Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Angela Hughes, CTC,founder and CEO Trips & Ships Luxury Travel.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I began my career in travel at the age of 14, working in my dad’s travel agency. I started out by filing brochures and delivering tickets – what I humorously refer to as ‘child labor.’ My passion for travel grew as I pursued a major in travel, tourism and geography, and later completed a master’s degree in the same fields. After spending time living abroad, including in Japan, those international experiences further fueled my desire to build a career in travel.
I also spent several years teaching as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University (BYU) in travel, tourism and geography, which gave me the opportunity to share my knowledge with future professionals. With a rich blend of family experience, academic background and global insights, I eventually took over the family business and grew it into what is now a successful host agency, Trips & Ships Luxury. Today, I not only run this thriving business but also consult, mentor and educate other advisors through Luxury Travel University, helping them achieve success in the luxury travel space.
How did you build your business over the years?
I built Trips & Ships Luxury Travel into a leading host agency with over 100 advisors specializing in premium and luxury travel by drawing on decades of hands-on experience and constantly evolving with the industry. Over the years, I’ve leveraged the deep industry knowledge I gained from my early start in the travel business and built powerful relationships with top suppliers, which have been key to offering clients exclusive, high-end experiences. Staying ahead of market trends has kept the business thriving and relevant in an ever-changing market.
With an entrepreneurial mindset, I’ve continually expanded services from luxury cruises to custom safaris, always pushing the business into new areas of growth. Speaking on powerful travel stages around the world has positioned me as a recognized voice in the industry, allowing me to share insights and connect with other leaders. Through mentoring and educating at BYU and consulting with my own program, Luxury Travel University, I’ve helped shape and inspire the next generation of advisors, ensuring that they are well-prepared to succeed in the luxury travel space.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
Having a genuine love for travel allows me to connect with clients and create meaningful experiences that resonate with them on a personal level.
My deep understanding of the travel industry, honed through education and decades of experience, allows me to craft specialized, luxury itineraries that meet the unique needs of each client. I ensure that every aspect of a trip, from accommodations to excursions, is meticulously planned, which leads to seamless travel experiences for my clients.
Building trusted partnerships with vendors, cruise lines and hoteliers allows me to offer clients exclusive access and perks that enhance their travels.
In the ever-changing travel landscape, the ability to adapt and quickly solve problems has been key in maintaining client satisfaction, especially when unexpected issues arise.
Understanding the desires and concerns of clients helps me tailor their experiences to match their preferences, creating lifelong memories.
I guide and support my team and other advisors in the travel industry, which keeps me continually growing and learning from others.
I stay updated on the latest travel trends, destinations and technology, ensuring my clients benefit from the most current travel opportunities.
Traveling to over 107 countries multiple times also has contributed to my success.
What have your greatest challenges been?
My greatest challenges came earlier in my career trying to balance raising four kids, giving back through our family’s humanitarian programs and managing my overachiever lifestyle. Juggling these responsibilities while growing a business and maintaining personal well-being has been an ongoing challenge, but it has also shaped who I am today.
My brain never stops, and that’s both a gift and a curse. I’m always thinking outside the box and constantly generating new ideas, which is great for being an entrepreneur. However, it can be challenging because it’s hard to stop thinking about work, and sometimes it’s difficult to switch off.
While many might consider COVID-19 one of the greatest challenges, for me, it was an incredible period of creativity and reflection. It allowed me the space to design what my second act would look like in the travel industry. I nearly left the industry three times before due to stress, boredom and frustration with clients. However, COVID opened up a whole new level for me to grow and rethink my post-pandemic career, giving me clarity on what I truly wanted moving forward. It became a catalyst for innovation and personal growth in a way I hadn’t experienced before.
What have your greatest accomplishments been?
While being named the 2024 Travel Leaders Influencer of the Year is an incredible honor, I consider my greatest achievements to be in the humanitarian work I’ve done, particularly in some of the poorest third-world countries using my travel skills. Helping to create sustainable programs has had a profound impact on both the communities we’ve supported and on me personally.
For nearly 10 years, we developed sustainable travel programs through our family nonprofit, enabling people to volunteer and give back. This work has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey, connecting travelers with meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.
Going to Poland to help move refugees from the Ukraine-Poland border when the war broke out was an incredible experience. Using my travel skills to help relocate them for months afterward was both challenging and rewarding, and it was a powerful reminder of how our industry can make a real difference in times of crisis.
What tips can you provide for advisors new to the industry?
Success comes from consistently putting in the effort for your business, clients and partners.Attend industry events, network and engage with suppliers to build relationships and grow your knowledge. Actively participate in industry organizations, conferences and learning opportunities to stay connected and informed.
Advocate for your clients and for the travel industry as a whole. Establish yourself as an expert to build trust and credibility.Treat your travel business with professionalism and full commitment—don’t approach it as a part-time hobby.
Clients won’t come to you – you have to hunt for them. Be proactive in seeking out and finding clients. Be civil, always respectful and never allow rudeness or arrogance in your interactions. Kindness and respect are essential in every part of the business.
Your real job is at home, and this business should supplement your home life. If you fail in your personal life, it won’t matter what you achieve in the industry.
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