Monday Minute: Michelle Gaudet of Inspired Travel Adventures & Women's Wellness Journeys

The Monday Minute is a weekly feature in PAX that highlights the movers, shakers, leaders and rule breakers in Canada's travel advisor community. Wanna be profiled? Wanna nominate someone? Email newsroom@paxglobalmedia.com!

Name: Michelle Gaudet

Business: Inspired Travel Adventures & Women's Wellness Journeys

Where do you live? Ridgeway, ON

How long have you been a travel advisor? Five years

What is your specialty? Escorted groups. Europe & South America FITs

What is your current state of mind? 

I'm excited about what's to come for my business and for the industry.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor? 

In 2016, my husband and I embarked on a backpacking adventure through Peru and Bolivia with our eight and 11-year-old children. The experience was life-changing, and upon returning home, I knew I wanted to help others explore the world and have similar transformative experiences.

What’s the first trip you ever took? 

My parents wouldn't fly, so we used to do the two-day drive to Disney World every couple of years. 

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

I have noticed that clients are now making bookings further out into the future. After a year of last-minute bookings, it seems that people are regaining their confidence in travel and planning ahead for their trips.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way you do business?

The pandemic has been a valuable lesson for me as a travel advisor. It has taught me the importance of my worth and the significance of setting boundaries with my clients and time. To ensure that my work is valued, I now charge a professional fee to all clients before commencing work on their files. This has enabled me to earn a regular income, and I no longer find myself working long hours for free. I am now able to provide quality service to my clients while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Of all the bookings you’ve made, which itinerary are you most proud of? 

In May of last year, I had the opportunity to lead a group of 15 on a two-week trip to Peru. Despite Murphy's Law being in full effect, where anything that could go wrong did, including last-minute flight changes, landslides, broken bones, and earthquakes, I am proud to say that all of my clients returned home happy and with amazing memories. Even though those two weeks were some of the toughest of my life, seeing my clients' satisfaction and joy made it all worth it in the end.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

Back in 2019, I had the privilege of participating in the G Adventures Change Makers program in Peru. During our trip, we had the opportunity to visit various local communities and meet the people who benefit from the tours we send our clients on. One community even threw a party for us, where we danced and sang together for hours while enjoying delicious food and drinks. This experience highlighted the positive impact that travel advisors can have on the communities we send our clients to. It was a powerful reminder of the responsibility we hold to promote sustainable and ethical tourism that benefits everyone involved

Where do you see your business one year from now? What are your goals?  

I am launching a new brand of women-only escorted travel groups called Women's Wellness Journeys. Through this venture, I am collaborating with women leaders in the wellness industry to harness the power of travel in their businesses. With a focus on wellness, our travel groups aim to provide a transformative experience that helps women connect with themselves and the world around them.

What’s one thing you would change about the travel industry? 

I strongly believe that we should prioritize travelling in a way that benefits the local communities and ensures that they receive a fair share of the economic benefits. Sustainable tourism is not enough; we also need to strive for equitable tourism. It is crucial that we support the people in the communities we visit, and ensure that they are not left behind or exploited by tourism.

What’s the secret to being successful in this business?  

Consistency is key, not just in completing business tasks, but also in building relationships with clients. By maintaining a consistent approach in our interactions with clients, we build trust and confidence, which are crucial for any successful partnership.

What is your motto? 

“Life is like a garden, you reap what you sow.” – Paulo Coelho

What is your number one piece of advice to other travel advisors? 

I strongly recommend volunteering your time for a cause that you are passionate about and getting involved in your local community. Not only does it feel good to give back, but it's also a great way to establish relationships and build trust with potential new clients. When people see that you are invested in making a positive impact in the community, they are more likely to trust you.

Where are you travelling next?

Mallorca for the Spain Tourism Summit.

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