Today we’d like to introduce you to Pam Smith.
Hi Pam, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my career in specialized pharmaceutical sales, where I spent 15 years building relationships and working with physicians and their staff. During that time, I also began helping friends plan their trips to the Orlando theme parks part-time. What started as something I simply enjoyed doing for friends quickly grew into a passion for travel and trip planning.
I realized that I truly enjoyed the planning process by researching destinations, finding the right experiences, and helping people create memorable vacations. I decided it was time to make a career change and began working full-time as a Travel Consultant, forming my own company, Classic Travel by Pam, LLC.
Building a business from the ground up was not an overnight success. It took me about 10 years to build the business into something I was truly proud of. Looking back, those years taught me a great deal about relationships and the importance of taking care of your clients.
I have now been in the travel industry for 17 years, and what makes me happiest is that I still genuinely love what I do. I love getting to know my clients, learning what is important to them, and helping turn their travel dreams into experiences they will remember for years to come. There is something very rewarding about knowing that I played a small part in creating those memories.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building a business from the ground up takes time, patience, and a lot of dedication.
The first several years were the most challenging as I worked to establish myself, build a client base, and figure out what worked best for my business.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was that success doesn’t happen overnight. There were times when I questioned whether I was on the right path, but I stayed focused, continued learning, and remained committed to taking care of my clients.
The travel industry has experienced many changes over the years, and COVID was certainly one of the most challenging periods our industry has faced. It was a difficult time for everyone in travel, but it taught me the importance of being flexible, adapting to change, and continuing to learn. COVID reminded me never to take my clients, the relationships I’ve built, or the business I’ve worked so hard to build for granted.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in creating personalized travel experiences for my clients, from luxury vacations and cruises to European adventures, all-inclusive getaways, and special milestone trips. I take the time to get to know my clients, understand how they like to travel, and then use my experience and relationships with trusted travel partners to create an experience that is right for them.
What sets me apart is the personal relationship I have built with my clients. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to travel. My clients know they can call me, ask questions, and rely on me to help navigate the details before, during, and after their trip.
Many of my clients have traveled with me for years, and referrals from those clients have become one of the greatest compliments I could receive. When a client recommends me to friends or family, it tells me I’ve earned their trust, and that means more to me than any advertisement ever could. I still get excited about helping my clients discover new places and creating trips that become memories they’ll talk about for years.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that some people may not know about me is that I come from a large Italian family, and they are very important to me. We are very close, and we genuinely enjoy spending time together. Continuing the traditions my grandparents started, especially celebrating holidays and special occasions together, is something I truly value. I feel very fortunate to have such a close-knit family.
We have also had the opportunity to travel together, and those trips have created some of my favorite memories. Traveling with family can certainly come with its own adventures, but we always have an amazing time and usually have plenty of stories and laughs to share afterward!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://classictravelbypam.com
- Instagram: @classictravelbypam
- Facebook: ClassicTravelbyPam/
