Monday Minute: Chelsea Salsberg of TWIL Travel

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: Chelsea Salsberg

Business:  TWIL Travel

Where do you live? Toronto, Ontario

How long have you been a travel advisor? Seven years

What is your specialty?

I wouldn’t say I have a single specialty. I truly love the variety that comes with selling the world. That said, Europe, particularly Italy, Greece and Portugal, is consistently in demand, along with Southeast Asia. Those regions naturally find their way into many of my clients’ itineraries.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

Travel, and planning travel, has been a personal passion of mine for as long as I can remember, long before I realized it could be a career. Being able to combine that passion with my profession truly feels like a dream job.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

My very first trip outside Canada was to Florida. The first trip I planned for myself, just after university, was to London, Barcelona and Paris. There’s something surreal about seeing icons like Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower in real life for the first time. Places you’ve only known through movies are suddenly right in front of you, exactly as imagined, but somehow even better.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

We see fairly predictable seasonal patterns as clients follow the sun. Winter brings strong demand for the Caribbean and other warm-weather escapes, while summer is dominated by Europe, with Italy remaining a perennial favourite. Outside of those patterns, Japan continues to be one of the most requested destinations.

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

Any itinerary that includes someone’s first safari is incredibly special. There’s something transformative about that first experience in the African bush, and being part of that journey is very meaningful.

What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken?

My first safari in Tanzania. Seeing lions, my favourite animal since childhood, walk past our jeep brought me to tears. It was one of those rare moments that shifts your perspective entirely. You realize how vast and extraordinary the world is beyond your everyday life. I felt that same awe again on my second safari in Botswana. The warmth and kindness of the people at the lodges made the experience even more unforgettable in both countries.

Where do you see your business one year from now?

Growing and busier than ever. My biggest goal is to continue expanding my business and, ideally, send even more clients on safari.

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

Recognizing that not everything needs to be solved immediately. Sometimes it’s okay to pause and pick it up again the next day with a clearer head.

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

Not having to chase hotels for commission payments months after clients have returned home.

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

Being exceptionally detail-oriented, prepared to work well beyond traditional business hours and genuinely loving what you do, because there are certainly challenging days that will make you question your career choice.

What is your motto?

Time is precious. Spend it wisely.

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

Success in this business doesn’t happen overnight. Patience, consistency and perseverance matter.

Where are you travelling next?

Indonesia!

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