Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tracy Kirssin Hanes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Tracy, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

Travel is so personal: whether it’s laying on the beach in Bali, hiking the fjords of New Zealand, or hopping from one bistro to the next in Paris, no two dream vacations are alike. I believe that the single most crucial part of my job is listening and collaborating with clients. Everyone is looking for a unique and personal experience. I take the time to understand what your vacation looks like in your mind. This way, I can meticulously plan the perfect curated experience for your trip. While I love selling all-inclusive resorts, I don’t think they work for everyone. Travel is changing, and so are clients’ wants and needs. I consider myself a travel concierge.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Ever since I was a little girl, all I’ve wanted to do was explore the world. Now, I’m fortunate to have a career where I channel that wanderlust every day — and share it with others, too. I’ve spent over two decades in the travel industry, curating once-in-a-lifetime, custom-designed trips for my clients. I’ve visited over 30 countries. My work has taken me from a private water temple blessing ceremony in Bali to an underground cacao ceremony in a cave outside Teotihuacan.

I’ve sent people to countless destinations all across the globe. I’ve planned their vacations with the care and expertise that only firsthand experience can bring. I’ve spent years cultivating invaluable relationships and connections with resorts, tour operators, and cruise lines, all so I can continuously offer my clients the best experiences possible. I’ve helped my clients experience the most unforgettable journeys, whether it’s spotting the Northern Lights from Scandinavia or landing a helicopter on Milford Sound in New Zealand.

When my clients want to plan a trip to the next big destination or the newest, hottest resort, they call me. When they want an unforgettable journey, with every detail and experience planned just for them (no endless TripAdvisor scrolling required), they trust me. And my dedication, connections, and experience keep them coming back.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Covid was hard for many industries, but it was a complete shutdown overnight for travel and tourism. I would spend countless hours on the phone with airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators. I was canceling booking after booking. Due to how our industry makes a profit (we don’t get paid until the client travels), I worked 12-15 hours a day for free for months. Almost 55% of all agents at the time threw in the towel. In 24 years in the industry, I have never experienced anything like it. YET! Here I am, still standing, and 2022 was one of my highest-grossing years.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

After COVID, I learned one of the most important lessons in my career. What I do matters. I needed to re-learn that my time was invaluable. I started changing my business model. I didn’t want to be viewed as a traditional call center agent. I am a travel concierge. I create custom experiences. That is what sets me apart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://travelbytracy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripsbytracy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tripsbytracy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-kirssin-3729aa26/

Image Credits
Keith Grieger