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A Work From Home Success Story: Meet Travel Agent Denise Valente

Denise Valente has a history of working in travel. She worked with a major U.S. airline for nine years as a ground operations crewmember before joining Cruises Inc. in May 2018 as an independent work-at-home travel agent. Her intense passion for travel has now translated into a career she loves. Denise shares the secrets to her success as a travel agent.

What type of person should become a Cruises Inc. travel agent?

I would have to say first and foremost a person who is passionate about travel. If travel moves you from deep within your soul, if experiencing all the beauty that this world has to offer is something that gets you out of bed in the morning, then this could be the career for you. However, it’s important to couple that passion for travel with a passion for helping others. I would also recommend this career to someone who is self-motivated. I feel that these are essential qualities to being a successful travel agent.

What skills are needed to be a travel agent?

As an independent travel agent, it might seem at first that being a team player wouldn’t be all that important. However, it has been extremely important to be a team player not only with our customers, but also with our suppliers. It requires a delicate balance between the two. Working with various teams day in and day out during my previous career has taught me to work well with others which has ultimately helped me to adapt when needed in order to be the right person at the right time for the many different personalities I encounter as a travel agent.

What advice do you have for working from home?

The biggest piece of advice I would have for someone working from home is to make a daily schedule and stick to it, just as if you had to report to work each day. Hold yourself accountable each day for the tasks you want to accomplish.

What tool provided by Cruises Inc. do you find most helpful and why?

The most helpful tool Cruises Inc. provides is our Business Development Managers. It is invaluable having someone in your corner who you can bounce ideas off of, who is rooting for you to succeed, and who is there to help you every step of the way regardless of your business size. If everyone who started their own business had that, there would be so many more successful small business owners in the world. The help and confidence we gain from our Business Development Managers is an incredible resource that we are more than fortunate to have. I wouldn’t trade it for any other resource out there.

What advice do you have for somebody looking to join Cruises Inc.?

Set realistic expectations, especially in the first year or two. It will take time to gain a steady flow of business. Have a plan and don’t get discouraged.

What is one thing you wish somebody told you before you opened your travel agency?

I wish I would have known how rewarding this career would be. Helping to make people’s dreams come true through travel brings an inner joy that is almost indescribable. Had I known that before opening my travel agency, I would have opened it much, much sooner.

What is your dream vacation?

Since becoming a travel agent, I’ve added so many new trips and dream vacations to my bucket list. It seems that every time I cross one off the list, I’ve already added three or four more. At this moment though, I would have to say that my top bucket list, dream vacation, is a trip to the Galapagos. I love both nature and wildlife so that is a trip that really appeals to the deepest parts of myheart and soul. I really believe that it would be a life changing experience.

In operation since 1982, Cruises Inc. has an A-rating from the Better Business Bureau. Its independent vacation specialists nationwide create seamless vacation experiences, whether it be a cruise, resort stay or land tour.

Are you a travel enthusiast looking for a home-based business opportunity? Start Living the dream as a Cruises Inc. Vacation Specialist. For more information, please visit www.sellcruises.com or call 888-462-4992.