Sometimes careers get started in unlikely places.
Justin Wolfson began as a travel agent about four years ago when he met the owner of the agency he now works under on, of all things, a cruise.
"At that time he didn't own an agency, but shortly after opened his own," says Wolfson, Independent Travel Consultant at Chubit Travel. "I slowly got into it and now, four years later, my client base is growing daily and I am enjoying every second."
Wolfson became a travel agent because he loved helping his own family research and book cruises.
"My mother was also in the industry, and I gained interest every time I went to the office with her," he remembers. "Now, through social media, I love seeing my clients enjoying their trip and love when clients leave great reviews."
He took his interest and first-hand knowledge in cruises from when he was a young boy and made it his career specialty, as well as specializing in all-inclusive trips. "It is great to have the knowledge of many different cruise lines and resort chains to provide clients with answers to any questions they may have," says Wolfson.
Those questions might come in the middle of the night, but Wolfson says that he's there for his clients regardless:
"One of the biggest obstacles facing travel agents these days is online booking engines, such Expedia, etc. In this day and age, people can go online and book their own trip. We try to make it clear that we offer more than just a booking agent. I am available 24/7, and my clients know they can always reach out to me."
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Being in the industry for less than five years, Wolfson has to work hard to stand out from older, more experienced agents.
"I use social media to help the market," he says. "Most of the older agents will have 9-to-5 hours, whereas I am always available whenever a client may need something. I provide great customer service and my personal number for clients to text or call me."
Wolfson advises others who are following their travel agent dreams to make the career shift for the right reasons.
"Do it because you love it, not for the perks," he says. "It is more work than lots of people think when they ask how to become one. I work 24/7 answering texts, emails and calls at midnight because I enjoy it all. So make sure you enjoy it and have pride because you won't be traveling for free like many people think we do."
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Taking a cruise to the Caribbean is Wolfson's favorite place to travel, though he adds: "Later this year, I will be traveling from Italy to Miami onboard the MSC Seaside so I will see how Europe is."
When it comes to the future of travel agents, Wolfson isn't worried.
"Travel agents are not going anywhere," he says. "We provide service from start to finish and enjoy what we do. Support a local business. We will make your dreams become a reality. I want to say thank you for everyone that still books through travel agents."
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