The Joy of Being a Travel Agent

Image: PHOTO: Wisconsin travel agent Stacey Hartmann is joyful in her job sending clients on Hawaii vacations and beyond. (photo via Flickr/Garden State Hiker)
Image: PHOTO: Wisconsin travel agent Stacey Hartmann is joyful in her job sending clients on Hawaii vacations and beyond. (photo via Flickr/Garden State Hiker)
Lisa Iannucci
by Lisa Iannucci
Last updated: 9:00 PM ET, Tue January 2, 2018

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.

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!"

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."


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Lisa Iannucci

Lisa Iannucci

Lisa Iannucci has written many travel articles for national magazines and newspapers. Over the years, her travel articles have appeared in Body & More, Weight Watchers, Muscle & Fitness, Shape, EPregnancy, SkyGuide Go (American Express), American Health, USA Weekend, Parenting, and more. She has written or contributed to 17 books. Her latest, A Film & TV Lover's Travel Guide comes out in Feb. 2018 by Globe Pequot Press. She is also the founder of www.thevirgintraveler.com, a site for travelers who are getting a late start.

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