We were lucky to catch up with Carleigh Tully recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carleigh, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

For years, my career path was firmly rooted in the veterinary field. I graduated from Auburn University with a degree in animal science, and I’ve always had a deep love for all creatures great and small. I’m an avid equestrian and grew up competing across the country in three-day eventing, an equine triathlon. From canine rehabilitation to veterinary software account management, I spent years immersed in the veterinary world. I had a very stable, 9-5 salary position and while it was fulfilling, a nagging feeling persisted – a yearning for something more.

Travel had always been a significant aspect of my life, fueled by childhood adventures with my Caribbean-obsessed father. His passing in 2021 served as a powerful catalyst for change. Leaving the security of my full-time veterinary software position wasn’t an easy call. But inspired by my dad’s zest for life and fueled by a desire to explore new horizons, I decided to take the plunge. It felt like the perfect way to honor his adventurous spirit and combine my professional skills with a lifelong passion for travel.

Carleigh, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Of course! I’m a luxury travel advisor born in the Midwest, now living in Charleston, SC with my husband and two pups.

At Dune Travel Group, our goal is to take the stress and overwhelm out of trip planning. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic European honeymoon, a luxurious family adventure, or an exotic getaway, we handle all the intricate details. We leverage our Virtuoso membership and industry connections to secure exclusive perks for our VIP clients, like complimentary room upgrades, breakfast for two, and even resort credits. We want you to feel like a true VIP on your vacation!

What sets us apart? It’s all about creating unparalleled experiences. We don’t just book flights and hotels; we design itineraries tailored to your specific desires. We listen closely to understand your dream vacation and then weave together unique experiences that will leave you with cherished memories.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

At Dune Travel Group, we believe exceptional travel experiences foster lasting relationships. That’s why referrals and repeat clients are the cornerstone of our business. We believe the journey doesn’t end after you return home. We follow up with our clients, ensuring their trip exceeded expectations and offering assistance with any post-travel needs. We also go beyond simply being a travel agency. We strive to build genuine relationships with our clients and get to know them on a personal level. we believe in going the extra mile. From handling unexpected situations seamlessly to offering surprise upgrades when possible, we strive to exceed expectations and create lasting positive memories. This ensures clients return for future adventures and enthusiastically recommend us to their network.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Similarly to above, referrals have been the cornerstone of my business. Happy clients are our best marketing tool. Their glowing recommendations and referrals are a testament to the unforgettable experiences we create. By building trust through transparency and exceeding expectations, we foster a loyal following of travel enthusiasts who not only return for more adventures, but enthusiastically share their experiences with their network. This word-of-mouth praise is the foundation of our success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dunetravelgroup.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/carleigh.on.the.coast