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Carrie on Adventuring: https://carrieonadventuring.com/

Summary: In this episode of the No BS Travel Advisor podcast, Marcie Muensterman interviews Carrie Blackwell, a travel advisor and full-time nurse. Carrie shares her journey from limited travel experiences to becoming a travel advisor, detailing her adventures across the U.S. and her decision to pursue travel full-time. The conversation explores the challenges of navigating the travel industry, the importance of finding the right host agency, and the balance between work and personal life. Carrie also discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and the significance of focusing on what she loves in her travel business. In this conversation, Marcie Muensterman discusses her journey as a travel advisor, emphasizing the importance of specialization, networking, and building confidence. She shares insights on managing dual careers, the value of referrals, and practical advice for fellow travel advisors. The discussion also touches on the evolving role of travel advisors in the digital age, highlighting their continued relevance despite the rise of online booking platforms and AI.

Takeaways:

Carrie transitioned from a limited travel background to a travel advisor.

She experienced a significant change in her life after meeting her adventurous husband.

Traveling opened her eyes to the beauty of the world beyond her childhood experiences.

Carrie decided to pursue travel full-time after a period of reflection and change.

She faced challenges in the travel industry, particularly with her first host agency.

Finding the right support and training is crucial for success as a travel advisor.

Carrie emphasizes the importance of focusing on her passions in travel planning.

She learned to balance her nursing career with her travel business.

Overcoming imposter syndrome was a significant part of her journey.

Carrie encourages others to find their niche and not to take on clients that don't excite them. Specializing in specific destinations can boost confidence.

Networking and referrals are crucial for success.

It's important to be transparent with clients about your availability.

Ditching the intake form can lead to better client engagement.

Finding a niche allows advisors to focus on what they love.

Creating a workflow is essential for managing client relationships.

Travel advisors provide valuable insights that online platforms cannot.

Building relationships with clients leads to referrals and repeat business.

Being honest about challenges can strengthen client trust.

The travel industry is evolving, but advisors remain essential.

Titles:

From Nurse to Travel Advisor: Carrie's Journey

Embracing Adventure: Carrie's Travel Transformation

Navigating the Travel Industry: Insights from Carrie

Finding Balance: Life as a Travel Advisor and Nurse

Overcoming Challenges in the Travel Business

The Importance of Passion in Travel Planning

Sound Bites:

"I just got a bam, chick-a-wow-wow promotion."

"I was way too scared to move to Costa Rica."

"I poured my heart into everything and planned it."

"I was like, is that a thing?"

"I want this to succeed."

"I didn't really do my research on a host."

"I hate Disney, don't like kids, don't have kids."

"I felt like it gave me more confidence."

"The more we give, the more we don't gatekeep."

"I'm the CEO of Carry On Adventuring."

"Ditch the intake form."

"We are more needed now than ever."

Chapters: