Monday Minute: Devyn Perry of Devyn Perry 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: Devyn Perry

Business: Devyn Perry Travel

Where do you live? Toronto, ON

How long have you been a travel advisor? 

One year and a half.

What is your specialty?

I’m a generalist, but any type of trip that I can build end to end.  A lot of multi-city/country Asia and Europe with curated accommodations, activities and dining, cruises where I build out the port days, milestone and celebratory trips where I can add in surprises and delights. I sell a high volume of high-end luxury resorts and I also do my fair share of corporate given my background.

 What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

After spending 15 years working in corporative advertising and “saving the world, one lipstick at a time” I finally realized I wasn’t happy. The impact that travel has on people’s lives was something I was always drawn to and so one day I walked into my husband’s office and said, “What if I want to start a travel company?” And here I am.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

As an adult, Argentina and Uruguay. I went with my best friend in a time before smartphones, so we were fully immersed. It was amazing.

 What travel trends are you seeing these days?  

Very thoughtful family trips – interesting destinations and active itineraries without compromising on accommodations just because there are children coming. Also along the lines of family are adult children joining parents on bucket list itineraries (to Greece, Italy, France and Africa, for example) and experiencing these moments together.

I’m also seeing group milestone birthday trips, whether couples or gender-based groups, getting together to celebrate their 40th or 50th collectively.

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

My pride comes from moments I helped create versus holistic itineraries. A few of these that stand out to me are an engagement at Amanyara, a family hike at Mount Etna, a helicopter ride with a glacier touch down in Iceland, a private birthday dinner surprise that I tracked down the husband to suggest (who didn’t own a cell phone). When I am lucky enough to see photos, that it is the cherry for me!

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

Anytime I have travelled alone and could fully engage are the trips that have had the biggest impact on me. I think you learn so much about what truly makes you happy when you can experience a place without distractions and just appreciate the simplicity of the moment.

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

When I pivoted to travel, I just wanted to be happy and pay my bills. I made a commitment to myself that I would audit the industry for three years before deciding what is next. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) that ‘just being happy’ notion has been pushed aside for some pretty lofty ambition. I just haven’t decided what that is yet.  For now, I am travelling as extensively as possible to explore destinations and meet as many local partners as I can.

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

How to make payroll contributions. I incorporated and hired my first full-time employee at the beginning of the year, so I have had to learn all the fun things that go with that. I thought I had strong business acumen, but the operations of having a company can still be overwhelming. My hat goes off to anyone who has done it without prior experience.

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

The technology was an eye-opener. I often joke that travel websites are made with elastic bands, but it is a good comparison. Travel is such a legacy business it feels like, with a few exceptions, that the tech was brought in as complimentary, but really it should be the lead enabler. 

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

Operating with a single goal for every client and trip no matter how big or how small. That goal being, I want this to be the best experience of their lifetime, and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen.

What is your motto?

When someone tells you ‘no’ this is just an invite to ask the question differently.   

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

Experience is the best teacher.  Take every opportunity, at least in the beginning, to explore as many places as you can. If you can’t, go watch YouTube videos on destinations on a big screen TV as this is the next best thing.

Where are you travelling next?

My next one is Iceland with my stepdaughter and three other women. It has volcanic hikes, waterfalls, iceberg zodiac rides and, of course, I want that helicopter moment. 

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