Monday Minute: Jennifer Arsenault of Salt & Sunlight Adventures

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: Jennifer Arsenault

Name of business: Salt & Sunlight Adventures

Where do you live: Quispamsis, New Brunswick

How long have you been a travel advisor? 11 years

What is your specialty?

I specialize in ocean and river cruising, along with group travel. A lot of my business revolves around multi-generational family trips, milestone celebrations and hosted group experiences where the planning details really matter.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

I’ve always loved to travel, but what really drew me to this career was seeing how much impact a great vacation can have on a family. I often say no one remembers what they got for Christmas two years ago, but they’ll remember a vacation from 10 years ago in vivid detail. There’s something so special about families stepping away from the everyday and truly connecting, laughing and experiencing new things together. Helping to create those moments is what drives me.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

My first big trip was to Walt Disney World when I was 17. It was the first time I experienced how immersive travel could be, and looking back now, it’s not surprising I ended up in this industry.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

The biggest shift I’m seeing is how far in advance people are booking, especially for cruises. Families who used to book six to nine months out are now locking in trips 18 to 24 months ahead, particularly for winter 2027 sailings.

Cruising continues to dominate. I’ve seen a huge increase in demand for newer ships like Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, as well as river cruises in Europe. March 2026 was my busiest March for new bookings in 11 years, which really shows how strong demand is right now.

I’m also seeing more families prioritize experiences over price. They want the right itinerary, the right ship and something memorable, rather than just the cheapest option.

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

Without a doubt, organizing a group river cruise on AmaWaterways for my extended family, including my aunts, uncles and cousins. It was such a special experience to share together, and coordinating everything to make it seamless for everyone made it even more meaningful. What made it truly unforgettable was knowing that, for some of them, it would be their last big trip. Being able to create those moments and memories together is something I’ll always cherish. It’s one thing to plan travel; it’s another to be part of something that meaningful.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

A missions trip to Haiti in 2016 had a lasting impact on me. The living conditions were extremely challenging, but the people I met had a level of joy and generosity that was truly humbling. It changed my perspective completely. It reminded me that happiness isn’t tied to material things. It comes from faith, relationships and community. That experience has stayed with me ever since.

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

I’m currently working on hosting a marriage conference at sea in May 2027, along with a women’s conference later this year. My goal is to continue growing this side of my business and creating experiences where people can travel, disconnect from their daily routine and also invest in themselves, whether that’s spiritually, emotionally or relationally. It’s a different type of travel, but one that I think people are really looking for right now.

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

I’ve been focusing heavily on group logistics and event planning, coordinating not just travel, but the full experience. That includes organizing onboard programming, managing group dynamics and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. It’s a different skill set than individual bookings, but one that adds a lot of value for my clients.

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

The perception that travel advisors are no longer needed. I regularly hear from people who booked on their own and ran into issues, including wrong cabin categories, missed transfer details or non-refundable mistakes that could have easily been avoided. There’s a lot of value in having someone who understands the fine print, the logistics and the small details that can make or break a trip. My role is to make sure clients don’t just book a vacation, but book it properly.

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

Relationships. I treat my clients like family, not transactions. That means checking in after their trip, remembering details about their lives and sometimes just sending a quick message to say hello. That personal connection is what builds trust and, ultimately, long-term clients.

What is your motto?

Life is too long to spend doing something you don’t enjoy. If you’re going to show up every day, it should be for something you’re excited about, not something you dread.

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

Don’t just focus on selling. Focus on serving. If you genuinely care about your clients and their experience, the business will grow naturally. People remember how you made them feel long after the trip is over.

Where are you travelling next?

I’ll be attending the TravelOnly Presidents Club Cruise this August, sailing on AmaWaterways’ AmaPrima on the “Europe’s Rivers & Castles Wine Cruise.” It’s a wonderful opportunity to highlight river cruising for my clients once again. I truly love experiencing new cultures and stepping back in time, seeing how history has shaped each beautiful city along the way. It’s absolutely breathtaking, and I can’t wait to bring that inspiration back and showcase it for my clients.

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