Linda de Sosa. (Source: Linda de Sosa.)
Success Stories focus on veteran travel advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Linda de Sosa, a Houston-based independent contractor with the luxury host agency Travel Experts.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I was a corporate executive for many years. Then we moved to Houston and I got very ill. I decided I would rather be poor and happy and do what my passion is – so I became an agent 28 years ago. I had traveled a great deal all my life. It is in my genes. I recently found an airline ticket for my grandpa from 1928!
How did you build your business over the years?
I became very knowledgeable and went everywhere. I’ve traveled to every continent, been to 157 countries, sailed on 48 cruises and have visited every US state, European country, Australian state and Caribbean island (except Cuba.
What characteristic make you a successful advisor?
I have a passion for everything travel and build creative, unique and personalized itineraries.
What have been your greatest challenges been?
Illness. I had a stroke while traveling alone in England. I am currently in a pink motorized wheelchair, which makes everything harder, but nothing is going to stop me.
What have your greatest accomplishments been?
My relationship with my clients. During the COVID pandemic, they brought me food, paid for groceries and massages and kept me going. I have been to many of their weddings.
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
It takes just as much time to sell a cheap cruise and earn $200 as it does to sell an expensive one and make $2,000. Look for those clients wherever they are. Network in the right places. Also, determine your niche and pursue that. I have booked a lot of adventure travel and find clients that enjoy that.
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