Even as an independent travel agent, you are never working alone. You have your host agency to support and advise you, and fellow agents to encourage and share experiences with you.

Many new home-based travel agents also get a boost from their family and friends. Ashley DiMauro, of DiMauro Travel in Nebraska, joined KHM Travel Group in 2013. At first, she was overwhelmed by how much there was to learn, and then her daughter was born. She stepped away from her business for awhile.

But eventually, her family and friends started asking her about planning their trips. Ashley began doing more research for quotes, booking trips, and before she knew it, she had a thriving travel business!

Her family and friends helped her spread the word about DiMauro Travel, and Ashley reached our Pinnacle Elite level in 2015. She says keeping in communication with clients before and after their trip has been one of the keys to her growth.

“I have a quick response time, and am accessible by phone, email, and text,” says Ashley. “I also keep in touch to make sure they are happy and look for feedback on their trips to apply to future travel bookings.”

Her favorite trips have been on cruises and at all-inclusives, which is what she primarily sells. However, she didn’t actually visit an all-inclusive resort until 2015, on our Crystal Conference and Awards trip to Jamaica.

“I got to experience an all-inclusive for the first time and fell in love with them!” she adds. “I also connected with fellow travel agents and was able to put faces to the names I’ve seen on the Facebook group page.”

Her most memorable vacation to date was a 2015 group cruise she planned for a couple she met on a previous cruise. The couple decided to get married at sea, and asked Ashley to plan the trip and join them on board. She got to meet up with them for dinners, do several excursions together and be a part of their wedding. Through traveling, she has made lifelong friends!

Although initially she struggled with training, research is now her favorite part of her job. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, she recommends new agents take it slow at first. Don’t try to do everything, and practice making bookings with your friends, family and personal trips.

Congratulations to Ashley on her success. We appreciate you sharing your story to benefit and inspire your fellow KHM Travel Agents!

If you’d like to learn more about starting a fun, rewarding travel agent career from home, fill out the form on the right of the screen or call 1-888-611-1220 so we can send you our Travel Agent Information Guide.