Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Kirssin Hanes.
Hi Tracy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was a young soon-to-be single mother looking for a career path. At 20 there wasn’t a lot at the time that didn’t require a full degree. So while I was looking to re-enroll in college, I came across a Travel School. Growing up I wanted to be an archaeologist like Indiana Jones. All I wanted to do was travel. So it seemed like a good option to go to travel school. That was over 23 years ago.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been anything but, a smooth ride. I got into the industry before the time of 9/11. Things were great. Then. everything changes. Airlines stopped paying agency commissions to book airline tickets. This was the travel industry’s bread and butter. Without that revenue, over 60% of storefront travel agencies closed their doors. I hopped from agency to agency. It was a rough time. I never thought we would see anything like it again. Until COVID. Covid really did a number on the travel industry. Most agencies went home-based. There are still a few storefronts out there but, COVID really changed the way we do business in many ways.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m fortunate to have a career where I get to channel that wanderlust every single day — and share it with others, too. I’ve spent over two decades in the travel industry, curating once-in-a-lifetime, custom-designed trips for my clients. In that time, I’ve visited over 25 countries, and as a Signature Travel Network Expert Select for the Hawaiian island — one of only 9 in the U.S.! — I’ve been to Hawaii more than a dozen times. My work has taken me from a private water temple blessing ceremony in Bali to an underground cacao ceremony in a cave outside of Teotihuacan. Let’s just say I’ve racked up more than my fair share of frequent flyer miles over the years.
I’ve sent people to countless destinations that I’ve scouted and vetted firsthand and planned their vacations with the care and expertise that only firsthand experience can bring. I’ve spent years cultivating invaluable relationships and connections with resorts, tour operators, and cruise lines, all so I can continuously offer my clients the best experiences possible. I’ve helped my clients experience the most unforgettable journeys, whether that’s spotting the Northern Lights from Scandinavia or landing a helicopter on Milford Sound in New Zealand.
When my clients want to plan a trip to the next big destination or the newest, hottest resort, they call me. When they want an unforgettable trip, with every detail and experience planned just for them (no endless TripAdvisor scrolling required), they trust me. And my dedication, connections, and experience keep them coming back.
I specialize in: Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways / Custom built European Vacations / Mexico / Hawaii / Luxury Ocean Cruises
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Travel is so personal: whether it’s laying on the beach in Bali, hiking the fjords of New Zealand, or hopping from one bistro to the next in Paris, no two dream vacations are alike. Before I start planning your next big adventure, we’ll get on the phone so I can get to know you. We’ll cover the straightforward stuff, like budget, dates, and locations, but I’ll also ask you some questions to get a sense for what you like (and dislike) in a travel experience. This phone consultation helps me not only plan the logistical details of your trip but also curate an itinerary that aligns with your preferences and what you hope to get out of your trip. (Note: due to their complexity and time-intensive nature, custom itineraries start at $150.)
After our initial consultation, I hit the ground running by meticulously planning the perfect curated experience for your trip. This means lots and lots of research, and it also means calling on my many industry connections around the world to line up those unforgettable experiences. During this phase, I like to bring my clients into the process as much as I can: sharing options as I go, updating with changes, and hashing out details over the phone or email to make sure you’re totally satisfied. You won’t get this type of one on one, customized service from Expedia or Airbnb. After we nail down any adjustments or tweaks, I’ll send over my final itinerary to you for your review. Then comes the hardest part: counting down to your amazing trip.
The payments have been made, the vacation wardrobe has been purchased, the passports and phone chargers have been packed, and now you’re just waiting to depart. And I’m right there with you the whole way — well, not literally. That would be a little creepy. But from the moment you walk inside the airport, I’m a text, email, or phone call away no matter what you need or when you need it (or what time zone you’re in). You decided to tack on an extra night in Florence before heading to Rome? No problem. Suddenly interested in checking out a mezcal distillery while you’re in Oaxaca? I’m on it. Lost your ID on a wild night out in Amsterdam? Call me — I might not be able to help you with your hangover, but I can at least help sort out your paperwork. Until you’re back home, I’m here and on-call to make things as smooth and stress-free as possible. That’s the Travel by Tracy difference.
Pricing:
- Planning fees start at $150 per person
Contact Info:
- Website: https://travelbytracy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripsbytracy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tripsbytracy
Image Credits
Heather Hamby / Ryan Carter / Jordan Rose
