Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelley Embrey.
Hi Shelley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was a young Army wife with a new baby, stationed on Oahu in the mid 90’s. I decided it was time for me to find a career path so I completed a travel agency management program in Honolulu and quickly landed my first job at a nearby travel agency! After leaving Hawaii, I worked for a couple of other travel agencies over several years in different states. In 2012, after several consecutive years of being one of the top producers at a local Austin agency, I realized I was no longer enjoying my job. I felt like an “order taker” and desired more creative freedom to offer my clients a more personalized experience, rather than a cookie-cutter tour package. A colleague suggested I start my own business, and in January 2013, I did just that! When I first launched, I had no idea how to run a business, and I made a few mistakes on that side of things, but my business became a quick success! Within just 2 years, I was back on the top producers’ list, but this time I was competing with thousands (in my host agency), not just 100 or so at the former agency. As a former athlete, I am competitive by nature, so awards and achievements do motivate me. But I get the greatest satisfaction from knowing that I’m able to provide my clients with unique and memorable experiences, from the heart, not a brochure!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not always. I didn’t know the first thing about starting a business and I made a few mistakes. The biggest was the business name that I chose. I did a search and didn’t see it listed already, but after about 2 years I got an angry voicemail from an agency owner in another state, claiming she owned the rights to that name. I really didn’t like the name or the logo anymore anyway, so rather than try to fight it, I just rebranded and I’ve been very happy with that decision!
The biggest challenge was in March of 2020. I was on track to have one of my best years ever, then COVID shut down the world and I, along with the rest of the travel industry, spent the majority of that year canceling nearly every trip I had booked. Many people don’t understand how travel agents get paid. Most of us are independent contractors, so we do not get a salary. This means that we are 100% commission-based and do not get paid unless the client actually travels, and we often don’t get paid until the travel is complete. So, in many cases, when a trip is canceled, there’s no compensation after months (sometimes years) of planning and hours worked. So, in 2020 and part of 2021, I had worked 12+ hour days with almost no compensation. COVID is the reason most experienced agents now charge planning fees. This ensures we will get at least some compensation for our time and efforts.
As you know, we’re big fans of Excellent Escapes Travel. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
EET is a boutique travel agency specializing in customized and thoughtfully curated experiences. We believe that all travelers are different, and their itineraries should reflect each client’s individual wants and needs. Being independent means I am not tied to specific suppliers and can source from whichever supplier best fits the client’s needs! I do specialize in premium and luxury travel but I am also very respectful of my clients’ budgets and truly believe that everyone deserves to travel, so I always seek out the best value to ensure my client gets the most for their money.
I do book most any type of travel or destination, but my specialties are in Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, Tahiti, Europe, river cruises, and ocean cruises. Honeymoons are my favorite!
Earlier this year, I launched a passion project of mine, “Alcohol Free Escapes, by Excellent Escapes Travel”. This was inspired by my personal experience and observations while traveling as a non-drinker for the past 5+ years. Once you quit drinking, you quickly notice how almost every single event or activity involves alcohol, and when you choose not to be a part of that, it can be isolating and awkward for some. So, I wanted to create a like-minded community! It is currently a very small group on Facebook, but I do hope it will continue to grow, and I can start planning some group trips focused on alcohol-free adventures!
Other services we offer: group travel, corporate retreats, private yacht charters, wellness retreats, luxury glamping/unique lodging, reunions. I also host 1-2 small group trips each year. In 2026 we’re going to the Galapagos (sold out) and in early 2027 we’re doing an Eastern European river cruise (space available)!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Have you heard of AI? LOL…. Yep, that’s what is changing the travel industry, along with the entire world we live in. At first, I was worried that AI would take over. But I have been in this industry since before the internet was a common household tool, and we all thought the same thing would happen then. At first, it did a little, but then it became overwhelming and frustrating. People were getting scammed out of money and couldn’t trust online photos of hotels, so they quickly came back to the professionals. I view AI the same way. Yes, it will disrupt the industry somewhat, but I’m not worried. Instead, I am learning as much as I can about it and leveraging it in my business to make me even more productive, efficient, and knowledgeable.
Current travel trends are leaning more toward the bucket list trips. More and more people are choosing experiences and memories over material items, and understand the importance of doing it while you can! We never know if another pandemic is coming, or when our time on Earth will end. Experience life while you can!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://excellentescapestravel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellentescapes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellentEscapes
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-embrey-59754155/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/excellent-escapes-travel-austin-3
