Monday Minute: Jane Patrick of North South 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: Jane Patrick

Name of business: North South Travel & Tours Ltd.

Where do you live? Vancouver, B.C.

How long have you been a travel advisor? More than 25 years.

What is your specialty? Adventure travel and luxury tailor-made travel.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

My passion for travel began growing up in Australia, where a love of nature and outdoor exploration sparked my curiosity about the world. Through years of family travel, personal adventure and cultural discoveries, I realized that helping others experience those same life-changing moments was the perfect career. Becoming an advisor allowed me to combine my love of exploration with creating meaningful journeys for my clients.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

Living in Australia and coming from a family that loved exploring the country allowed me to see the far corners of Australia. My first international trip was to New Zealand, which still holds a special place in my heart.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

Clients are booking earlier. For expedition cruises, African safaris and multigenerational travel, they’re often booking 12 to 18 months in advance. Last-minute trips still exist, with some clients looking to travel with as little as two weeks’ lead time. These clients often have flexible schedules and will book a last-minute trip if the price and opportunity are right.

Clients are looking for bucket-list trips and travel experiences where they can create memories with their loved ones. Multigenerational travel is on the rise for this reason.

Strong demand continues for Africa, with safaris remaining one of the strongest luxury travel categories. Polar regions are also popular, including Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland and Svalbard. Japan is also seeing strong interest, whether for culture, food, city exploration, small-ship cruises to the islands, cherry blossoms or fall travel. Active travel is also popular, including hiking, cycling, walking tours and small-group exploration tours.

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

Selling adventure travel and incredible journeys to destinations like Africa, Antarctica and the Galápagos is always exciting, but what I’m most proud of isn’t an itinerary itself. It’s whenever I hear from a client who says, “You absolutely nailed that trip,” or “That was exactly what I was hoping for. It was a truly life-changing experience.”

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

Stepping foot on my seventh continent, Antarctica, was unforgettable. It’s a land untouched by time. The silence, the white expanses and the overwhelming sense of awe are unlike anything I have ever experienced. It was humbling to be in a place so pure and remote, where nature reigns supreme. I’m incredibly grateful for that adventure and for the opportunity to witness the beauty of our planet in its most raw form.

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

To me, success is about giving back and helping to support new advisors. I’m currently involved in a project that includes mentoring, training and shaping new travel advisors. I want to share the knowledge I’ve built over the years, especially around communication, client care and itinerary planning, so others can grow in confidence and deliver exceptional travel experiences.

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

Leadership skills. Working with new advisors and being involved in their training has allowed me to develop this skill.

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

Greater awareness and recognition of the expertise, time and professional value that travel advisors bring to the planning process.

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

Communication. It builds trust, manages expectations and helps ensure a smooth travel experience.

What is your motto?

Explore, discover and always learn.

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

Read everything you send to clients, and work on your time management, communication and attention to detail.

Where are you travelling next? 

Japan, hopefully!

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