Monday Minute: Denise Taylor of TravelOnly

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: Denise Taylor

Business: TravelOnly

Where do you live? Bienfait, Saskatchewan

How long have you been a travel advisor? 14 years

What is your specialty? All-inclusive, cruises, Europe and destination weddings

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

I love to travel and everyone loves to talk about where they have been and what they have seen. People are happy when they talk about their vacations.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

The Bahamas. The trip to Freeport was with my husband. It was our first trip together taken outside of Canada. We were already married for about two years, it was a delayed honeymoon. The people in The Bahamas were fantastic. We stayed at a local hotel – I don’t think it’s there anymore – but the staff were friendly and welcomed us like we were family.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

People are now looking at travel advisors to book their dream vacations as they want someone they can trust. Europe and cruising (river and ocean) are my biggest sellers. I get a lot of requests for things like shopping locally with the chef while on a cruise. People want to explore and be part of a destination that’s unique. They want to see and do things they likely will not get a chance to see and do again.

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

My first destination wedding. I was so nervous, but the trust and confidence I received from the bride and groom was unbelievable. I then decided that this was the career I wanted.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

This is hard. Wherever I go, I find something that makes me appreciate what I have at home and in my life. But I must say Italy. It is such a beautiful country with lots of history and great people.

What are your future goals?

To assist my clients in turning their dream vacations into stories and have them smiling, or giggling, whenever they think about that trip.

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

Creativity. I have taken a few courses on Canva and I am learning to create reels and improve my photo posts and descriptions for social media. This is ongoing. I’m now looking at photoshop for my next course.

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

To me, travel advisors are extremely important for the industry. I have noticed that some suppliers seem to want advisors to do all of the work, and when our clients call in, or arrive at their destination, they're offered better offers that advisors don't have access to. Suppliers who work with travel advisors appreciate their knowledge and support them.

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

Being there for clients and answering all their questions.

What is your motto?

Where is my next destination?

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

Keep training. This keeps you on top of what’s going on with suppliers and assists you when you’re asked about that dream vacation or when clients don't know what they want yet.

Where are you travelling next?

France in October for a river cruise with Riviera River Cruises. This is part of the package for attaining TravelOnly’s Prairies Region Top Producers for 2023.

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