We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Scott a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, appreciate you joining us today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

I absolutely take vacations! Travel is my passion. That’s how I figured out what my journey and purpose was going to be after I retired from the Air Force. Traveling is about experiencing something different, challenging or the unexpected. Most people work hard everyday and they may spend a little time here or there with friends and family, but do they really indulge themselves in something different? Most of the time you here people say, I want to go to Dubai, it’s my bucket list destination or some other destination. Sadly, they often do not take the steps to make that bucket list come true. When I started my agency, Indulgence Travel, it was to help those to indulge in their travel dreams and exceed their travel expectations. I try to share my traveling experiences, past and present with as many clients as possible. Some of my favorite destinations have been Bali, Paris and Italy.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I served in the United States Air Force for just under 26 years active duty. I think that’s where I developed my love of travel. Being stationed in different countries and learning different cultures was an eye-opening experience that helped to shape who I have become today. I think it was living so many places and then visiting other neighboring countries or states that gave me the desire to want to help people travel to different destination. To help them see all the unique and beautiful places they can visit and experience. I try to tailor each vacation to not only my client’s preferences, but also their dreams and if they are not sure, I share my travel experiences to help them to imagine what they can experience on their vacations. I think one of the proudest and yet safest moments I have had in my 9.5 years in the travel industry was to plan a trip for a client who was terminal. She wanted to have a family trip to Provence,France to rent a villa, do wine tasting, shopping and enjoy the French countryside. I was able to plan a trip for her and her family to enjoy this time together. When she returned she was very appreciative and I was overwhelmed I made her so happy. Sadly a few week later she passed away. Her boyfriend let me know the trip was the happiest she had been in such a long time and it was a wonderful trip for all of them. That really reinforced my decision to become a Travel Advisor. I provide all types of trips for my clients from Africa Safaris, Wine & Culinary vacations in Europe to Mediterranean cruise. I believe in helping people to enjoy their vacation experiences.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

In the day and age of social media, I think we all strive to have some type of social media presence so that people have heard your business name or possibly business profile. For me, I strive to obtain new clients from referrals from my existing clients. Client referrals truly help me to not only build/reinforce my relationship with my existing clients, but also help to build a relationship with new ones. If exiting clients are happy with my service, they are willing to offer my business services to their friends and family for their vacations.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I think the biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome was COVID-19. No one was prepared for a worldwide pandemic. The travel industry was hit very hard in 2020 and most of 2021. I had to deal with so many cancellations, and then track cruise line itinerary cancellations, international borders closing down, working with industry partners to fight for client refunds and credits. It was so overwhelming to work so many hours to take care of my clients without any revenue coming in. It was so stressful. No one had any idea when things were going to get back to normal. In 2022 travel came back stronger than ever and Indulgence Travel almost doubled sales from 2019. Perseverance is key. What doesn’t break us, makes us stronger!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.indulgence-travel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indulgencetravel
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndulgenceTravelAgency
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@indulgence-travel

Image Credits
All of the photos provided were taken by Michelle Scott of Indulgence Travel