Monday Minute: Larry Hamblin of TravelOnly

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: Larry Hamblin

Business: Larry at TravelOnly

Where do you live? Sechelt, on the Sunshine Coast of B.C.

How long have you been a travel advisor? 15 Years

What is your specialty?

My specialty is providing personalized travel planning services that cater to clients' unique preferences and interests. This includes crafting tailored itineraries for cruises, sun destinations, and European travels, ensuring each journey is memorable and seamless. With an understanding of industry trends and exclusive offers, I excel in maximizing value and creating unforgettable experiences for every traveller.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

In 2010 I noticed an advertisement in our local paper asking for individuals who might be interested in travel and joining a national travel agency. I went to the presentation in Vancouver presented by Patrick, Ann and Gregory Luciani and Ian Wilson. What sold me was the hug Patrick gave me at the event and that gave me the incentive to join TravelOnly as an associate travel advisor.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

My first trip in 1986 was a coastal cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles on Princess Cruise Lines with two other couples. Our cabin was an oceanview, and ever since then, and after 34 cruises, we only book balcony or higher cabins and always suggest balcony or higher to clients.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

Solo travel is gaining more traction, especially as people become more interested in unique experiences that don't necessarily require a travel companion. I hope our travel suppliers see the shift towards more inclusive options for solo travellers — especially in areas like river cruising and land tours. In my market, I am seeing a lot of single people asking about solo travel without supplements.

Alaska seems like a prime spot for solo travellers, too. Seven-day cruises and 10–13-day Land & Sea Cruise Tours would appeal to solo travellers who want a mix of adventure, relaxation, and the chance to meet new people, but without the huge price bump. I recently had solo travellers on a land tour in Portugal, a river cruise in Europe and an ocean cruise to Iceland.

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

There are so many, but one that stands out is a client approaching me in early 2024, wanting to surprise his wife on their sixth anniversary with a trip to Scotland and Ireland. It included a rock concert, featuring his wife's favourite band, that he had purchased tickets for – which she was unaware of. The booking was very complex to put together, consisting of airfare, seven different hotel bookings in Edinburgh, Scotland and Ireland, car rental and train travel. My client pulled off the surprise for his wife and the rock concert in Belfast. My client now promotes me on Facebook whenever someone is looking for a travel advisor.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

In 2022 my wife and I spent two months in Europe in June and July visiting 16 countries by way of a Uniworld River Cruise, a five-day stay in Amsterdam then a 14-day Scandinavian Cruise from Amsterdam, then five-days in London followed by a 14-Day U.K. and Iceland Cruise again followed by another five-day stay in London. During our two months of travel, I was still able to book many clients on their travel plans.

Where do you see your business one year from now?

Each year my volume has increased and I anticipate that will continue going forward as most of my new business comes from client referrals as well as my existing client base. I try not to make future plans as I like to take it one day at a time. The travel business for me is simply “fun” as I don’t rely on the travel business for my income as I retired a number of years ago. I rely on my travel income to travel.

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

TravelOnly was the first travel agency in Canada to incorporate AI into its website and it provides extreme value to me as a travel advisor. I can create travel ideas for my clients without spending hours and hours researching. One must double check AI though for accuracy.

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

One change I'd advocate for is a stronger emphasis on sustainable and responsible travel practices. Encouraging eco-friendly tourism and minimizing environmental impact can help preserve destinations for future generations. This can be achieved by promoting sustainable accommodations, reducing single-use plastics, and supporting local communities, ensuring that travel not only broadens our horizons but also benefits the planet and its people.

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

Success in travel advising hinges on building strong client relationships and staying informed about industry trends. Personalize experiences by understanding client preferences and leverage exclusive deals. Continuously update your knowledge on destinations, travel restrictions, and emerging trends. Offer exceptional customer service by being responsive and proactive in addressing client needs. Your expertise and dedication will build trust, leading to repeat business and referrals.

What is your motto?

Crafting Unforgettable Journeys, Your Dream Travel, With Our Expertise, Empowering Travel Dreams, Precision Planning and Memorable Journeys

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

Emphasize the importance of personalized service. In today’s digital age, travellers appreciate the human touch that can adapt to individual needs and preferences. Offer customized itineraries and leverage your insider knowledge to provide unique experiences and solutions that online platforms can't match.

Your expertise can save clients time, prevent costly mistakes, and offer peace of mind, especially during unforeseen travel disruptions. TravelOnly has been a wonderful travel agency to work with and I am proud that I joined with them 15 years ago.

Where are you travelling next?

I have three more cruises booked over the next 12 months. This May we take our sixth trip to Alaska on Holland. Then in September, I'm doing Canada-New England from New York to Quebec City with Virgin Voyages. Then in April 2026, a 22-day Panama Canal from Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver with Holland America. 

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