Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Bryant.
Hi Kelly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My Journey into the Travel Industry:
From a young age, I’ve always had a deep passion for travel, geography, and learning about cultures around the world. After high school, I knew that traditional college wasn’t the path for me, so I chose to attend travel school—a necessary step at that time for anyone seeking to enter the travel industry. While I wasn’t quite sure which direction I wanted to take, I knew I wanted to be part of a field that allowed me to explore the world in some way. Life, as it often does, took me on a different path. I got married, had children, and spent many years raising them while also working in various roles—from the trucking industry to a law office to teaching preschool. Each job gave me valuable experience, but I never let go of my dream to one day work in the travel industry. In 2010, after relocating to Florida for my husband’s job promotion, my children were grown and I knew it was finally time to revisit that dream—25 years later. I came across an ad in a local newspaper promoting a travel night hosted by a local Travel Advisor. I reached out to her, hoping for guidance. She turned out to be a top producer with Cruise Planners, one of the leading franchises in the industry. Not only did she meet with me, but she also offered to train me and help me get started as her Associate. That December, I began my journey with Cruise Planners. I attended in-depth training in Fort Lauderdale to learn the Cruise Planners business model and software, and I worked closely with my mentor, learning her strategies and insights. I also underwent extensive training with cruise lines, tour operators, and travel partners to fully understand the products we offer. The first three years were challenging. I worked another job to bring in income while investing long hours into my travel business—often with little to no immediate return. But I believed in the process and stayed consistent. Eventually, after three years of dedication and sacrifice, I began to see my hard work pay off. Bookings increased, relationships flourished, and I was finally able to leave my second job to focus on my travel business full time. In 2018, we moved back to Georgia, and with the full support of my franchise mentor, I decided it was time to launch my own Cruise Planners franchise. I officially became a franchise owner in September 2018. Today, I am proud to be a top producer with Cruise Planners. I’m living my dream, doing what I love every day, and helping others experience the joy of travel. Beyond that, I have the honor of mentoring others who are just getting started—just as that first franchise owner did for me. This is so much more than a job—it’s a passion and a privilege. Helping clients create unforgettable memories around the world is something I truly cherish, and I feel incredibly fortunate to do what I do.
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?
It was not a smooth road. Being a Travel Advisor is a commission-based job, and we don’t get paid until people travel so it takes a long time to get paid on the work that we do. We may spend hours putting together a custom trip for Europe today that may not travel until 2026. So, we don’t get paid until then. I think this is something that the general public has no idea about. That is why it takes a while as a Travel Advisor to really start making money. You have to build up your clientele and a book of business that is traveling to really start making money.
The biggest challenge that I have faced in my business was Covid. We watched everything that we had worked for disappear overnight. All of the bookings that we had cancelled, and we didn’t get paid for anything. We still had to work the whole time, cancelling, rebooking, cancelling again, etc. It was a nightmare. A lot of agents did not make it thru the pandemic. It was definitely a time we all want to forget. Luckily, travel has bounced back stronger than before and hopefully it is something that we never have to experience again!
We’ve been impressed with Cruise Planners/Bucketlist World Travel, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our office is a full-service travel agency, where we are dedicated to helping you with all of your travel needs. Our experienced travel advisors are here to help you explore the world and discover exciting adventures across the globe. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious ocean or river cruise, a land tour, or a completely customized vacation package, we specialize in all types of travel and are committed to creating an unforgettable journey tailored just for you. Since 1994, Cruise Planners has been a trusted name in the travel industry. We are proud to be top producers with all major cruise lines and tour operators, allowing us to offer you the best options, value, and experiences available. Our highly trained agents are well-traveled and hold numerous specialist degrees and industry certifications. As for myself, I have a deep passion for Europe and specialize in creating customized European vacation packages that reflect your unique interests and travel desires. Let us help you plan your next adventure with confidence and personalized care.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’m not sure I believe in the notion that luck played any role in my life and in my business. I hold the belief that hard work, persistence, determination, and a dream brought me to where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bucketlistworldtravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cpkellyb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellybCP
Image Credits
Headshot by Heather Ryder Photography LLC
