Monday Minute: Jalene E. Murphy of Paull Travel Ltd.

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: Jalene E. Murphy

Business: Paull Travel Ltd.

Where do you live? Edmonton, AB

How long have you been a travel advisor? Almost 24 years!

What is your specialty?

Adventure travel, expedition cruises, customized and personalized travel experiences. I love planning and logistics. It’s like puzzle pieces at times!

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

My first time on a plane was to England in grade 11 with my high school concert band. Once I finished high school, I wasn’t too sure what to take. My mom suggested I get into travel as that grade 11 trip was so impactful for me. My cousin introduced me to my boss, Lesley Paull, and the rest is history. I love working at Paull Travel and have been for almost 24 years and love the travel industry!

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

People are not even considered seasonality anymore. I am booking to Europe year-round as an example. I am finding people are not putting off big trips. I’ve booked more polar regions than ever before and I booked my first North West passage cruise for 2026!

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

In 2016, I set out with a goal to be on every continent before I turned 40 years old. I had South America and Antarctica left. I had made it my goal to be on those last two continents by 2019. I convinced 17 individual clients to travel to Antarctica with me as well and I was able to escort the group! They experienced sleeping on the seventh continent, understanding what penguin highways are. We paddled, kayaked and took the extremely cold polar plunge, which took our breath away! I was proud to have recruited other clients to travel with me for this experience. When you live in Edmonton, Antarctica can be a tough sell!

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

This is a very hard question. But my top three, in no particular order, for all separate reasons: Paris in the spring, Antarctica and Turkey.

Where do you see your career one year from now?

My hope is to grow my love of expedition and adventure travel. I truly find the intersection of learning, nature and adventure fascinating – and love when I inspire others to take those types of trips!

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

I have been diligently working on my listening skills. It will be ongoing, but when I tune into understanding what is important to my client, I help shape their itinerary or travel experience to suit them.

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

Dynamic pricing! And that airlines make clients pay for seat selection and yet, at times, do not fulfill it because of scheduling or aircraft changes. Frustrating!

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

Find your niche and be very good at it. We are a fiercely-independent, full-service, high-touch agency. I love that! Our company has grown on referrals only. This has always been the focus and one I am proud to be part of.  I know we’re not for everyone, but personal relationships are how we grow and how I love to sell. I’ve had many clients for more than 20 years, and that’s special to me. I’m now dealing with the grandkids, too!

I feel there will always be clients that will want a real person on the phone, or someone they can personally meet, regardless of what internet or AI is available. This has been the success plan from the beginning and still is. We stay focused on what we are good at, and do not try to be all things to all people. That’s what I think our “secret” to success has been. Know who you are.  

What is your motto?

We can do hard things. Yet, we are not meant to do them alone. What I mean by this is that it’s best to be led by a strong boss, and strong co-workers, when navigating this industry – as it can be very challenging at times!

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

You must have grit and determination to stay and thrive in this business. It’s ever changing!