Monday Minute: Melissa Mackey of Travel Chicks

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: Melissa Mackey (Herweier) 

Business: Travel Chicks

Where do you live: Spruce Grove, AB

How long have you been a travel advisor? 19 years

What is your specialty? 

Primarily solo travellers and groups. I also recently began helping speakers organize group trips for their clients.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor? 

I tried applying to be a flight attendant and never got an interview. Then I tried Flight Centre and got denied two or three times before I finally landed an interview and got the job.

What's the first trip you ever took? 

My first international trip was to Thailand with my best friend after I graduated college. It opened my eyes to what the world had to offer and gave me the opportunity to meet people from all corners of the globe. It transformed me.

What travel trends are you seeing these days? 

We're seeing a surge in multigenerational trips, with several family members gathering for a getaway together. We're also noticing that many people are booking far in advance to have their trip secured. And then there are the bucket list trips: more complex itineraries, the trips people put off or were unable to take over the last five years. They're finally making them happen.

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

I'll never forget a family I booked to an all-inclusive destination. On the surface it was a simple booking, but this family had been saving for years. Life challenges kept getting in the way. When they finally had enough money to book, the mom told me it was a dream come true. I had arranged some special touches upon arrival, and when they got home, she shared that it had been the best time of their lives. Their family bonded in ways they never had at home. It was a reminder that this role is far more than just booking a trip. It's a transformational experience, one that touches people's spirit and soul.

What's the most memorable trip you've ever taken? 

A trip to Mazatlan for the solar eclipse. I took a group down for the eclipse, which also happened to fall on my birthday. Mazatlan was in the direct path of optimal viewing, and we were at a resort outside of downtown. When the eclipse was fully underway, the entire beach went pitch black at 11 in the morning. Tears started streaming down my face, and several others in our group felt the same. My daughter was there with us and got to share that moment. It was surreal. This is what travel has the power to do: transform you from the inside out.

Where do you see your business one year from now? 

I see Travel Chicks employing more independent contractors while I take on more of a leadership role. We have a fantastic team right now and we're looking to grow. I also love training agents on tips and tricks to help expand their business online.

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

Implementing AI and using ChatGPT to help our business get more done.

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

I think if agents had easier access to booking sites that could be integrated directly into our own agency websites with live availability, it would make a real difference.

What's the secret to success in this business? 

Take one step at a time. There's always so much to do, and it's easy to get lost and lose focus. One baby step at a time will help you succeed. Don't bite off more than you can chew.

What is your motto? Travel more, worry less.

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

Stop trying to sell the trip. Focus on selling yourself or the experience instead. We're inundated with promos and flash sales, but people want to deal with real humans who share real experiences. That's what people buy: the know, like and trust factor.

Where are you travelling next?

An Eastern Caribbean cruise.

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