Page 55 - Sarita Maybin

Our 10th Anniversary Women of Distinction

location, and for some reason, they lost plan, I asked Melinda, “What is the what suggestion would you give to
your reservation, or they overbooked, process for booking a trip with Win- someone who wants to become a
and you are left in a strange country at nerDestination?" Her response was travel agent. “I would suggest that
night with no hotel room. Have you simple, "Go to my site, if they want to they first obtain formal education in
ever tried reaching an online travel look around a bit at the highlighted the field, but that alone isn’t enough.
company after work hours? If one of trips or just call my number or email They would then have to take a good
my customers has a problem, they have me. The first thing I will do is a short amount of time researching the many
my number, they call me, and I handle interview of sorts to ascertain where travel companies and tour companies
the crisis. They are not left on their they want to go and what they like to find out which ones are reputable
own in a foreign location with no idea to do when traveling. We will also and of which to steer clear. Do a lot
what to do." discuss what their time frame and of reading and be sure the companies
Originally from Ohio, Melin- budgetary considerations are. I then you plan to recommend to your clients
da and her husband moved here 32 ask what is most important to them. have been in business for a long time,
years ago when her husband’s job For some people they want a great ho- and have a positive track record.
brought him to Sunny San Diego, so tel room, for others, they don't plan on Melinda handles all types of travel
she is practically a native after all this spending much time in the room, so but specializes in cruises, Europe, and
time. Melinda's previous jobs incor- their main requirement is the location wine trips.
porated skills that naturally led her of the hotel which they want within With Melinda’s corporate experi-
to her current vocation. She worked walking distance of the city center or ence she has also helped companies
in production control, and logistics, top sightseeing spots in the location institute travel incentive programs for
which called for acute planning skills they are visiting. Some may want a their employees. What better way to
and her position in sales and market-
ing was helpful in running a successful
online business. A previous meeting
and events planning company posi-
tion was also a natural lead into travel
planning, so when she was downsized
from this firm the desire to branch out
on her own led her to open Winner
Destination. Melinda did not just start
a site and call herself a travel agent she
went back to school to obtain training
and certification and spent all of her
time immersed in the world of trav-
el. When she felt competent and had
earned her licenses, this is when she
started her business.
With all that is going on in the
world today I had to ask if Melinda has
noticed a decline in international travel
for fear of terrorism. "No, we haven't
seen a decline in bookings. I am a firm
believer that if you are aware of your heavily guided vacation, with lots of motivate your staff than with a fabu-
surroundings at all times, you will be tours so I will book that for them. lous vacation bonus.
fine. Terrorism is a horrific problem, Others just want to travel to a special
but it has happened in the states as spot and spend the week exploring Visit www.winnerdestination.com
often as in European locations, so you it on their own. Once I know these and let Melinda make your dream
just have to always be on your toes factors, I can plan their ideal vacation trip a reality.
while traveling." for them." Phone Number:760 975 3973 email:
So getting back to that dream I asked Melinda, as I do with most melinda@winnerdestination.com
vacation that you are finally going to of my interviews in various fields,

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