Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Osterhouse
Hi Stephanie, 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?
When I first got started in the travel industry, I was just having fun planning vacations for my friends and family. I would have people reach out to me all the time asking for advice and suggestions for their trips and one day I had a friend ask “Why don’t you get paid for this???” So at that point, I decided to start looking for a way to use my knowledge and experience to help others by becoming a travel advisor. I spent time researching agencies and found my home at Magical Vacation Planner. Over the past 5 years, I have continued to grow and expand my expertise while working with an amazing team of travel advisors who have become some of my best friends. I absolutely love being able to work with couples and families to plan their honeymoons and vacations, helping them create memories together is priceless!
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?
One of the biggest struggles along the way was the pandemic. I began my career as a travel advisor right before the world shut down. This was one of the hardest things to overcome and whatever I had built prior to 2020, needed to be completely rebuilt from the ground up. As destinations began to reopen, there was a new set of rules/regulations to navigate and help people through. but I feel this time period also showed the true value of using a travel agent.
A lot of people believe a lot of “myths” about using a travel advisor and there is usually a huge difference in what the process actually involves. Most people think it costs more to use a travel advisor and in reality, at least with Magical Vacation Planner, our services are complimentary to all guests. There are no hidden fees or added payments, our commissions come from the destinations once they travel. If you book a trip direct with the resort or through a 3rd party site like Expedia, you are essentially paying the commission to the computer so why not let the destination pay the commission to a travel advisor who can help you with your trip from start to finish.
Some other bumps can be getting ghosted by guests who requested information or some of those guests taking all of our hard work and research to build their vacation package and booking on their own. Working with an advisor is all about communication. We are not always going to hit the perfect mark on our first try when planning a vacation package. Communicating back and forth with us about what you like and do not like helps us to get to that perfect vacation for you. When you don’t communication your wants/needs we can’t adjust to make it a good fit.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What Do you do: I plan customized vacations for couples, families, and groups. I work together with them throughout the process to ensure that everyone is getting what they need. First, you fill out a quote request with the information you want for your trip. Then I build the vacation proposal, sharing a few options that fit your wants. Once we go over the proposal, we chat back and forth to make sure everything in the package is what the guests want. We book the trip with the destination and give the guests continued support up through their travel dates. Sometimes we even support them after they return home
What Do you specialize in: Cruising, All Inclusive Resort Getaways, Theme Park Vacations – as an advisor I have to maintain certifications in all areas that I book.
What are we known for: great customer service from start to finish. I am available to my guests 24/7 when they are on their trip in case they need any assistance, I also sent reminders and emails with tips and tricks all the way up until their travel dates. I have personal experience with almost every destination that I book for guests so I can ensure they have the best experience possible.
What sets us apart from others: All of our services are FREE! When you use a Magical Vacation Planner, you get all of our services and expertise at no additional cost! We are certified in every destination that we book and we have partnerships with many of the major resorts and cruise lines which allows us to give above and beyond service to our guests.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love about Orlando: When I need a mental health day I am only a short drive from visiting my favorite mouse! I also love the variety of restaurants and areas to go for nights out with my family and/or husband.
What I like least: traffic on I-4 LOL
Pricing:
- All of my services are FREE! As a travel advisor, we get compensated by the destination once you travel. When you book on your own or through a 3rd party like Expedia, you are paying the commission to the computer/website and getting little to no help afterwards. Why not use an advisor that can give you personalized suggestions, advice, and support throughout your trip.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stephanieosterhouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sun_kissed_stephanie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mvp_stephanie
