Last updated: 9:00 AM ET, Tue October 28, 2025
Steven Gould. (Photo Credit: Steven Gould)
Bio
Travel has always been Steven Gould's biggest passion. For over a decade, he's been committed to creating transformative experiences that connect people with the world in meaningful ways.
As the owner of Goulds Travel, co-founder of Luxera Travel, and creator of Travel Advisor Resource Center (TARC), he's built a multifaceted presence in the industry—empowering both travelers and advisors. Gould believes travel is not just a product but a promise: to inspire, to connect, and to grow.
His mission is to shape the future of travel, one advisor, one traveler, and one unforgettable journey at a time.
He's worked hard to build platforms and programs that empower both travelers and travel advisors. At Luxera Travel, Gould helps host local presentations to educate travelers on different supplier partners, destinations, and travel updates. siving community groups, agency workflow templates, and so much more. He's also served on several boards, including the TravelAge West Advisory Board, co-hosted panels/speaker sessions at many conferences, was the runner-up for a Trendsetter Award, holds Diamond advisor/agency status at TPI, won the TPI MAG Legacy Award, and is currently working with ASTA and CCRA on a couple of additional ventures and opportunities for the industry.
What sets him apart in the travel industry is his commitment to people and the relationships he builds along the way. Gould is deeply curious, always seeking new ways to connect, innovate, and create transformative experiences and thrives on building communities through educational programs, peer networks, and collaborative initiatives.
Gould is 37 years old.
"When I started my journey in travel, I never imagined the path would lead here," said Gould. "Being named to TravelPulse’s 40 Under 40 is a powerful reminder of how passion, innovation, and a strong community can turn ideas into impact. I’m grateful to be part of an industry filled with visionaries and trailblazers who are shaping the future of travel together."
Industry References
"When I first met Steven over five years ago, I was working in banking and skeptical of the travel industry, questioning the legitimacy of agencies and how advisors even made money," said Daniel Conklin of Luxera Travel. "But through countless conversations in that first year and a half of our friendship, Steven dispelled every doubt. The way he spoke about the resilience of the industry, its deep sense of community, and the passion he had for his clients opened my eyes to an entirely new world. Ultimately, it inspired me to leave banking and join his team, and later, to launch our luxury agency, Luxera Travel, together."
"Steven’s expertise, curiosity, and ingenuity are unmatched, but what sets him apart is his unwavering dedication to this industry and the people in it," added Conklin. "He is always present for our clients and advisors, ensuring no one feels like they’re operating in a silo. He’s quick to offer clarity, share solutions, and build resources that strengthen not just our team, but the industry at large: evident through the proven tools and strategies he’s created at TARC."
"Steven quite literally eats, sleeps, and breathes this business. His vision for the future of the industry isn’t just aspirational—it’s actionable, rooted in his core beliefs and backed by his consistent delivery. He is a man of integrity, passion, and commitment, and he truly stands out as a leader who will continue to shape the future of travel," he concluded.
"I want to express my gratitude for all the hard work Steven Gould has done for me over the years," added client Lesia Coats. "To start, I was skeptical about using a travel advisor again in the first place. This was right in the middle of COVID. After attending a really nice Zoom presentation he hosted in collaboration with Celebrity Cruises, I went ahead and gave him a shot. You would not believe how hard he worked to show me he was one of the few who cared about his clients."
"He has helped us with acquiring the best rates and making sure the entire trip is to our liking 100 percent. I can't say enough about our Galapagos trip. It was a bucket list item and he made sure I was getting the trip I dreamed about," she added.
"Steven also put together several cruises for us since then, including one that had multiple back-to-back cruises where we were gone for a total of 45 days. This was another bucket item: to see the Northern lights. I can say that he has been helping me check the boxes off my bucket list every year," said Coats. "Right now, we still have several trips coming up and they will be just as great as all the others. I already know this, because he will have it all in order, every box checked, and every item done."
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