Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Parseghian.
Hi Jenny, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Sure, I would love to! It all started in January 2021. I had been working for the LA County Schools from the comforts of my home since the start of the Pandemic. Knowing that this luxury of working remotely was not going to last forever, I quickly started thinking about what I would rather be doing and what I would be good at? The love of travel that I possess, I believe is in my DNA and was passed down to me from my father. Since I was a child and as far back as I can remember, my dad would pack us up (Mom, older brother & sister) in the family’s Chevrolet station wagon and take us on the best family road trips. I remember having my makeshift bed set up in the back of the wagon (no seatbelt laws back then) and listening to my brother and sister play ‘outta state’. I have fond memories that I cherish of the 5 of us staying at Motel 6 in various cities. Till this day if I spot a Motel 6 on the highway, I get a feeling of nostalgia. My dad would always say that if he was a millionaire he would never stay home, he would travel the world. This never held him back though, he traveled and continues to travel the world but on a budget of course! Back to where it all started. I knew that I loved to travel, wished I could do it more often. I also knew that I had the gift of planning. Being married to my best friend for almost 19 years now, I’ve had the pleasure of putting together some of the most memorable vacations we’ve experienced as a married couple. And so, the seed was planted the seed of possibly one day opening up my very own travel business. Google and I became very close at this time as I seriously began researching ways I can become a travel advisor, better yet ways I can start a home-based travel agency. Early on in my research I came across The Travel Institute (TTI) and I’ll be forever grateful that I did. The Travel Institute is a non-profit organization that works with travel industry leaders to create and deliver the most effective Travel Professional Education. TTI offers Career Training Courses, Specialist Training Programs & Certification. My desire to learn more about this ever-changing industry moved me to enroll in a training course for aspiring travel agents. There is a quote from an ancient proverb that I live by which says “the plans of the diligent surely lead to success.” I kept this proverb at the forefront of my thoughts as I delved into a travel industry education I have come to value and credit to my success. The course I completed with TTI walked me through the entire process from A to Z of How to Start a Home-Based Travel Agency. In short, this is how Vibrant Sun Travels was born.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth no, worth it YES! I was aware that the road leading to accomplishing my goal was not going to be easy. Was I prepared for the challenges along the way, not really. Starting your own business in an industry you are completely new to was pretty overwhelming and yes, I had those moments when I thought “Jenny what are you doing?” I’m big on ancient proverbs and there is another one that says “So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.” This helped me to align my thoughts and plans and truly try to take each task one day at a time. One of the challenges I dealt with involved the learning process. To plan your own travels is one thing, to build and start your own travel company and book other people’s travel is a completely different language. Learning the language of the travel industry and its several components took a lot of brain power and energy. Learning is something that travel professionals never stop doing. The travel world is constantly evolving. As a reliable and trustworthy travel advisor, you want to make sure you are up-to-date and providing your clients with the best possible travel options. I came in at a time when the pandemic was at its peak. When I started planning travel for clients, COVID-19 travel restrictions including your vaccination status were still heavily enforced. Not only did I have to inquire about my client’s vaccination status, but more importantly and constantly changing were the travel requirements & restrictions each country and each airline had in effect. The information provided by each country and airline was so vague at times this made it difficult to provide your client with the most accurate travel information. I’m quite happy now that travel has opened up and most restrictions are no longer in effect or have loosened up tremendously.
As you know, we’re big fans of Vibrant Sun Travels. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Vibrant Sun Travels is a full-service travel agency focusing on tailor-made trips throughout Europe, Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean (or anywhere else your heart desires to explore, we cover the entire globe!) We build packages ranging from a multi-city globe-trotting adventure to a stress-free all-inclusive holiday.
As the owner & founder of Vibrant Sun Travels I take pride in offering my clients unparalleled travel services that include the best options for flights, accommodations, cruises, sightseeing tours, and much more! During a complimentary consultation I make it my aim to really get to know my client first, learn about their likes, their dislikes, favorite past vacations, favorite wine, special occasions, etc.
When I understand my client’s travel expectations, style & budget I am able to create a fully customized itinerary with my client’s best interest at heart. My desire is to provide customers honest and consistent travel advise and services with the goal of cultivating long lasting client relationships. One question I get asked is ‘Why would I use a travel agent when I can book everything myself online?’ I love this question because it’s also the same question I would ask before I started my own travel company. Travel agents provide clients with first-hand knowledge based on personal experience. Their preferred supplier relationships allow them to give their clients discounts & extra perks that they normally wouldn’t receive when booking travel on their own. Travel agents assist you when unexpected problems arise and can help you anticipate potential issues in advance. Travel agents save you precious time. It takes time to put an extensive trip together. Travel agents take the time to do all the research in order to provide you with the best possible options and prices. I cover every little detail so that all my client has to do is show up at the airport with their luggage and passport in hand.
What do you think about luck?
Honestly, I don’t believe in luck. I do believe that whatever you sow is what you will reap. In our lives, we’ve been given the precious freedom of making our own choices. Despite things that are out of our control like getting in a tragic accident, for the most part, it’s the choices we make in our lives that will determine our success. When you work hard and put forth effort you can achieve your goal and have a positive outcome.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vibrantsuntravels.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibrantsuntravels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vibrantsuntravels
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-parseghian-170888253/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/vibrantsunT
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vibrant-sun-travels-glendale
- Other: https://www.travelleaders.com/agent/222618?ref=search
