The Joy of Being a Travel Agent

Stacey Hartmann set a goal for herself to visit 50 countries by the time she turned 50. She traveled extensively in North America and to more than 40 countries across Europe, the Caribbean, South & Central America, Asia and the Middle East.

After she accomplished this lofty goal, she decided on a career change.

MORE Travel Agent

US Travel Association To Advocate for Travel Tax Credits

Travel Advisors Guardedly Optimistic About Travel’s...

How Storefront Travel Agencies Are Riding Through the...

It wasn’t hard for Hartmann to figure out exactly what she wanted to do. She loved planning travel and, of course, her own traveling was on the top of the list. So she spoke with many travel agents for advice prior to making the leap.

Today, she is the owner of Enjoy Vacationing in Wisconsin.

“My travel experience helps my clients every time they travel,” said Hartmann. “Interested in Europe? Great, I lived there, let me help! Interested in Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, or a cruise? I’ve been there and can provide recommendations to make your visit more enjoyable.”

Her business focuses mostly on Europe, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico and cruising.

“I once had a couple, who needed an extra hand with language and directions meeting up with a family member in Switzerland to make their train adventure a more positive experience,” she said. “I travel regularly to make sure I am the most knowledgeable I can be for my clients. In fact, I’m responding to your questions from my lanai in Kauai, Hawaii!”

READ MORE: Travel Agent Horror Stories

Hartmann sees the biggest obstacle for the travel industry as proving that travel agents really do exist.

“Obviously they do and we are a growing need with retirements of older agents and clients’ focusing on experiences rather than things,” she said. “While not every traveler needs an agent, we can add value for most.”

To others who want to become a travel agent just like she did, Hartmann suggests asking a lot of questions:

“You need to know travel to work in travel. Don’t enter the business for free travel—that doesn’t exist. Enter the travel business because you love travel and enjoy helping others. Know what your business model would look like prior to getting into the business. Do you know the destinations you want to sell? Do you understand that you need to be available even when you are on vacation? Do you know marketing and technology—the cornerstones of this business?”

Hartmann has had several clients surprise their significant others with travel:" “That is so much fun to be a part of. I had one client email me a video of his spouse waking up the day of travel, thinking it was a work day and ending up getting on an airplane to Florida for a week-long cruise. It’s great fun to be a part of special occasions and surprises.”

READ MORE: 9 Ways to Become a Better Travel Agent

When she isn’t working, Hartmann loves traveling to Europe for their culture, food and history.

“I also love Hawaii, the Caribbean and Mexico for the activities, sun, beaches and weather,” she said. “Cruising is one of my favorite types of travel because I can unpack once and experience culture, food and visit unique places easily and with other travelers.

“My client list is growing weekly because of their referrals. Clients who love their travel agents talk about their travel agents. Mine know I think of them and their trips and will be there for them throughout the planning and travel experience.”

For more information on Stacey Hartmann and Enjoy Vacationing, visit http://www.enjoyvacationing.com.

To pre-order Lisa Iannucci's book On Location: A Film & TV Lover's Travel Guide, click here.