Travel Advisor Success Story: Alesia House, I Book Travel For U

Alesia House (Source: Alesia House)

Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Alesia House, CTA, ACC, owner of I Book Travel For U.

How Did You Get Your Start as a Travel Advisor?

My love for travel started early. I was just 8 years old when I took my first plane ride, and I was hooked! Travel became an even bigger part of my life when my mom worked for the airlines. Some of my best memories come from the many family vacations we took during that time.

Before becoming an advisor, I spent 28 years teaching piano. But in 2016, I decided it was time for a change and launched I Book Travel For U. It’s been an incredible journey ever since, and I haven’t looked back!

How did you build your business over the years?

Hard work, long hours and always treating people the way I’d want to be treated. I built my business on a foundation of core values – putting putting people first, striving for excellence and being authentic in everything I do.

Being an advisor isn’t for the faint of heart! It takes time to build trust, community and relationships – the kind that, after nine years in business, keep people coming back. Fortunately, I was already established in my community and involved in different things, so when I launched my agency, I had a core group of people who knew me and trusted me.

I also invested in marketing, testing different strategies to see what worked and what didn’t, because that’s how you learn and grow. A good business owner never stops building. Whether it’s handing out a business card, making a call or having a conversation, growth comes from consistently showing up and putting in the work. There is power in consistency.

What characteristics make you a successful advisor?

One of the biggest factors in my success has been the incredible support system around me. KHM Travel Group, my host agency, has set an amazing example, providing guidance, encouragement and a family of agents to lean on.

Beyond that, I’ve built my business on strong core values – integrity, excellence and authenticity. No matter the situation, I believe in doing the right thing, taking the high road and making things right when needed.

I also never take my clients for granted. At the end of the day, they could have chosen any advisor, but they chose me.

Of course, we all have those dream clients who are a joy to work with, and then there are those who challenge us. But I’ve learned that having a mix of both keeps me humble, sharp and always striving to be the best advisor I can be.

What were your greatest challenges?

Without a doubt, 2020 was the biggest challenge. It was devastating to watch everything I had built feel like it was crumbling overnight. But as tough as it was, I truly believe that sometimes a setback is just a setup for a comeback. That season made us all stronger, wiser, and more resilient as travel professionals.

Another major challenge came five years into my business when I decided to expand and relocate from Virginia to Texas. It was a successful move that helped grow my client base, but it wasn’t without obstacles. I had to start fresh in a new area, proving myself all over again. I quickly realized that my Texas clients had different travel preferences than my Northern Virginia clients, and I had to adjust to working with two very different demographics.

And of course, there are the daily challenges of being an advisor – staying on top of ever-changing policies, troubleshooting unexpected travel hiccups, juggling multiple client needs at once and running a business. But at the end of the day, the heart of this job is people. No matter where they’re from or what their budget is – whether they’re booking a $3,000 getaway or a $20,000 luxury trip – every client deserves to feel valued, heard, and taken care of.

What are your greatest accomplishments?

About four years into my journey as an advisor, I realized that while I absolutely love booking travel, I also have a deep passion for seeing other gents succeed. Mentoring, sharing knowledge and helping others grow bring me just as much joy as planning trips for clients. That’s when I knew that if I wanted to step more into a mentoring role, I needed to build a team. Today, I have four incredible agents and an assistant who are part of my team, and I truly couldn’t do what I do without them.

In 2023, I was honored to be brought on as the agency program Coordinator for KHM Travel Group, where I now support over 140 agents who have built teams of their own. Every day, I have the privilege of helping them navigate challenges, grow their businesses and step into their own success.

Through conversations with agents and travelers, I kept hearing the same question over and over: Why should I use a travel agent? That inspired me to write my first book, ‘Travel Agent Near Me: 12 Reasons Why You Need to Work With a Travel Agent.’ It will be released in June, and my hope is that it not only helps agents communicate their value but also helps travelers understand just how beneficial it is to have an advisor in their corner.

What tips can you provide for advisors new to the industry?

Keep educating yourself. The industry is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to learn.

Many of us work from home, and it’s easy to stay in our offices all day. Getting out, attending industry events and networking with other agents is key to your success. Surround yourself with fellow advisors who will inspire you and give you the motivation to keep going.

Travel, travel, travel! Let your clients see that you’re experiencing destinations firsthand. Sharing your trips through posts, conversations and photos builds trust and excitement among your clients.

Keep an abundance mindset. There are plenty of clients for everyone. We all have different networks, and we’re not in competition – we’re in this together. One of the best things about this industry is how agents support and uplift each other.

Learn to pivot. One year, you may be booking mostly all-inclusives, and the next, you’re flooded with requests for cruises or Europe. Be a well-rounded, full-service advisor so your clients know they can turn to you for any destination.

Don’t book based on your wallet. Just because a $20,000 trip seems extravagant to you doesn’t mean it’s out of the norm for your client. Never assume what someone can or can’t afford – present the options and let them decide.

Always offer an upgraded option. I’ve seen people set a budget of $7,000 and end up booking a $10,000 trip because they saw the value in a slightly higher-tier experience. Sometimes, they just need to see what’s possible.

Our business is built on relationships. A handwritten thank-you note, a personal phone call or a small gift card for a referral goes a long way.

Always operate with integrity and excellence. Do what’s right for your clients and your business and success will follow.

Have fun and remember your impact. Every day, you are helping people create memories that will last a lifetime. Never forget the difference you’re making!

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