We recently had the chance to connect with Becky Durkee and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Becky, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
Currently, I am working on growing my new host travel agency. So while I still am actively planning trips for others, I am also seeking new agents. I would say I am doing a 50/50 split on training new agents and helping them get started while booking for my clients. It’s very satisfying!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Becky Durkee. I am the *new* owner of Durkee Travel Group! I have been a travel agent for almost nine years and am an avid traveler. I recently decided to start my own host company after getting to a point in my career where enough people had come to me asking advice on becoming a travel agent themselves. It was a natural progression for me.
I have personally been to 39 countries (with three more booked for next year), which is what led me to this career in the first place. I love planning trips for others. Helping people discover the world is very important to me!
I am a big supporter of family travel. I have brought my three kids along with me for most of my journeys. My youngest was only 3 on her first visit to Europe. My kids, who are 22, 20 and 18, learned from the world classroom growing up. It has shaped them into tolerant, awesome young adults. I am so glad my husband and I prioritized that. At the time, I didn’t know it would also lead me to a career in travel.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband Josh. I planned amazing trips for us before others, of course. He told me for years I had the gift to plan and that I should do it for others. I finally listened to him!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
To not let society tell you who you should be, be who you know you are. I would have taken a much different career path earlier on had I listened to this advice.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I am 100% real with everyone I meet. My clients and I have great relationships and I am always very honest with them. I don’t have time for fake people, so I refuse to be one myself.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
This business is a slow-growth. I will need time to hire agents and grow what I’ve started, but in 7-10 years, I hope to have expanded to many states with many agents working with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.durkeetravelgroup.com
- Instagram: @durkeetravelgroup
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-durkee-b0229a371
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DurkeeTravelCompany/
