Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Thompson.
Hi Kim , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Being in the travel industry for over 15 years, I started with a theme park focused only agency. Quickly learning that there is a much bigger world out there, we decided to go out on our own. You Can Fly Travels, LLC opened its doors in 2018.
We initially started with Disney Destinations. Since then we have opened up to the world. Booking everything from ocean and river cruises, to all inclusive’s, custom curated roadtrips, Africa, Europe, Hawaii, Alaska- you name it!
We have over 30 agents who specialize in destinations world wide. Our team spends countless hours researching, training in destination and working with our travel partners to help create one of a kind vacations.
In a transactional world of contactless and impersonal relationships, we wanted to be different. Our goal is to get to know our clients. Their likes, dislikes and listen to how they travel. Anyone can book a trip. We are more than that. We build lasting relationships with our customers who feel more like family in the end.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Many of you can remember 2020 and how it affected the travel industry. COVID hit just 2 years after us opening our doors. Sales stopped, completely as did the world, or so it seemed.
Travel was almost a “bad” word to some during this point. But…we used the down time to study, train and research. We meet with new tour operators and suppliers to start building those business relationships to broaden our portfolio for our clients.
Once the world healed, we were not only busy, we were THRIVING!
People used to asked “why use a travel agent”. During COVID with all the nightmare stories of lack of communication from online booking engines or no refunds or long hold times -to only be disconnection, the list goes on…. Having a real person, who is in your back pocket -especially during emergencies, who will sit on hold on your behalf and fight for you IS PRICELESS!
Since then, the value of using a Travel Specialist has never been more clear.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We are not an agency that will bring just anyone onto the team. There are a lot of “hobbiest” in the industry with little to no travel experience or knowledge. We firmly vet each Travel Specialist. We pick the best of the best!
We pride ourselves in nurturing, encouraging and empowering our team. This is a job that requires a lot of invested time and money. People think its fun to travel all the time but its hard work. Sometimes we are away from our family for weeks at a time.It’s hard to live out of a suitcase, especially for an over packer! 🙂
Some call it a labor of love. I call it passion. But either way its a commitment.
Our agency’s culture is based around support, kindness and sisterhood. We are nothing without our team of Travel Specialists. Its our collective efforts that have gotten us to where we are today. Our motto is “Community Over Competition”. Its not just a saying, we believe it. The support they show for each other is genuine and inspiring.
When your team feels appreciated and respected it trickles down into all the other areas. It reflects in their work effort and client relationships.
I couldn’t be more proud of the team and unity we have built.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me its the mark we leave on others. Its knowing we have had a small roll in creating something that will last in our clients hearts and memories forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.YouCanFlyTravels.com
- Instagram: youcanflytravels
- Facebook: YouCanFlyTravelsLLC
