Independent Travel Advisor & Cruise Specialist

Melody Wilson Houston, TX LinkedIn: [contact hidden] PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY Customer-focused travel professional with 30+ years of experience building relationships, providing exceptional service, and helping clients make confident purchasing decisions. As an independent Travel Advisor specializing in cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and customized vacations, I guide clients from initial inquiry through booking while delivering personalized recommendations and outstanding support. Known for strong communication, consultative sales, problem-solving, and creating memorable customer experiences. Experienced working independently in fast-paced environments while managing multiple priorities with accuracy and professionalism. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Top 10 Travel Sales Team recognition for outstanding sales performance. Built and continue to grow an independent travel business through referrals, repeat clients, and digital marketing. Publish the bi-weekly travel newsletter Sunshine, Stories & Suitcases with a growing audience of 164+ LinkedIn subscribers. Successfully develop engaging social media content that generates inbound travel inquiries and client engagement. Maintain ongoing supplier certifications and destination training to provide current, informed travel recommendations. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Travel Advisor Cruise & Luxury Vacation Specialist Will Travel Co. 2024 – Present Consult with clients to recommend cruises, all-inclusive resorts, guided tours, and customized vacations. Match travelers with destinations and cruise lines based on their travel style, interests, and budget. Manage reservations, supplier communications, itinerary planning, and travel documentation. Build long-term client relationships through exceptional customer service and personalized follow-up. Generate new business through social media marketing, referrals, and educational travel content. Publish a bi-weekly travel newsletter while maintaining an active online travel community. Complete ongoing cruise line, destination, and supplier training to remain current on industry products and promotions. Buyer / Purchasing Specialist The Ground Up Current Manage purchasing for a high-volume wholesale horticultural operation. Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships. Negotiate pricing, availability, and delivery schedules. Analyze inventory levels to meet customer demand and business objectives. Coordinate multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Owner & Operator Retail Greenhouse & Garden Center - Pea Patch Gardens & Greenhouse Owned and operated a successful retail greenhouse and garden center for nearly 20 years. Managed all aspects of business operations, including sales, purchasing, merchandising, inventory, marketing, and customer service. Built long-term customer relationships through knowledgeable, personalized service. CORE SKILLS Cruise Sales Vacation Planning Inbound Sales Consultative Selling Customer Service Relationship Building Reservation Management Travel Documentation CRM Systems Microsoft Office Vendor Relations Negotiation Problem Solving Social Media Marketing Time Management Multitasking PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Certified Travel Associate (CTA) – In Progress Ongoing Cruise Line & Supplier Certifications