my mom left the country after I was born. I bought her passport last year hoping to take her somewhere special but my dad’s health started to decline and it wasn’t the right time. I’m happy to say that my dad’s health is back up and this past November, I was able to take her on a Mother-Daughter trip to Cancun. We stayed at the all inclusive resort Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun and the Azul Beach Riviera Cancun. Her first time staying at an all inclusive resort so it was nice to see her get pampered if just for a week! I’m looking forward to more adventures with her (and hopefully the rest of my family in 2020).

Completed Karisma FAM Trip

While in Mexico with my mom, I was able to successfully tour the Karisma Resorts in Cancun. It was a fantastic opportunity. I even got to take a sneak peek inside the Palafitos Overwater Bungalows. Karisma Resorts, prides themselves on offering a “gourmet inclusive” all inclusive experience. We really enjoyed eating our way through the different restaurants.

Corey Moved In

Back in October, my fiancé Corey moved in with me. We’re working on home repairs and getting this place ready to sell in the next few years! It’s been a good 5 years now, but we’re ready to both be in a home that belongs to both of us. Moving in together has been a good opportunity to prep for life after the wedding. We’ve had to combine finances and expenses, share chores, and more.

New Family Member Additions

I’m so happy to say that I’m expecting a nephew in March and either a niece/nephew in July 2020. I’m very excited for both new additions to our family.

Working With More Suppliers

My agency started working with more suppliers in 2019. This works in my clients favor because the more suppliers we work with as agents, the more bargaining power we have and can try to price match. For example, working with American Airlines Vacations. They are a great price leader for getting to Mexico + The Caribbean from the east coast. They are another supplier that offers low deposits and easy payment plans.

Explored Christmas Markets

I was able to explore European Christmas markets in all their glory. It’s something I’ve wanted to visit for quite some time. Here is my full 10-Day Christmas Markets Itinerary. We visited France, Germany, and Switzerland. It was such a dream for me to visit these traditional Christmas markets with longstanding heritage. I was able to fill up on pretzels and gluhwein. This trip was also my first time using the Rail Europe system. I’ve sent countless clients on Rail Europe so it’s good to have the first hand experience of what it’s like.

Was able to sample escargot for the first in Paris and that was quite the experience. Shoutout to L’Escargot Montorgueil. Fabulous restaurant and great for first timers. I was able to sample the traditional snails with garlic, butter, and pesto. Had to tell myself they were just “mushrooms” and not snails. It didn’t work too well when I looked down and saw the shell though!

3 Years In!

This past June made my 3-year mark at my agency! I feel so incredibly lucky each day to work a job that often times doesn’t feel like “work.” I really enjoy what I do and love working in the travel industry. Thank you to everyone who has booked a trip with me, or even referred me to someone. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. You’re the reason I’m able to wake up and get excited about going to work.

Of course this job is not just sitting poolside sipping mai tais. This is probably one of the most stressful jobs I’ve worked (and I came from the advertising industry!). But for all of the stress – flight delays/cancellations, company shutdowns and more – I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

2019 Goal Follow-Up

Below, I’ve bolded the goals that I actually completed.

• Complete more training
• Complete my Hawaii Specialist Certification
• Visit a new Caribbean island over summer during a FAM Trip
• Continue to build my client portfolio
• Take my parents on a trip somewhere (well, my mom…)
• Earn at least 2 new passport stamps
• Get new professional head shots done for LinkedIn
• Get new business cards

Overall, I did get a lot accomplished that I wanted to in 2019. Surprisingly, I still have a ton of business cards leftover from Vistaprint, so maybe that will be a future goal 😉

2020 Goals

This year, my goals include:

• Get married!
• Increase Year Over Year Sales by 200.00%
• Complete home repairs to get the house prepped to sell (likely in 2021)
• Visit at least 2 new countries
• Take a family trip this summer to commemorate my parents’ 35th wedding anniversary
• Visit a new destination for a familiarization trip
  • This year, I returned to Cancun but would love to visit somewhere new in 2020.
• Cook and bake more
  • I’d like to focus on trying new recipes in 2020 and not just my go to! If anyone has any good recipes to share, feel free to comment below!
• Blog more
  • Life gets hectic, but I do hope to blog more in 2020. I’m holding myself accountable for at least 1-3 new blog posts per month

 

---