Podcast Episode Details

Independent Travel Consultant: Kimberly Croft of Carefree Vacations

---

Episode 88

---

Kimberly looks back on a career spanning over three decades, reflecting on how she discovered a love for travel when she entered her LAX for the first time as a child, and how she later volunteered to intern for free at a local travel agency as a college student just to be able to get her feet wet in the industry as soon as possible.

Listen in as Kimberly shares the advantages of having a travel agent and gives her perspective on “budget” travel versus spending a little more for extra-special experiences. She then gives the pros and cons of timeshares, the primary effects that COVID has had on the travel industry, crucial facts about travel insurance today, and how to work around higher prices and change fees when traveling. Finally, Kimberly talks credit cards and travel and destinations that she considers to be hidden gems.

Sponsors: 

• SweetProcess: As a loyal listener of this podcast, you can try for 28 days, free of charge. You don't even have to enter a credit card to get started. SweetProcess is a simple but powerful tool that lets you create clear step-by-step instructions for every task in your company; from writing proposals to executing client work, to responding to client requests. Learn more by clicking the link. 
• Pella Windows & Doors

Topics Discussed:

• [03:22] How Kimberly got started in travel
• [06:23] The advantages of having a travel agent in today’s travel industry
• [10:36] How Kimberly charges for group travels
• [12:49] How to find a good travel agent
• [13:41] What travel agents can help you with
• [17:11] How travel agents are able to find solutions to emergencies or last-minute issues
• [23:30] Deals that reputable travel agencies can get that you never could by yourself
• [24:54] Are there pros to buying a timeshare?
• [31:20] How COVID has changed travel and what to expect in the next several months
• [37:54] Navigating higher prices and change fees when travelling
• [42:10] The best days and times to travel
• [47:25] Which credit cards and reward systems are best for travel?
• [54:18] Tips for traveling in Europe
• [56:44] Underrated destinations
• [0102:39] What’s next for Kimberly?

Connect with Kimberly Croft & Carefree Vacations:

• Website 
• Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

Connect with Brad Leavitt:

• Website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• Houzz 
• Pinterest 
• YouTube

Key Quotes by Kimberly:

• Generally, there are no disadvantages to using a travel agent.
• Most agents worth their salt are going to give you a 30-minute consultation where you just talk about what you’re thinking and decide whether the agent is  a good fit for you.
• A lot of clients tel

  ---

  Published on 4 years, 6 months ago