Daena Nicholas (Source: Daena Nicholas)
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
My journey to becoming a travel advisor began during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. After my husband passed away from cancer in just three months, I found myself needing to rebuild my future while raising my three school-aged children.
I had been a stay-at-home mom with a background in the corporate world, and I knew I needed a career that offered flexibility and allowed me to work from home. That clarity came during a trip to Disney World. I had worked with a travel advisor to plan it, and while we were there, it clicked – I should be doing this.
Friends and family had always relied on me to plan their trips, and I realized I could turn that into a career. I began researching agencies, learning through experience and building my knowledge of the industry. I started by specializing in Disney and, over time, expanded into cruises and international travel, including Europe, the Caribbean and beyond.
How did you build your business?
I built my business through relationships, consistency and genuinely caring about each client’s experience. In the beginning, most of my clients were friends and family, and from there, word of mouth became my strongest source of growth.
I focused on being responsive, detail-oriented and fully present for my clients, which naturally led to repeat business and referrals. Over time, I began working with more complex itineraries and international travel as my confidence and expertise grew.
Staying connected has also been important. Through regular communication, social media and sharing travel insights, I’ve been able to stay top of mind and continue building trust with my clients over time.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
A key strength I bring as an advisor is my ability to truly listen and connect with my clients. I take the time to understand not just where they want to go but how they want to experience a destination.
I’m highly organized, responsive and proactive, ensuring that every part of the planning process feels seamless. I also pay close attention to details – the small touches that can make a trip feel effortless and memorable.
Most importantly, I treat every client’s trip as if it were my own, and I focus on building long-term relationships based on trust and consistency.
What have been your greatest challenges?
One of my greatest challenges was building my business during a difficult time in my life while supporting my family and navigating personal loss.
Professionally, learning the travel industry through experience and adapting to constant changes, from supplier policies to global disruptions, has required flexibility and resilience. Staying ahead in an ever-evolving environment continues to be both a challenge and a motivation.
What are greatest accomplishments?
One of my greatest accomplishments has been building a successful, relationship-driven business that supports my family while doing something I truly love.
What started with friends and family has grown into a strong base of repeat clients and referrals who trust me with everything from simple getaways to complex, multi-destination trips.
Seeing clients return year after year and knowing I’ve helped create meaningful travel experiences for them is something I’m incredibly proud of.
What tips can you provide to advisors new to the industry?
My advice is to be patient and focus on building relationships first. Trust takes time, and it’s the foundation of a successful business.
Take the time to truly listen to your clients, stay organized and communicate clearly – those are the qualities people remember.
Don’t be afraid to learn through experience, and continue building your knowledge of destinations and suppliers.
Most importantly, treat every trip with care and attention to detail. If you do that consistently, the business will grow.
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