Monday Minute: Danny Slupeiks of TravelOnly with Danny

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: Danny Slupeiks

Name of business: TravelOnly with Danny

Where do you live? Newmarket, Ontario

How long have you been a travel advisor?

Just over three years. I launched my business on April 1, 2023, after a career in marketing and customer experience at IBM.

What is your specialty?

I specialize in premium and luxury travel, with a focus on small-ship ocean cruises, river cruising and expedition travel. I also have a passion for helping solo travellers discover that travelling solo doesn’t mean travelling alone.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

After a 35-year career at IBM, which included leading global marketing initiatives, I realized the part of my job I enjoyed most was creating exceptional customer experiences and working with people from around the world. Combined with my lifelong passion for travel, that inspired me to begin a second career as a travel advisor.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

Growing up in Pembroke, Ontario, travelling to Walt Disney World with my two sisters when I was in junior high school felt like the adventure of a lifetime. I’d never experienced anything on that scale before, and the excitement and imagination of Disney left a lasting impression on me. Looking back, I think that trip sparked the curiosity and love of travel that eventually led me to this career.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

I’m seeing strong demand for smaller ships, immersive travel experiences and river cruising. Clients are booking earlier than ever to secure their preferred cabins and airfare. Many of my clients are retirees or empty nesters who still want extraordinary travel experiences but are becoming more selective about the journey itself. There’s also growing interest in unique cruise experiences that don’t require long flights to Europe, with travellers placing greater value on comfort, convenience and authentic experiences in the destination.

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

One booking that will always stay with me was helping an 80-year-old couple fulfill their lifelong dream of visiting Southeast Asia. We planned an Emerald Cruises voyage on the Mekong River, arranged premium economy flights to make the long journey more comfortable and built in a stopover on the return trip so they could travel at a pace that suited them. When they came home, they told me it had been everything they had hoped for. Knowing I played a small part in making a lifelong dream possible is what makes me most proud of this profession.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

One of the most memorable trips I’ve taken was a recent transatlantic voyage aboard Silversea’s Silver Shadow. It completely changed my perspective on luxury travel. I realized that true luxury isn’t defined by beautiful suites or fine dining. It’s the feeling of being genuinely cared for. Whether it was the executive chef personally discussing food sensitivities, the attentive butler service or crew members remembering guests by name, every interaction felt thoughtful and effortless.

The experience reminded me that exceptional travel is ultimately about people. I returned home with a much deeper appreciation that luxury isn’t about extravagance. It’s about personalization, anticipation and making every guest feel valued. I’ve carried that lesson into the way I serve my own clients.

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

I’d like to continue the growth I’ve experienced over the past three years while building on what has become a predominantly referral-based business. Looking ahead, my goal is to deepen my expertise in premium cruising by experiencing more ships and brands firsthand. My clients value personal insight, and I believe there’s no substitute for being able to say, “I’ve been there, and here’s why I think it’s the right fit for you.”

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

One of the biggest skills I’ve developed is becoming comfortable with progress over perfection. Coming from a corporate environment, I was used to refining everything before sharing it. As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that the best client conversations often begin with a well-thought-out idea that evolves together, rather than waiting until everything is perfect.

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

I’d love to see even more emphasis on advisor education through mentorship, immersive product experiences and stronger supplier partnerships. Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned have come from BDMs who have generously shared their time, expertise and passion for their products, not just through presentations but through real conversations and firsthand experiences. That kind of collaboration ultimately helps advisors create better travel experiences for their clients.

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

Listen more than you talk. The most successful advisors aren’t the ones with all the answers. They’re the ones who ask the best questions. When you truly understand what’s important to your clients, the right recommendation usually becomes obvious.

What is your motto?

I want every client to feel genuinely cared for from the moment they book until they return home.

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

Be curious, ask questions and never be afraid to lean on the experience of others. I’ve found the travel industry to be incredibly generous with its knowledge. The relationships you build with fellow advisors, BDMs and supplier partners will be just as valuable as any training course you take.

Where are you travelling next?

My next trip is a training cruise with Celebrity Cruises in the Caribbean. While it’s an educational opportunity, it’s also another chance to experience the product through my clients’ eyes. I believe firsthand knowledge is one of the greatest investments I can make in delivering better advice and travel experiences.

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