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We are pleased to announce that nine Gifted Travel Network advisors have been awarded the prestigious Condé Nast Top Travel Specialists Award for 2023.
The Condé Nast Travelers annual list of Top Travel Specialists is a highly coveted accolade that recognizes the best luxury travel advisors across the globe. These advisors pull off the impossible and spare you the logistics by providing unparalleled luxury travel experiences through their extensive knowledge, passion for travel, and dedication to the travel industry.
Get to know our GTN Top Travel Specialist's below:
Katy Chadwell, Chadwell Traveled
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Q: How long have you been a travel advisor?
5 years.
Q: What does this accomplishment mean to you?
Being invited to apply and subsequently selected as a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist for 2023 is a huge honor. It's validating to be recognized for the value I'm able to offer to clients by helping them make the most of their vacation time and dollars and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in travel?
I come by it, honestly! My grandmother owned a successful travel agency until her retirement, and both my parents had careers in aviation. My own love for learning about other cultures led me to study art history in college and live abroad after graduation. I became a go-to source of travel advice for friends and family, and after a number of people asked if I would start planning their trips, I decided to give it a whirl. I was able to translate my high-touch customer service skills honed in years of working in museum education and non-profit development to providing my clients with seamless itineraries to help their next trips go smoothly, from booking to boarding and back again.
Q: What advice would you give someone who isn't currently in the industry but is looking to pursue a career in travel?
A career in travel can be lucrative and open up doors that you may have never considered, but the industry does have its challenges. Be sure to connect with other seasoned advisors and make sure you understand the not-so-glamorous day-to-day activities that are involved in trip planning and the attention to detail required to be successful before deciding to take the leap.
Elizabeth de Quillacq, Souvenir and Far
Q: How long have you been a travel advisor?
6 years.
Q: What does this accomplishment mean to you?
Recognition for the years of study, trial, and error, success (and failure!)
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in travel?
I wanted to be my own boss (but we know sometimes our clients are our bosses!) I wanted to help people who were hesitant to go outside of their comfort zone with the confidence and security that travel advisors bring to the table.
Q: What advice would you give someone who isn't currently in the industry but is looking to pursue a career in travel?
This is a real business with accounting, marketing, HR, systems, staff, and all the nitty gritty. You need to know it isn't all fun and travel!
Casey Dye, Travel Theory
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Q: How long have you been a travel advisor?
I’m a relatively new travel advisor, but have been a life-long traveler. My sister, Kitte, and I launched our agency, Travel Theory, in 2021 and its been a whirlwind!
Q: What does this accomplishment mean to you?
To be named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler is an incredible honor. Condé Nast is highly respected in the industry and to be able to earn this accolade at this point in my career has been especially meaningful. It’s confirmation that we’re doing exactly what we set out to do when we launched Travel Theory…provide an exceptional travel experience for our clients that allows them to experience the world in ways they would not be able to on their own. It has also helped me realize that my super power of solving complex problems for my clients is a big differentiator!
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in travel?
My decision to begin a career in travel stemmed from my personal passion. I love experiencing new places, meeting new people and trying to new things. However, as my own travel aspirations became more complex, I realized there was a niche that I could fill. I was a busy professional who wanted to travel, but didn’t have the time, resources or insider knowledge to put together all the details that would be needed to explore the world in the way I wanted to.
Q: What advice would you give someone who isn't currently in the industry but is looking to pursue a career in travel?
If travel is your passion, go for it! Even if you come from a completely different career path, don’t let that hold you back. People may be surprised to learn that I have a background in healthcare because it’s so different from travel. However, much of my skillset from healthcare such as attention to detail, multitasking, and interpersonal relations are also essential to have in the travel industry. I also think mentorship is so helpful when you are first starting out. Having someone who can help you learn the ropes and help you find your way is invaluable!
Julie Ann Hargett, H Luxury Travel
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Q: How long have you been a travel advisor?
5 years.
Q: What does this accomplishment mean to you?
For me, I am inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of extraordinary travel. I am honored to be named in this elite group and feel fortunate to have made this list in such a short time in the industry.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in travel?
It was serendipitous for me - combining my passion for travel with my love of exceptional quality and design. Once I was recruited into this industry, I fell in love, and I wanted to build something based on my style of travel for busy families.
Q: What advice would you give someone who isn't currently in the industry but is looking to pursue a career in travel?
Do not go into this business for the money. Go into travel (or anything) because you love it and have a passion or desire to do so. If you have a choice, build something you can be proud of and know it takes time to see results, but they are worth it when they start to materialize.
Sandy Lipkowitz, We Make Travel Easy
Q: How long have you been a travel advisor?
Since 2007.
Q: What does this accomplishment mean to you?
I believe the clout and cache of being a Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist speaks to clients of my professionalism and high standards of service. That sets me apart from other travel advisors. It's an honor to be included among these other amazing Condé Nast Travel Specialists.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in travel?
I followed my passion.
Q: What advice would you give someone who isn't currently in the industry but is looking to pursue a career in travel?
Travel creates lifelong bonds through shared experiences that are often life-changing. You can touch people's lives in positive ways. I encourage you to find a great mentor to help show you the way.
Stephanie Jentgen Mack, Brava Adventures
Q: How long have you been a travel advisor?
3 years.
Q: What does this accomplishment mean to you?
I am so thrilled to be named a 2023 Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist! When I left my career in corporate America to pursue my passion for travel and cultural experiences, my goal was to help others see the world and fulfill their travel dreams. Being recognized by Condé Nast Travel helps travelers looking for an immersive experience connect with me.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in travel?
Travel is the one pursuit that combines all of my favorite things in life -experiencing different destinations, meeting people, trying different cuisines, and learning about different cultures. Being able to create itineraries that provide that for my clients is such a joy - it's rewarding in every way.
Q: What advice would you give someone who isn't currently in the industry but is looking to pursue a career in travel?
If you love to travel, enjoy managing complex projects, have a knack for connecting with people, and love to learn, then a career in the travel industry might just be for you. If you don't like details, become frustrated with frequent changes, and can't imagine why someone would spend many thousands of dollars on their dream trip, then I'd look for a different type of career.
Trisha Rathke, VIP Travel Designs
Q: How long have you been a travel advisor?
11 years.
Q: What does this accomplishment mean to you?
It is an honor to be recognized and included amongst the best Travel Advisors in the industry. I am very passionate about designing lifelong memories for my clients. I cherish the relationships I have cultivated with each of my clients, as they are the reason I do what I do.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in travel?
Travel has always been a big part of my life. I get excited to experience new places and cultures. What better way to share that excitement than by helping others with their journeys?
Q: What advice would you give someone who isn't currently in the industry but is looking to pursue a career in travel?
Patience, persistence, and positive energy are the main ingredients to being a successful Travel Advisor. You are going to have tough days. You will not make much money to start. But, get up every day and work this job like you have a boss looking over your shoulder. Love what you do, and you will succeed beyond your wildest dreams.
John Rees, J5 Travel
Q: How long have you been a travel advisor?
Nearly 8 years.
Q: What does this accomplishment mean to you?
It's a measure of our consistency, as this is the third year in a row we have achieved this status, and it makes me very proud of my team.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in travel?
There was nothing else I'd be any good at!
Q: What advice would you give someone who isn't currently in the industry but is looking to pursue a career in travel?
Aim at the luxury end of the market, there is plenty to go around.
Laney Sachs, Ortensia Blu Travel Adventures
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Q: How long have you been a travel advisor?
I have been a travel advisor for 6 years but was organizing and leading small group tours to Italy since 2014.
Q: What does this accomplishment mean to you?
It’s wonderful to be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler which is such an important magazine for people who love to travel.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in travel?
In my opinion, there’s nothing better in the world than travel. And to do what I love while making a living at it is the icing on the cake.
Q: What advice would you give someone who isn't currently in the industry, but is looking to pursue a career in travel?
For someone thinking about a career in travel, know that it’s a big responsibility. We are dealing with two things that are very important to clients-their time and their money. Know that if you love travel, working with people, are organized and have time to commit to this, you’ll reap the rewards over and over again.
