Today we’d like to introduce you to Joell Boyd
Joell, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey to becoming an independent travel agent is one that’s been unfolding since childhood. It all began with a love for road trips, one that my family shared deeply. Growing up, road trips were a cherished tradition, each one filled with adventure and wonder. But one particular trip, when I was just five years old, ignited a spark in me.
We were driving from Washington state all the way down to California. A long journey, but it had one glorious destination: Disneyland! At that age the concept of time and travel, let alone mapping out Route 101 with my mom, was something I couldn’t quite grasp. But that didn’t matter. I had one mission when we got to Disneyland: to meet Mickey Mouse. And yet, as I sat in the backseat my little mind found other wonders along the way.
As we cruised through the Pacific Northwest, I was captivated by towering mountains that seemed to touch the sky. With the window rolled down, I could breathe in the fresh pine-scented ocean air, which felt as exciting as the adventure itself. We stopped at beaches, and I ran wild, chasing ocean waves rolling back and forth from shore. There was Chinatown in San Francisco, where we tasted and smelled new flavors, and took in the beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge. Every stop was a gem to me, tucked away in my memory.
After three long awe-inspiring days, we finally arrived at Disneyland, where I met Mickey Mouse. He gave me a kiss on the cheek. I couldn’t believe it, it was a dream come true! We even hopped to Mexico, and I remember all the vibrant colors shopping in the open air market and donkeys walking in the streets. It was so different and fascinating to me. That trip was more than just a vacation; it was the beginning of something much bigger, a lifelong love for travel and exploration.
From then on, travel became a big part of my life. By the time I was 10, I was already mapping out my own road trips, dreaming of the places I’d one day visit. I was enamored by the video game Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? which sparked an obsession with geography and countries. I pored over maps and began to familiarize myself with continents, cities, and landmarks that felt so far away but also attainable. I couldn’t wait to explore them.
During college, I had the opportunity to study abroad twice, which only deepened my passion for travel. Each journey was a new adventure, a chance to immerse myself in cultures, meet new people, and create lasting memories. As I traveled with friends and explored the world, I began to fantasize of a career that would allow me to share the magic of travel with others. More importantly, I wanted to help others make lifelong memories and take on new adventures through travel.
After graduation, I double majored in International Relations and Spanish. I set my sights on becoming a travel agent. But like many dreams, the path wasn’t as easy to follow as I had hoped. Breaking into the industry proved to be a challenge, and after a few years of trying, I found myself at a crossroads. I had to take a step back and redirect my energy into a different career, but even then, I didn’t lose hope.
Through perseverance and a bit of fate, I made a breakthrough. The dream that had been with me since that first road trip was still alive, and I was determined to make it a reality. Now, as an independent travel agent, I get to share my passion with others, helping them create the same kind of unforgettable experiences that shaped my own journey.
Looking back, that road trip from Washington to California wasn’t just the beginning of my love for travel—it was the start of a lifelong adventure that continues to unfold.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to get here was anything but smooth. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was finding an agency that had openings, or would hire me as a full/part-time employee or even with any type benefit. When I started searching for a position that offered more stability, I quickly realized that such opportunities were few and far between. Most agencies weren’t offering salaries or hourly pay, let alone the kind of benefits I had hoped for. Instead, many were looking for contractors. Meaning I would only earn based on commission. The income I made would be entirely dependent on how much travel I could sell.
Also, the catch as a contractor was that I was expected to find my own clients, which was an entirely new challenge. Without any established connections or a reputation in the industry, how was I supposed to find these clients? How could I compete with seasoned agents who already had a loyal following? It clearly wasn’t the type of role that was wrapped in a pretty package and tied with a bow.
The reality of the industry hit hard. It felt like a setback, and for a moment, I questioned whether this path was even viable. But I’m not one to give up easily. I knew that if I wanted to make it my reality, I’d have to get creative and build my own path by starting up my own agency.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a travel agent, I specialize in creating leisure vacations for my clients, everything from family getaways and honeymoons to guided expeditions and group tours.
What sets me apart from other agencies is my versatility. I’m a jack of all trades and I even do my own sales, marketing, design, and website development. When it comes to travel expertise, I don’t limit myself to a single region or offer the same trips over and over again. Every client I work with is unique, and I believe their trip should be equally unique. I take pride in offering a narrowed variety of options tailored to each individual’s needs, desires, and travel style. If I’ve never been to a destination, I have all the tools and resources to research. I even have a vast network of travelers who I tap to learn from their experiences who have been to that destination before.
Some clients come to me already familiar with their destination, having done their own research and don’t need an itinerary. Other clients, we work together to build a customized itinerary that highlights everything they’re excited about. Then there are the more adventurous clients who like to keep things spontaneous and are more hands off. And for clients who have a clear vision in mind and already know which hotel they want to stay in, or the exact excursion they want to book—it’s a quick, easy process to get everything arranged for them.
No matter how big or small the trip, I am always proud of every booking I make, especially when clients return for another booking. It’s not just about the destination or the details; it’s about ensuring that my clients have the best time and make long-lasting memories. Most recently, I actually got to travel on one of the trips I planned with a friend in Zion National Park. It was for a group of 12 people and we had the best time. It was fun actually being there and experiencing the adventure we helped make come to life with a such great group of people. We all still reflect on all the hiking adventures and stargazing nights we had on the Zion trip til this day!
But perhaps what makes me most proud is that, when my clients are traveling, I can take a step back and let them enjoy the adventure. If anything ever comes up on their trip when they need support I’m always available via email, text, or phone call away. I love to hear about their trips. I also believe feedback is crucial, and I welcome it from my clients. It helps me understand their experience and lets me know if I should continue working with a certain hotel or tour company in the future. Constructive feedback helps me grow as a professional and adjust my recommendations. It’s always a learning process and I make adjustments as I go.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about booking trips it’s about creating experiences that my clients will cherish. And knowing that I play a part in making their travels unforgettable is what truly makes my work so rewarding.
What does success mean to you?
To me, success isn’t about achieving a single goal or reaching a destination. It’s about the journey. The persistence to keep going even when things get tough. The ability to fail and learn from those setbacks, and the ultimate discovery of what truly makes you happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.travelwithjoell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelwithjoell
