Monday Minute: Vicky Sorbara of Luv To Travel Inc.

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: Vicky Sorbara

Name of business: Luv To Travel Inc.

Where do you live? Vaughan, ON

How long have you been a travel advisor?

I’ve been a travel advisor since 1987, so I’ve had the privilege of watching the industry evolve over several decades.

What is your specialty?

I specialize in European and Caribbean travel, but I truly sell everything from cruises to luxury vacations and family getaways. Italy is one of my top-selling destinations, along with Aruba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Cruises continue to be very popular with my clients as well.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

Travel has always been a passion of mine. Originally, I wanted to become a flight attendant because I loved the idea of exploring the world and meeting people from different cultures. Although that career path didn’t happen, becoming a travel advisor was the next best thing. Helping people create unforgettable travel experiences has been incredibly rewarding.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

One of my earliest memorable trips was to Italy, and it completely changed my perspective on travel. Experiencing different cultures, food, history and lifestyles sparked my lifelong love for exploring the world.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

Clients are travelling with much more purpose now. Many are looking for meaningful experiences instead of just a quick vacation. Italy continues to be extremely popular, especially for smaller group travel, food and wine experiences and multi-city itineraries.

I’m also seeing strong demand for Aruba because of its consistent weather and repeat clientele. Cruises are booming again, particularly in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Clients are also booking further in advance than before, especially for Europe and peak winter travel.

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

One of the itineraries I’m most proud of was a customized multi-city Italy vacation that included Rome, Florence, Venice and the Amalfi Coast, along with private tours and unique local experiences for the clients. Seeing how emotional and appreciative they were after returning reminded me why I love what I do.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

Italy and Spain remain my most memorable travel experiences. The history, architecture, culture and lifestyle left a lasting impression on me. Walking through cities filled with centuries of history made me appreciate how much there is to learn from the world and inspired me to continue travelling whenever possible.

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

I’d like to continue growing my client base while focusing even more on personalized service and custom travel experiences. My goal is to keep building strong relationships with clients and helping them travel confidently and stress-free. I’d also like to continue building our website and adding more independent contractors.

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

I’ve become much more active with digital tools and social media to better connect with clients and stay current in an industry that is constantly evolving.

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

I would love to see more people recognize the value that travel advisors bring. We do much more than book vacations. We provide expertise, problem-solving, support and peace of mind, especially when unexpected situations arise.

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

Building trust and genuinely caring about your clients. Listening carefully, being honest and always being available for your clients goes a long way in this industry.

What is your motto?

Travel is the one purchase that enriches your life forever.

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

Never stop learning. The travel industry changes constantly, so staying informed and adaptable is key to long-term success.

Where are you travelling next?

I’m hoping to return to Europe soon. Italy is always calling me back, but I may do Portugal.

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