Meet Shayla Northcutt | Travel Agency Founder & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shayla Northcutt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shayla, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Each of these entities – travel agents, online travel, and travel influencers – play different roles in the travel industry. Here’s a breakdown of each:

1. Travel Agents: Travel agents, like Northcutt Travel Agency, provide personalized assistance in planning and booking travel experiences. They have extensive knowledge about various destinations, hotels, and other travel services. They can offer advice, make recommendations, and tailor your trip to meet your specific needs and preferences. They often have firsthand experience of the places they recommend, which can be helpful in making informed decisions. Travel agents also have the ability to match pricing offered by online travel agencies. ALWAYS ask your travel agent if they have been to the destination – this way you know you are working with a real agent. I have personally been to over 400 resorts and hotels around the world in the past 6 years. I have sailed on over 25 cruises. I have the first hand experience and knowledge and even though I have travel partners everywhere – I keep it real. I do not promote one brand over another if it is not the right fit for you. I am not going to sell you something that you don’t want just because I will make more commission. We want you as a traveler for life – not just one trip.

2. Online Travel: Online travel agencies, such as Expedia, allow users to search and book travel services online. These platforms provide a wide range of options and allow travelers to compare prices and choose based on their preferences. While online travel agencies offer convenience and a vast selection of options, they may lack the personalized assistance that a travel agent can provide. Travelers often navigate these platforms themselves and may not have direct access to a dedicated support person for assistance.

3. Travel Influencers: Travel influencers are individuals who are paid to promote destinations, hotels, and cruises through their social media platforms. They showcase the positive aspects, pros, and highlights of their experiences. However, it’s important to note that travel influencers may not always provide a balanced or comprehensive view of a destination or service. They tend to focus on promoting the positive aspects of their sponsored trips, which may not necessarily reflect the real experiences and potential drawbacks.

In summary, travel agents provide personalized assistance and expertise, online travel agencies offer a wide range of options and convenience, and travel influencers promote destinations through their social media platforms. The choice between these options depends on your preferences, the level of personalization and support you desire, and the type of information you are seeking.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a mom of two elementary boys and a wife, and I am not the primary pick up person on the list because I travel. I am gone. I am dealing with travel emergencies and customer service. I am doing what it takes to make sure my kids life was better than mine. I am building a legacy, and does it suck missing out on hugging my kids after their first day of school or missing their first baseball hit, sure but they know the reason and it hurts me more than them.

When you have a strong passion for what you do, it fuels your motivation, determination, and commitment to your work. This passion can be contagious and inspire your team members to share the same level of drive and dedication.

Education is also essential in staying current and relevant in this industry. Keeping up with travel standards, trends, and continuously learning new skills or knowledge is key to staying competitive and delivering high-quality services. The travel world is ever changing and I have to go and grind with all the new trends.

I do want people to know that I am really passionate about this and I want to help. We get so many people that will “shop” us because we do not charge agency fees and sometimes I have spent hours on quotes all for people to come back and let me know that they took our suggestions and booked online to save $5…..

We are still growing our team because so many people are looking for amazing travel advisors and our team has some of the best resources in the WORLD, but we also have to always put the customer and their needs first – we are not a call center taking orders – we are cultivating vacations and experiences.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Having a strong and supportive team is invaluable in any business or endeavor. When your team becomes more than just colleagues and becomes friends and confidants, it creates a positive and nurturing work environment. Your teammates being your biggest cheerleaders means that they genuinely support and encourage you, and vice versa.

Building a strong team requires trust, communication, and mutual respect. When you have a team that you can rely on and confide in, it fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie. This can lead to increased collaboration, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

It’s important to appreciate and acknowledge the contributions of your team, as well as create an environment where they feel valued and supported. Encouraging open communication, recognizing achievements, and promoting a positive team culture are all ways to strengthen the bond among team members.

Remember, a strong team that acts as friends and confidants can not only contribute to the success of your business but also enhance your overall well-being and happiness in the workplace.

Website: www.northcutttravelagency.com

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