CLIA-accredited Master and NTIA People’s Choice award winner, TravLin Travel’s Linda Forster, started her home-based agency in Melbourne’s south eight years ago. She talks to Karryon about the joys – and challenges – of working solo.
What inspired you to establish TravLin Travel after working for companies like Harvey World Travel and Helloworld?
Primarily it was to provide a more personalised service and approach in helping clients make memorable travel experiences, rather than liaisons via the ‘production line’ consulting style of the shopfront retail environment.
TravLin Travel, my forever journey, affords me the flexibility of travelling (and potentially working) while experiencing a range of destinations and cultures at the drop of a hat when opportunities arise.
What are the best things about working from home – and the trickiest?
Having flexibility in my schedule and a healthy work-life balance are essential for me. There’s no daily commute, which means savings in time and money, which consequently enhances productivity.
Working from home also enables me to be available for any family emergency, health or otherwise – and my furry children love me being at home!
On the negative side, sometimes it can be difficult to turn off, so there’s the blurring of work-life boundaries.
Do you have staff at TravLin Travel?
I work with me, myself and I… that’s it!
It’s definitely a labour of love. I really enjoy the variety in the role, which ranges from face-to-face client meetings to marketing efforts and back-office accounting and admin. No two days are ever the same.
How long have you worked in the travel industry, and how did your career in travel begin?
I have worked as a travel agent since 2006. After living and working overseas for two and a half years, I certainly caught that incredible travel bug!
Travel provides me with a positive and energetic work environment. Clients present as happy and engaged when they make contact. They’re looking for your expertise to help them plan their travel dream adventures – exactly the vibe I had aimed for when choosing my long-term vocation.
What did it mean to you when TravLin Travel won the People’s Choice award in the National Travel Industry Awards?
I was blown away! Shocked, humbled and honoured all at the same time. It was a real ‘deer in the headlights’ moment. I am so grateful to my client’s winning entry, picked from 11,000 consumer entries submitted nationwide. I cannot thank her enough for her incredible winning penmanship and heartfelt words.
What attracted you to cruise?
Cruising is my passion. The diversity in quality, onboard entertainment, activities, catering to different budgets and preferences, variety in destination, ease of point-to-point travel, convenience of unpacking once, versatility in numbers travelling together and, most importantly, its all-inclusive nature. What’s not to love?
As an accredited CLIA Master, I love the continuous learning and upskilling on all things cruise, both for my clients and when planning my next cruise adventure.
What do you see as the major trends in cruising, particularly in luxury and expedition?
Cruising continues to grow! There has been a shift towards more personalised, environmentally conscious and experiential cruising, with further growth and trends like multi-generational cruises catering to diverse age groups; smaller, more intimate ships, and exclusive destinations that offer access to remote or restricted areas.
There is also growth in immersive and wellness experiences with an emphasis on authentic, local experiences, and longer port stays and enhanced culinary experiences.
Groups and event cruising also continue to trend well, as does solo travel.
How often do you travel, either for leisure or TravLin Travel?
I try to do at least one big overseas trip a year. Equally, I am often completing supplier training, attending webinars and seminars which allow me to upskill or enter travel industry competitions. Some of these wins have taken me to some incredible places around the globe.
Are you seeing a shortage of skilled travel advisors and what advice would you give to someone starting out as an advisor?
Our industry lost a massive pool of skills and knowledge during the pandemic. Many travel agents simply had no choice but to leave the industry to seek gainful employment elsewhere just to get by and many have not returned.
For someone wishing to start as a travel advisor, I would suggest they consider specialising in specific destinations or travel types in line with their passions.
It’s also important to stay updated on current travel trends, master relevant technology and booking systems, maybe via an in-store trial or work experience, and consider obtaining professional certification or in-store traineeship opportunities.
For more information, visit travlintravel.com.au
