Today we’d like to introduce you to Pam Sandlie.
Hi Pam, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For over 40 years, I have dedicated my career to the service industry, working in various roles that focused on providing care and personalized experiences to others. For the last 25 years, I have been a licensed massage therapist, building a successful career both as a business owner and through established companies. While I loved the work and the connections I made with clients, the physical demands of massage therapy can take a toll over time.
Travel has always been a passion of mine, and as I explored more destinations, I realized how much I enjoyed researching, planning, and curating experiences—not just for myself but for others as well. That realization led me to seek out professional training to become a travel advisor. Rather than joining an established agency, I took the leap and founded Blue Emerald Travel Advisors, a boutique travel agency dedicated to creating seamless, well-planned, and unforgettable travel experiences.
Now, nearly two years into my journey as a travel advisor, my goal is to transition into this industry full-time and gradually step away from massage therapy. Helping clients bring their dream vacations to life is incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful that they trust me to guide them through the process.
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?
Any career transition or new business venture comes with challenges. Starting a travel agency requires not only a deep understanding of destinations and logistics but also significant financial investment and continuous education. The travel industry is ever-evolving, and staying updated on policies, regulations, and trends is essential.
That being said, I’ve embraced every challenge as a learning experience. The biggest reward is seeing the excitement on my clients’ faces when we bring their travel dreams to life. While no business journey is entirely smooth, each experience adds to my knowledge and expertise, allowing me to serve my clients better with every trip I plan.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Blue Emerald Travel Advisors is a boutique travel agency that I officially launched in August 2023. My goal is to provide highly personalized service, ensuring my clients feel supported from the initial planning stages until they return home. Whether it’s a corporate traveler needing efficiency, a multi-generational family planning an Alaskan cruise, or honeymooners looking for a romantic getaway, I curate each trip with attention to detail and a commitment to making travel stress-free.
I specialize in Alaska, Hawaii, and cruising, and I am currently expanding my expertise to include Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. My business is structured so that my clients receive my full attention whenever they reach out—I take them under my wing and handle every aspect of their trip, from research and reservations to real-time problem-solving during their travels.
I have planned and booked ocean cruises, river cruises, guided tours, and customized independent travel. Some of my favorite travel experiences include European Christmas market river cruises, Australia, the tulip season in the Netherlands, hiking through Sedona and Zion National Park, and exploring the rainforests of Costa Rica. My firsthand experiences give me a unique perspective, allowing me to provide honest, well-informed recommendations to my clients.
For those seeking one-of-a-kind adventures, I love finding unique accommodations and experiences. One of my favorite personal travel memories is an overnight stay at a zoo in Australia, where my balcony overlooked a koala habitat—a moment that reminded me why I love creating these extraordinary experiences for others.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Absolutely. Starting a boutique travel agency is a leap of faith, and it comes with financial and professional risks. Many people assume that travel advisors just get to travel for free, but the reality is that this business requires significant investment in firsthand experiences. If I’m going to confidently recommend a destination, I need to experience it myself, which means funding many of my own research trips.
One of the biggest shifts in becoming a travel advisor is that I no longer look at travel as just a vacation—every trip is an educational journey. I immerse myself in the culture, the food, the accommodations, and the logistics to ensure I can offer my clients the best possible advice.
I’ve also embraced the digital age of travel, recognizing how valuable visual content is for clients. Thanks to great mentors, I’ve expanded into content creation, filming destinations, and providing digital insights so my clients can see where they’re going before they arrive. Staying ahead of industry trends and utilizing technology has been a game-changer in setting my agency apart.
Every risk I’ve taken has led to growth, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blueEmeraldtravel.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/blueemeraldtravel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pam.sandlie
- Other: Email [email protected]
