Jennifer Filling (Photo Credit: Jennifer Filling)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Jennifer Filling, owner of About the Memories Travel.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
About 12 years ago, while on vacation one morning waiting for my family to wake up, I came across a Facebook ad from an agency looking for travel advisors. My family has always loved to travel, and I was the one who friends and relatives would come to for help planning their vacations.
When I saw that ad, I thought, ‘Why not get paid for what I already love doing?’ Helping people make unforgettable memories through travel has always brought me such joy, so becoming a travel advisor felt like the perfect fit.
Before this, I worked in the compliance department of a bank, so changing career paths felt exciting and refreshing. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
How did you build your business over the years?
Word of mouth was how I started in this industry, and my daughter was my biggest form of advertisement. Teachers and friends would ask her for advice on trips we had taken, and she used to say, ‘The best advice I can give you is to call my Mom.’
Once you build your client base, keeping them as repeat clients for future travels is key. Traveling often has helped me stay current on destinations, and working closely with supportive suppliers has allowed me to build strong partnerships that continue to benefit my business.
Sharing my travels has also been a huge part of my growth. It keeps current clients inspired and helps future clients see what is possible for their own vacations.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
I truly care about every client’s experience and treat each trip as if it were my own. I’m detail-oriented, responsive, deeply supportive, and always working to make every trip smoother and more personalized for my clients. Communication and empathy are at the heart of what I do.
I also believe in ongoing education. I am always learning from supplier training, conferences and firsthand travel. That combination of care, curiosity and expertise helps me match clients with vacations that fit them perfectly.
What have been your greatest challenges?
One of my biggest challenges has been learning to set healthy boundaries while staying available and supportive for clients and my team. When you love what you do, it’s easy to pour your whole heart into every trip, but that can also blur the line between work and personal time. Finding balance and protecting that time has been something I’ve had to intentionally work on as the business has grown.
Managing growth while maintaining the personal touch that makes clients feel valued has also been a learning curve. As I built my team, I had to shift from doing everything myself to trusting others to deliver the same level of care.
The pandemic brought its own set of challenges for everyone in this industry. It tested patience, professionalism and resilience, but it also reminded me how meaningful travel is and how strong this community can be when we support one another.
What are your greatest accomplishments?
Watching About the Memories Travel has grown into a team of incredible advisors and is one of my proudest accomplishments. Seeing our agency recognized by suppliers for our growth feels especially meaningful because it reflects years of dedication, consistency and the trust our clients place in us.
On a personal level, being a mom and now a mother-in-law has shaped the way I approach everything in my business. Family means everything to me, and it’s a constant reminder of why creating core memories through travel matters so much.
More than any award or recognition, my greatest accomplishment is seeing families, couples and friends create lifelong memories through the trips I help plan. When a client shares their favorite memory from a vacation, it reminds me why I do what I do.
What tips can you provide for advisors new to the industry?
Be consistent, curious and open to learning. This career takes time to grow, and relationships are at the heart of it. Find mentors, attend trainings and build connections with suppliers who share your values and support your goals.
It is also important to know that it is okay to say no. You do not have to take every trip request that comes your way. Find your passion and stay within your wheelhouse, because when you try to be everything to everyone, it becomes challenging and overwhelming. Specializing in what you love will not only make you happier but will also attract clients who appreciate your expertise.
Stay active on social media and let your personality come through. Clients want to work with someone they feel connected to, not just someone who can make a booking. Most importantly, keep traveling. First-hand experience will always be your best teacher and your best marketing tool.
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