“Excited to be back”: TTAND’s Penny Martin returns to industry as a travel advisor

Penny Martin is back in business.

Nearly eight months after announcing her retirement, packing in her role as vice-president of agent experience at The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND), the beret-wearing travel pro with more than 40 years of experience has returned to the industry – this time, as a travel advisor.

Sharing the news on her Facebook page recently, Martin confirmed that she is now taking on bookings and leading special interest trips with her husband, legendary lensman Dan Galbraith, that focus on photography and culinary experiences.

“After 40-plus years in travel, it’s not something you can just walk away from completely,” Martin told PAX, sharing the details of her new agency, which, naturally, is powered by the TTAND network. “Helping people create their dream trips has always been my passion and I’m excited to be back in a way that fits this new chapter of life.”

READ MORE: Q&A: “I’m lucky”: Penny Martin on success, “retirement” & life after TTAND

A long-time advocate for travel advisors, Martin, who was instrumental in helping Flemming Friisdahl create and build The Travel Agent Next Door, from its inaugural year in 2014, all the way up to its 10-year anniversary last year – is thrilled to be involved again. Even if it’s on a different level.

“I’ve always been proud to be part of TTAND, so I am using the name, and let’s be honest—I had a small part in building it!” Martin said.

This April, Martin will be attending TTAND’s national conference at the Iberostar Selection Paraíso Lindo in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Except she’s attending as a student (an advisor), rather than an organizer – “which will be very different for me!” she admitted.

It’s been a while since Martin has been in the travel advisor seat. She started as an agent with CAA Travel “a long time ago” and then spent many years in leadership roles.

“But selling travel and helping agents has always been in my blood,” she said.

"I want to help travellers turn their dreams into reality"

After selling their Toronto home, and settling into a new community (Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, “where the scenery is stunning, the people are wonderful, and the pace of life is just right”), Martin – with her husband’s help – is ready to help others plan adventures, without the full-time grind.

As a travel advisor, she’ll be taking bookings on a limited basis, part-time. “But my focus will be on unique, immersive experiences,” Martin explained. “Whether it’s a river cruise, an amazing culinary getaway, or a tour designed for photography lovers, I want to help travellers turn their dreams into reality.”

As for those food and photography-themed trips she hopes to plan, it’ll be a team effort, shared with her husband. 

“Dan is an incredible photographer, so he’ll be teaching or advising about photography on our group trips, while I bring my love of culinary experiences and baking to the mix – no pun intended,” said Martin. “It’s the perfect combination for us! We’ll be focusing on destinations that lend themselves to both. River cruises are a part of our plans, as they offer amazing opportunities for both photography and food lovers, but we are open to many destinations and product types.”

What really inspired her to return was her love for travel – and the people who make it happen. 

“Travel has shaped my life in so many ways and I genuinely enjoy helping others experience the world,” Martin said. “Plus, I couldn’t resist the chance to create something special with Dan.”

You can follow Martin's adventures as a travel advisor on her Facebook business page here.

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