Today we’d like to introduce you to Crissy Taylor.
Hi Crissy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
In 2013, I became a mom to twins who would later be diagnosed on the spectrum; now I know what you think. What does that have to do with traveling? I will get there. I left behind my medical career in 2019 to homeschool my twins who were having difficulties with school and the world. During this time, I was talking to a friend one day, and she introduced me to the travel business and how I could still help others with my medical skills, make time for my family, and still make a small income. It was not something I first thought I could do as I was not confident in sales at the time. She finally talked me into it. I did lots of research on the travel industry and how it related to special needs and disabled persons. I wanted to include my experienced medical knowledge to help others who were having challenges when they traveled. I had hit that point in my life where I was traveling with my special needs twins and/or with my disabled father. Trips for us were either unique adventures or unique nightmares, but over the years, we developed an understanding of how to make the outside world shape our needs when traveling. So, I have geared towards Special Needs and Disability traveling focusing on families, couples, and single travelers. I have learned some new things about the traveling industry and stay up to date on the medical side (always HIPPA compliant). I share my tips and tools with all my clients during and after the booking process to best prepare them for traveling. I currently am specialized as an autism specialist in both traveling and medicine along with other certifications to best help my clientele.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Not at all. There was so much going on. First off, I left 3 jobs in the medical field as an Occupational Therapist Assistant for a school system, outpatient, and home health care worker for children and adults to start homeschooling our special needs twins, and of course, the pandemic hit right afterward all while starting an independent business in traveling. The great part about starting during a pandemic is that it allowed me time to accelerate my traveling education and focus on what areas I wanted to specialize in. The transition into the pandemic had its challenges for my family but we used that time by exploring our home state. Transitions are extremely hard for one of my twins, and the other would not have a problem when in the environment. Watching my twins and their friends, having to adjust to others made me seem like I was a new parent, completely clueless on how to help them adjust. Started educating myself and using my resources and then posting on social media to educate others. This is when I noticed I was becoming stronger in my niche for special needs/disability traveling.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an independent Travel advisor for Vacation With the Magic, LLC. who focuses on special needs and disability traveling. I love planning for families, couples, military, LGBTQ, and singles who seek adventure, want romance, or just a relaxing time. I have a background in therapy which provides me with proper education in areas such as equipment (SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocate), and Certification in Autism (CATP22603989 & AC22108802). I specialize in specific places as well as such as I am an Orlando Specialist; I explored those areas myself and want to share my tips and expertise. I want to reduce the worries on the vacation. I ease some of that by helping with equipment, or even if the family ventures outside the box but constantly worry about meltdowns, transitions, etc. I provide you with the best information or direction on how to best fit your needs and wants so that you can feel successful, safe, and happy with a vacation with little to no stress. My biggest accomplishment in the traveling business is how my children now understand that they need the tools and I needed to provide the right guidance for them to be successful in having a great time too. Vacation with the Magic is one of the fewest companies that follow HIPPA confidentiality, and I believe that this is important for an individual. I like to maintain that respect and believe that although education is great to share not everyone wants to share their information with suppliers. I become that advocate for my clientele.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My medical background is my best quality for providing educational information on medical knowledge about traveling. I would characterize myself as being personable, organized, diligent, loyal, and honest, which is how I want my clients to feel about me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vacationwiththemagic.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TravelingGuruCrissy/
- Other: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fagents.travelleaders.com%2FTravelingGuruCrissy%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0FOH5mCCYwtdeNqdkO0AesM_dxJKtNcUEp0WhAZS0zrAW3AsXep69eXIs&h=AT2eEz3EZSabOQb2Gyl0xxEXjNSXuyMwPsHx7rNdSbTgYOetkJ1qVgvDwKNK_lbixKpyaQUTS6OuxYQ0V52vDcGo0GfNMBUyW53eyrcqDUBGYBjxo5f5IV8CqqHRG1Vo2XHOh-M0q_fHQlqfH-C4
Image Credits
Crissy Taylor Gordon
La Grow Special Needs Group
