Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My passion for travel started as a young child, my mother was a flight attendant for TWA. My father loved road trips in the car and on his Harley Davidson motorcycle with me riding in the back enjoying the breeze. After traveling abroad in college, my love for travel expanded exponentially. Upon graduation, I pursued my passion and moved to Austin, Texas, where I continued exploring far away destinations from Ischia to Rapa Nui, as well as those closer to home, including the Caribbean and Mexico, though my favorite destination to explore and send clients is Africa. I have been with Balboa Travel since 2014 as a Senior Luxury Travel Advisor. My primary clientele includes C-Level Executives and A-List Celebrities. I specialize in private retreats, hotel buyouts, private jet charters, yachts, and incentive groups while providing the utmost discretion and confidentiality. I have a reputation for creating innovative and immersive trips. I am a destination expert and have relationships with travel suppliers all over the world. I have served on several Virtuoso panels, and I am on the editorial advisory board of Recommend Magazine. I am also a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors and is a Certified Accessible Travel Advocate.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning, the biggest struggle was learning all the products (cruise lines, hotels, villas, tours, etc.) available to clients and figuring out which option would suit them best. There is a big world out there and the goal is to always exceed client expectations on each trip. The biggest blessing has been mentorship and support from colleagues. I always had a seasoned agent available to ask questions. The mentorship accelerated my career and knowledge by leaps and bounds.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in authentic experiences. I seek out those WOW moments for clients. Whether it be a private dinner in Florence with an orchestra playing in front of the Statue of David or having a champagne toast while hot air ballooning in the North Pole, I continually search for those one of a kind WOW moments. I am most proud when I receive referrals from my clients. To hear how pleased my clients are that they tell their friends…those phone calls energize me! I love traveling with my clients. I will escort them on specially curated tours that are one of a kind and unique. My favorite tours involve contemporary art where we meet with artists, visit galleries, view private collections and eat wonderful meals along the way.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Client referrals and thank you cards.
Contact Info:
- Address: Balboa Vacations 3101 Bee Caves rd 290 Austin, Texas 78746
- Email: kbetts@balboa.com
- Website: www.balboavacations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristabetts/
