My Travel Advisor Business

For the longest time, I've felt like there was so much more that I could be doing to reach my long term goals.  I have a career that provides security and stability, all things that are very important to me, but there's just that spark that has been missing which leaves me feeling a little unfulfilled.  I've daydreamed about opening my own plant/coffee/garden/bakery - or whatever hobby I've picked up on - business, but trying to start up a small business in rural, small town Iowa is hard, scary and I don't necessarily feel confident enough in my skill set to jump head first into such a big risk while still trying to provide for my family.  

Is that an excuse?  Absolutely!  Is my fear hindering me?  Again, Absolutely!  There are so many successful small businesses in our community, why the heck couldn't I be one of them!  

Thank you 'You Are a Badass®: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life' by Jen Sincero, for helping me recognize that my lack of confidence is entirely fear based and that if I really wanted to accomplish something, I need to get over my own BS and just do it already.  (I would 10/10 recommend reading by the way!)  This book really started the wheels in my head turning and while I'm still not quite ready to take out a business loan, quit my day job, and fake it until I make it, I did stumble into something else that has me pretty excited and feeling like I'm finally taking those next steps toward my future goals.

I love to travel, but once upon a time I felt that being able to travel was just a dream.  It's scary to leave my safe little bubble!  Traveling is so expensive!  I don't know where to even begin!  There is so much of the world I want to see and explore but yet I was holding myself back (sounds familiar!) - so one day, I just did it.  I booked a long weekend trip to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and went completely on my own!  It wasn't the first time I'd traveled, but it was the most significant.  I was scared,  nervous, exhilirated and I felt absolute joy and freedom wash over me as I embarked on my journey.  I promised myself that I was going to see the ocean so I took matters into my own hands and I went and saw the Ocean!!  And it was magnificent!  

Ever since, I've traveled all over and find so much joy in researching new destinations and finding new places to explore.  As I was reading the aforementioned book and contemplating the whole business venture pipedream, it dawned on me that there is this an entire travel advisory business out there so maybe I should just see what it would take to become certified and see where it takes me!  So here I am a few months later, a certified travel advisor with Fora Travel.  

When I first started this journey, I had so many misconceptions about travel advisors.  I was so good at researching destinations, but admittedly, it would take me hours and hours of research to find that perfect spot.  Many people don't have that time or the research aspect is just daunting, which is exactly where a Travel Advisor comes in.  

My other misconception was that I would have to pay more if I used a Travel Advisor.  While in some cases, travel advisors may charge a service fee, you are paying the same hotel rates whether you use an advisor or not, however, an adivsor can unlock many perks and benefits that you can't access if you book on your own, as well as reduce many stressors that come with planning your own vacation.  And travel advisors are not just for luxury travelers or people who can't use Google - it's for anyone who wants a better, more intentional experience.

Here are 4 reasons why it's a great idea to use me as your travel advisor when booking your next vacation:

1. I won't just save you time and energy.  I'll save you money too!

Travel advisors have the power to offer cash-saving benefits, and my role with Fora opens up thousands of relationships with hotels and partners that allow me to create the best experience for your trip through priority room upgrades, perks, and even spa credit for many vendors. In many cases, you can even use your existing loyalty and rewards so you can keep earning those points even when booking through me. Our preferred partnerships are not easy to get and clients who are booked through these partnerships are upgraded to VIP status just by booking with a Fora agent.

2. Takes the burden of planning and research off of your shoulders!

Whether you are new to traveling and are ovewhelmed with the entire process; have a bucketlist destination that you don't know much about; are a seasoned traveler who leads a busy life but desperately need a vacation - leave the heavy lifting to me. Fora has a long-standing personal relationship with our partners, hotel managers and staff which means I have a direct line to the places and people taking care of your stay. I can also line up daytrips and excursions, flights, and transportation to round off your stress free vacation planning experience.

3. Hundreds of Destination Experiences!

Not only do I have my own first hand travel experience for several destinations, but I also have access to a whole community of travel advisors who have real world experience with hundreds of destinations and many resources that I can tap into to give you the best adventure possible! If I don't know about a destination, I will roll up my sleeves and learn all there is to know, ensuring no stone goes unturned in booking you the best vacation ever.

4. You are supporting a local girl's dreams a/k/a travel advisory business! 

I am organized and thorough, and I would love the opportunity to help you book your next trip. While a little bit of an unconventional business, I'm still just a local gal trying to do something that gives me that spark, while helping others find that spark too.

I am currently booking the following types of vactions.

• Weekend getaways
• Babymoons
• Honeymoons
• All-inclusive
• Destination specific
• Family/group vacations
• Cruises
• Luxury vacations

Visit my website at: https://www.foratravel.com/advisor/misty-kofron or email me at misty.kofron@fora.travel and we can get started on planning your next vacation whenever you are ready!