Monday Minute: Alexis Parks of Travel Best Bets

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

Name: Alexis Parks

Business: Travel Best Bets

Where do you live? Langley, B.C.

How long have you been a travel advisor?  

I have been a travel advisor for 23 years with Travel Best Bets. However, I have actually been in the travel industry for over 27 years, working previously at Canada 3000 Holidays on the tour operator side where I started my career specializing in group travel. I was very lucky to work for Canada 3000 Holidays, which was a brand-new company at the time. I was given the opportunity to grow quickly, advancing from a reservations agent to a groups department supervisor.

What is your specialty?

Group travel (family, friends, destination weddings)

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

I loved geography in high school. The history and authenticity of cities around the world captivated me and I wanted to see the world. In the beginning, I wanted to be a flight attendant. However, I was told by the tourism college I went to that I was too short (5’3”) and I did not speak a second language. So, a travel and tourism diploma was my next path.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

A family vacation to Hawaii when I was 16 years old. We did both Oahu and Maui. I fell in love with Hawaii – so much so that Oahu is where my husband and I went for our honeymoon.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

I have seen an increase in inquiries for Japan and Europe and customized tours where clients can be more independent (versus guided tours). Clients are also looking for unique areas, for longer durations. Mexico is always a destination on everyone’s list and many people are already planning their 2026 vacations.

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

For one of my repeat couples, I customized a trip to Spain and Portugal/Azores. It was a combination of two guided tours, hotels, flights and car rental. I really enjoyed piecing everything together for them to create a truly unique trip, ensuring all of their must sees were covered.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

Last summer I had the privilege to take a cruise in Japan. I was humbled by the way the Japanese people value family and their traditions. The country is so lush, yet very metropolitan in some areas and so clean. Everyone was so kind and I cannot wait to go back to explore more.

Where do you see your career one year from now?

I hope to continue selling more unique and customized trips that challenge my knowledge and skills.

What’s one new skill you’ve acquired recently?

The travel industry is one that is constantly changing and I feel we are always learning something new or needing to adapt to change. Product knowledge is a skill I am really focusing on, learning something new but also updating to stay current.

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

As a West Coaster, I would love to see more options for non-stop flights out of Vancouver, to a variety of new destinations.

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

Patience and having the ability to adapt, accept and pivot to changes when they come.

What is your motto?

To always be myself (yourself), honest and transparent.

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

Learn and travel as much as you can. Product and destination knowledge are so important. Clients are coming to us as travel advisors with sometimes very little knowledge of what they want to do or sometimes where they want to go. It is our role to guide them through this process. The more information you have, the better you will be able to confidently sell. Also, to not be so hard on yourself or take things personally. Clients have so many options to book, whether that is with a travel agent or on their own online. That right client is out there!

Where are you travelling next?

A family trip to Europe, but we're not quite sure where yet. My son, who is 14, loves geography and maps as well. He's really interested in areas that are off the beaten path. It will be fun to plan this trip with him and my husband.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.