Laurie Whann (Source: Laurie Whann)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on accomplished advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Laurie Whann, owner of Grand Luxe Destinations, a NEST affiliate.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I’ve been involved in the hospitality and tourism industry in some capacity since I was 15, and I also pursued formal education in hospitality, travel, and tourism, which provided a strong foundation for my career.
Early on, I gained hands-on experience working directly with guests, learning what truly creates meaningful travel experiences while developing a genuine passion for helping people explore the world.
As I grew within the industry, I discovered that guiding clients through the planning process and curating unforgettable vacations allowed me to combine everything I loved most: service, connection and travel. That realization ultimately led me to pursue a career as a travel advisor.
I began my journey with a home-based agency, which gave me the flexibility to work from home while raising my young children.
Over time, I expanded my role within the industry, taking on managerial and training positions that allowed me to mentor others and gain insight into the business side of travel.
These experiences laid the foundation for my next step –opening Grand Luxe Destinations. Launching my own agency allowed me to create a business that reflects my values, my passion for travel and my commitment to providing clients with extraordinary, personalized experiences.
In addition, my years of experience and leadership roles have helped me build and grow a team of successful travel advisors. By mentoring agents, sharing knowledge, and fostering a supportive environment, I’ve helped others thrive while maintaining the high standards of service that define Grand Luxe Destinations.
How did you build your business over the years?
I’ve grown my business primarily through referrals and word of mouth. I’ve always believed that when you take exceptional care of your clients, they naturally become your strongest advocates.
By focusing on personalized service, clear communication, and a true understanding of each client’s travel style, I’ve been able to create memorable experiences that people want to share with their friends and family. That trust and loyalty have been the foundation of my business, allowing it to grow steadily and authentically year after year.
Equally important has been the relationships I’ve built within the travel industry itself. Partnering with hotels, cruise lines and tour operators has allowed me to create unique opportunities for my clients while staying on the cutting edge of trends and promotions.
Continuously learning, adapting and finding creative solutions to challenges has not only strengthened my business but also enhanced the experiences I can deliver. Over time, this combination of client care, industry knowledge and adaptability has helped me establish a reputation for reliability and excellence, creating a solid platform for growth and long-term success.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
I believe my success as an advisor comes from a combination of personal travel experience, the ability to truly qualify a client and a strong attention to detail.
Having personally explored many destinations allows me to offer firsthand insight and guidance, while my client-focused approach helps me understand not only what travelers say they want, but also what they may need before they even realize it. I take pride in anticipating details, preferences and potential challenges so every trip feels seamless and thoughtfully planned. This proactive, intuitive style of service is what consistently sets me apart.
By listening closely, being responsive and creating an atmosphere of trust, I foster connections that go beyond a single vacation. Many of my clients return year after year, not only because of the experiences I plan for them, but also because they know I genuinely care about their travel goals and their satisfaction.
What have your greatest challenges been?
One of my greatest challenges has undoubtedly been navigating not only the COVID pandemic but also the constantly shifting landscape of the travel industry. Travel is an ever-changing environment, and I’ve had to learn how to pivot quickly, rethink strategies and adjust my business to continue serving my clients at the highest level.
Flexibility has become essential because the job often requires adapting to new regulations, reworking itineraries and finding creative solutions when unexpected obstacles arise. Sometimes those adjustments fall into place easily, and other times it takes experimenting with different approaches before discovering the right balance.
Another key aspect of navigating these challenges has been learning how to stay resilient and maintain a positive mindset during times of uncertainty. The travel industry can be unpredictable, and disruptions can feel overwhelming. Over time, I’ve learned to embrace change as an opportunity rather than a setback, approaching each situation with creativity and determination.
This mindset not only benefits my clients, who experience smooth, thoughtful travel planning, but also allows me to guide and mentor my team, helping them navigate challenges with confidence and professionalism. Facing these obstacles head-on has reinforced the importance of adaptability, teamwork and perseverance in building a successful and enduring travel business.
What have your greatest accomplishments been?
One of my greatest accomplishments has been starting my own travel agency after many years in the industry, especially doing so during the height of the pandemic. Launching a business at a time when travel was nearly at a standstill required resilience, determination and a deep belief in the value of what I could offer clients.
Instead of stepping back, I chose to invest in my future and build something meaningful. Growing Grand Luxe Destinations from the ground up during such an uncertain period has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
Seeing my team thrive, develop confidence and create unforgettable experiences for their clients has been one of the most rewarding aspects of building the agency – proving that success isn’t just about personal achievement but about lifting others up along the way.
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
My biggest tip is to have patience, stay passionate and never give up. Building a successful travel business takes time, consistency and a willingness to learn.
It’s also important to find an agency that truly aligns with your values, goals and working style. I always tell new advisors that not every agency is the right fit for every agent, and that’s perfectly okay. Being open and honest with yourself and with your agency owner will help you find the environment where you can genuinely thrive.
Remember that we are a community, not competitors. The key is to keep showing up, stay curious, and trust that the right support system will help you grow.
I also encourage new advisors to invest in themselves through education and hands-on experience. The travel industry is constantly evolving, and staying informed about destinations, trends and travel logistics not only benefits your clients but also builds your confidence as a professional.
Seek mentorship, participate in industry events and connect with fellow advisors to share ideas and strategies. These connections can provide valuable guidance, inspire new approaches and remind you that you’re part of a supportive, thriving community.
By combining perseverance, curiosity and collaboration, new advisors can build a strong foundation for a rewarding and successful career.
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