Adrianne Resek (Source: Adrianne Resek)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on accomplished advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Adrianne Resek, founder of Resek Travel, an affiliate of Montecito Village Travel, which is a member of Virtuoso.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I officially started in late 2019 – just in time for the COVID pandemic. The upside of that timing is that I only had to cancel one trip when the world shut down and then suddenly had a year to slowly build my industry knowledge, systems, and relationships.
Before travel, I worked in the ophthalmology industry as a medical writer. I loved the intellectual challenge and the people, but what I valued most was the ability to work remotely, which fed my long-standing love of exploring the world.
One day, I was talking with my cousin, who was a travel advisor, and realized the industry had changed dramatically from the stereotype I had in mind. Advisors weren’t simply selling cruises – they were helping people deeply experience places. The idea that I could help travelers better understand the world hooked me immediately.
How did you build your business over the years?
Those early pandemic months gave me unexpected time to focus on building a strong foundation. I invested heavily in learning the industry, developing my technology stack and building relationships with partners around the world.
I was also fortunate to have a close friend who is an incredible connector, and through her network – and through social media – the business began to grow quickly once travel resumed. Today, about 85% of my business comes from repeat clients or referrals, which I’m incredibly grateful for. Many of my clients feel more like friends than customers.
After about two years, Resek Travel had fully replaced my previous career.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
I’m very candid with my clients about where something is truly worth the investment and where they can comfortably skip something. I think people appreciate having someone in their corner who will be honest rather than simply upselling.
Firsthand knowledge is also extremely important to me. When I visit a destination, I really pound the pavement – walking neighborhoods, visiting hotels, and understanding how places connect geographically and culturally. And when I don’t have firsthand knowledge, I rely on a strong network of trusted local partners around the world to make sure every detail runs smoothly.
Ultimately, my goal is not just to help clients see places, but to help them experience something meaningful.
What have been your greatest challenges?
The destination research and the creative side of designing experiences come very naturally to me. What has been more challenging has been building the business side –developing the technology stack, processes and systems that allow everything to run smoothly.
Another shift has been learning to see myself not just as a travel advisor, but as a business owner. That mindset takes time and confidence to grow into.
What are your greatest accomplishments?
My greatest accomplishment is always when a current client refers me to someone they care about. That kind of trust means a great deal to me.
About three years into building my business, I was honored with the Rising Star Award from my host agency, Montecito Village Travel. That was the first moment when I thought, ‘Maybe I’m actually doing this right.’
More recently, being recognized as a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist was incredibly meaningful. The process begins with a nomination from a colleague in the industry, followed by a rigorous vetting process, so I felt deeply honored that someone thought highly enough of my work to put my name forward.
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
Be intentional about your early clients. The trips you design at the beginning will shape the referrals you receive later. If those trips aren’t aligned with the type of work you want to do long term, it can be difficult to pivot.
It’s also important to remember that not every client is the right client. If someone is focused only on price or unwilling to value your expertise, it’s okay to politely step back and make room for travelers who truly appreciate thoughtful trip design.
Finally, stay curious. The best advisors are the ones who never stop learning about the world and sharing that curiosity with their clients.
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