Monday Minute: Toni Linde of Travel By Toni

The Monday Minute is a weekly feature in PAX that highlights the movers, shakers, leaders and rule breakers in Canada's travel advisor community. Wanna be profiled? Wanna nominate someone? Email newsroom@paxglobalmedia.com!

Name: Toni Linde

Business: Travel By Toni

Where do you live? Williams Lake, B.C.

How long have you been a travel advisor? 

Almost 20 Years as a certified travel agent, graduating with honours.

What is your specialty? 

Adventure travel, luxury travel, river and ocean cruises and group travel.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

It comes from loving the world and the people in it. And always being curious. I genuinely want to make a difference in people’s lives, make travel dreams a reality and share as much travel knowledge as possible so people can experience places for themselves.

I have been travelling since infancy because of my family living in for countries around the world – Italy, Mexico, Canada and United States. My love for travel was imprinted on me since birth, and expanded globally, maturing into exciting world travels to 51 countries and counting. I’m fearless when it comes to exploring new cultures, sights, and culinary experiences, and sharing that with others.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

My first trip from Canada was to Italy and then to Thailand many decades ago.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

What I am seeing is an increase in adventure travel. People are getting more enriched by really embracing cultural experiences. As well, I am seeing more culturally-enriching experiences included in river cruises and group tours. It is fantastic!

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

I am most proud of a very intricate and detailed itinerary I created for a family of five that travelled to four countries: New Zealand, Thailand, Egypt and Greece. This trip was to be done within a two-month parameter. Every detail was specific and was arranged, from business air and private drivers to locations and experiences for each day.

I worked with one of my favourite consolidators, David Boigne of 5Continents. Together, we fine-tuned every detail, offering the level of adventure and luxury that this family wanted. They are repeat clients to this day. We created pff-the-beaten path experiences in each country. The highlights included a helicopter from mainland Greece to an Island for a day with private guides and escorts, dinner in front of the Egyptian pyramids outside of Cairo with luxury tents and foods, exotic boat excursions in Thailand, and diving with everything. In New Zealand, we had everything you can think of – including a tropical Cyclone – but we juggled everything so things went smoothly. The clients were amazed.  I was with them vicariously every step of the way and so was David.

This trip was just under $1 million in totality for five people. It was full of ideas and travel experiences that were brought to the table to give these clients what they wanted. I’m very proud of what was accomplished for these very happy repeat clients.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

One of the most memorable trips I have taken was was river cruise in Egypt on the Nile with Viking, and being in Luxor to physically be in the Valley of The Kings. It was a bucket list moment for myself. The antiquity experience of being surrounded by all that was ancient was overwhelming. I just breathed it in. I had a fantastic guide that could articulate the past of the Pharaohs and times. The depth of knowledge passed on was irreplaceable. That’s what it is all about – sharing one’s culture and to broaden one’s mind. We are the sum total of our past in today’s light.

Where do you see your business one year from now?

In a year, I plan to expand my staff with experienced certified travel counsellors as I am growing my store front business. I have a fabulous certified agent, Christiane, who has decades of real global experience and education. My future also consists of a new travel goal, to visit Greenland and Iceland on an Oceania cruise next year.

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

My newest skill was acquired after recently sailing on Regent Seven Seas Grandeur. I can travel with just one small packed bag.

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

The one thing I would change is to have more professionalism and knowledge via the means of education, from the consolidator to agency employers to employees.

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

The secret to being successful in this business is to actively listen to clients and be detail oriented. And being transparent during the travel conversation, using true experience. It’s also important to network all the time, stay humble and be grateful for referrals and repeat clientele. I am successful because I truly enjoy what I do.  I see travel dreams come true through contagious smiles and stories.

What is your motto?

Be genuine and transparent in what you say, and be the best for your client. Hence, “The Best in the Cariboo of BC.”

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

Be happy and share your experience with joy. Listen to your clients and be tenacious in your work always. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you are worth financially. And always seek to learn. This is your business. Follow up with your clients’ travels. Learn from what was great and what was not, be an active participant. You will have repeat clientele with a strong work ethic if you are honest and forthcoming. Step outside your comfort zone and go for it. It’s not a job if you love it.

Where are you travelling next?

I am off to Washington, D.C. and the Smithsonian, with a dash of New York, to finish my trip. Then in Vancouver this spring to Market Place, one of my favourite mixers for consolidators and travel agents, to learn from each other about what’s new and upcoming.

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