Meet the 1000MTG travel expert - Kris

We had the pleasure of interviewing Kris and learning about her story of embarking on a career in travel and joining 1000 Mile Travel Group (1000MTG).

Kris is a seasoned traveler turned independent Travel Advisor passionate about crafting unforgettable experiences. Kris’s journey into the travel industry began in 2019, after realizing her favorite pastime, travel, could become a career. Her favorite part about being a travel advisor is helping people go somewhere they would never imagine going before. She loves puzzles and I was say that trips are just that – a big puzzle. You need to be able to see the big pictures of your clients requests, but be able to fill in all the small pieces so that the client gets the trip they desire.

Read on to learn about Kris’s career journey to joining 1000MTG. If you are considering joining 1000MTG, learn what made her say yes.

Where did your travel career start and what attracted you to the industry?

I found out in 2019 that I could sell travel [favorite pastime] from my home and it took me one month to get signed up to be an independent sub-agent. After being a sub agent for 3 years, I became an independent contractor and have been for the past 2 years.

Before joining 1000MTG what was the catalyst for change?

I got my degree in Accounting and my kids were almost out of the house. The thought of being an accountant sounded so boring. I loved to travel and this was the perfect fit for me to do while having a special needs son whom I need to be home with.

What was it about 1000MTG that made you say yes?

I love that they are part of Virtuoso and appreciate the guidance I get from my business development manager.

Tell us a little about your business, what is your niche?

My favorite part of helping my clients with their travel is to help them go somewhere they would never imagine going before. With the wonderful connections of On-site/DMC’s and tour operators, I can help my clients live out their dreams to the fullest.

What advice would you have for anyone considering becoming an independent Travel Advisor/Business Owner?

It is a business. It isn’t a side job or a hobby or away to get perks. You need to be all in. You can choose your hours, but if you are treating it like a hobby – that is what it will be and your clients will see that.

What’s the best thing about running your own business?

It is up to me to succeed. I have learned so much about myself and what I enjoy and the thrill of having a happy client is worth it all.

With the ability to work from anywhere, what has been your favourite remote working experience?

Remote working is hard – At my home office I have two monitors and a full size desk. I am able to travel and still work, but my work suffers. It takes longer to do everything on a laptop monitor. Also I found, I don’t want to work – I want to play if I am somewhere new. I am able to work from anywhere, but I still prefer to work from home whenever possible.

How has technology played a role in transforming the way you manage and organize your travel business?

I have a number of programs I couldn’t live without which help me to be able to share my vision of trips with clients and that help keep me organized. Couldn’t do this business without the technology which is available. Also being to video conference clients who are not in the area opens up the ability to have clients everywhere.

As a part of 1000MTG, how has the community of travel experts supported and enriched your professional journey?

I have gotten great help and feedback from my business manager and have gotten a few FAM trips thanks to 1000 Mile Group’s connections with suppliers.

What challenges have you faced in your travel career, and how has becoming an independent Travel Advisor helped you overcome them?

There are so many moving pieces to every trip. I love puzzles and I was say that trips are just that – a big puzzle. You need to be able to see the big pictures of your clients requests, but be able to fill in all the small pieces so that the client gets the trip they desire. Being organized is the only way to scale your business.

If there is one place in the world people should visit, where is it? And why should they visit?

Jordan, It has so many different experiences and they can have a different experience every day. Petra, Roman ruins, Crusader castles, snorkeling in the Red Sea, spending time in Wadi Rum, floating on the Dead sea, I could go on and on. Plus I have the most amazing guide that everyone should have the experience once it their life.

Find out more about Kris or book your next trip with her here.