Today we’d like to introduce you to Leila Coe.
Hi Leila, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I grew up wanting to be a travel agent before I understood what that entails. As a child, I pictured it being all about colorful brochures, pretty posters of Hawaii, and making hotel reservations at Disney. And while those are pieces of what it entails, I’ve discovered over the past 22+ years in the travel industry that there’s so much more involved. I am the proud owner of Eat Drink Vacations LLC, a boutique platinum travel agency. I call it “boutique,” as I am not a “cookie-cutter” vacation planner. Instead, I take the time to get to know every client to create a unique itinerary based on their interests and travel styles. As you may have guessed, my clients love food, wine, and culinary activities (as do I). This isn’t necessarily the main focus of every trip, but there’s usually some aspect involved (wine tastings, cooking class, etc). My agency may seem small, but it has worldly connections. It has grown to be a million-dollar agency, and I did that through word-of-mouth referrals and returning clients. I love working with my clients, and it may sound cheesy, but it is true – I love making their travel dreams a reality.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenge or obstacle has been the unknown. Pandemics, adverse weather, volcano eruptions, strikes, and and more can happen worldwide without warning. So many things are beyond my control, but I can control how I approach working around or with these obstacles. I remain calm while seeking the best alternative options for my clients. It is no secret that 2020 was a challenge to everyone in the travel industry, but we got through that, and my agency had the best year ever in 2023. Onwards and upwards!
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Eat Drink Vacations LLC?
I am the owner of a travel agency called Eat Drink Vacations. I work individually with each client to get to know their interests, hobbies, and travel style so that I can create a vacation itinerary based on what they’re most interested in experiencing. As the name suggests, there is a focus on culinary interests, but it can be something other than the trip’s main focus. Customized trips to Europe are the heart of my business. I’ve lived in Europe a couple of times and spent many summers there, so I have a lot of personal experience of traveling in and around Europe. However, I have had clients travel to every continent, including Antarctica. I have amazing industry contacts and resources, so I know someone to trust if it is a destination I need to become more familiar with. I’ve been in the industry for over twenty years and have much experience with many destinations! I am known for my attention to detail. I provide detailed travel documents that include all the important information, food/drink recommendations, walking directions to each tour/activity, destination guides, and more. Each trip and traveler is different, so the documents are customized with that in mind. My clientele tends to be higher-end travelers – 4+star hotels and resorts, premium economy/business class flights, small group or private guides – things like that. I also work with most river and ocean cruise companies. Cruising is always popular (and I’ve gotten addicted, too), and my clients prefer smaller ships or more luxury brands, as do I. I love creating and customizing each vacation. Each is as unique as the individual. And I love a good challenge – complicated multi-country trips can be a headache to some, but I love figuring out the “puzzle!” Isn’t it time to indulge yourself and travel your dreams? I think so.
Alright, before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work, collaborate, or support you?
It all begins with a simple trip request. Email is preferred as I like being able to keep everything in writing. But I am also available by phone/video chat or in person. I reserve texting for emergencies only.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.EatDrinkVacations.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Eat_Drink_Vacations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatdrinkvacations/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelbitesclub
