Monday Minute: Paula McFarland of CAA Niagara 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: Paula McFarland

Business: CAA Niagara Travel

Where do you live? Fenwick, ON

How long have you been a travel advisor? 11 years

What is your specialty? 

Guided land tours and river cruises

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

Planning my first trip. With the help of a travel agent I had every minute accounted for. It was a great vacation. Planning is a huge part of the vacation.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

Paris, London, and Edinburgh. Edinburgh was part of our trip because our daughter was going to school in Scotland and what got us to travel to Europe and the U.K. for the first time.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

It is nice to see guided tours and river cruises becoming so popular – they have amazing places to visit and all you have to think about is getting great photos, enjoying the food, and learning about your destination. Also, this past January was very busy with ocean cruising around Australia and New Zealand.

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

It’s not one specifically, but it is quite an amazing feeling when you get to help clients put various destinations and travel styles together in one trip, creating this incredible journey unique to just them, and they come back and tell you how amazing their adventure was.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

Travelling to Portugal. I was intrigued by the history of Lisbon and the different areas to explore. We also travelled down to the Faro area and the beaches were breathtaking. The food was fantastic and so fresh, and the pastéis de nata [Portuguese Custard Tarts] were heavenly. The Porto area is also widely known for its wines.

Where do you see business one year from now?

I would love to see more people doing guided travel in any form. The expertise of tour guides and the planning that goes into these tours is remarkable. The world is a big place and there are so many areas to explore. I would love to see more people use these companies to explore itineraries they wouldn’t have thought of themselves. 

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

Not necessarily one new skill, but I am always learning new things every day. There are many ways to travel and learning about new products and destinations is always lots of fun.

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

I would like to see travel become more sustainable, reducing the impact it can make on our planet. It is something many companies are working towards, but I think we can do better. It’s so important. We want to be able to continue having beautiful places to explore.

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

Knowing the different travel styles and what they offer. Asking the client questions and listening to what they are looking for. What has gotten them excited about the destination they are looking to travel to? My idea of what I would like to do, or see, may be quite different than what a client wants. It then comes down to finding the best travel style that will fit their needs.

What is your motto?

Preparing your journey is the first step to adventure.

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

Check, check, check and double check. Travel is always changing and travel requirements are always changing. Clients come to us for our expertise and to make sure their vacation will go smoothly, and it is up to us to make sure it does.

Where are you travelling next?

I think I have narrowed it down to about 16 places. When I start helping clients plan their trips, I always think, “Ooh, I’d love to go there” or “Ooh I’d love to go back there.” My bucket list trip would be to Egypt. I would love to see the pyramids.

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