Why Continuing Education Matters for Travel Advisors: Insights from the Wander Beyond Retreat

As a travel advisor, I’ve always believed that seeking out opportunities for growth and learning throughout the year is essential. So when the chance to attend Careers on Vacation’s Wander Beyond Retreat with Cyndi Williams and other travel industry experts came up, I knew I had to go! In October, I joined an incredible lineup of professionals on Royal Caribbean’s newest vessel, Utopia of the Seas, for a retreat that offered far more than just networking—it was about transformation, collaboration, and practical skills that would serve my clients for years to come. I’m thrilled to share what made this retreat such a powerful experience and why continuing education is so important for travel advisors like myself.

The Importance of Continuing Education for Travel Advisors

In this fast-paced industry, ongoing education for travel advisors is more than a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for advisors to stay connected with industry experts. At events like the Wander Beyond Retreat, professionals like Cyndi Williams, founder of Wanderlust Campus, provide advisors with strategies, updates, and tools that help us stay resilient and grow our businesses amid change. This year’s retreat speakers brought over 40 years of combined experience, including navigating worldwide events like COVID-19. Learning from leaders who have successfully overcome such challenges was both reassuring and inspiring.

Beyond the sessions themselves, the retreat offered valuable connections with like-minded advisors. It’s a unique environment where everyone’s collaborating, sharing tips, and offering support, which is priceless in an industry as relationship-driven as travel. For me, these events always leave me with new insights and a renewed sense of purpose—ready to enhance my services and bring fresh ideas back to my clients.

Why I Chose Wander Beyond

As travel advisors, we get many opportunities to travel and learn each year, but I specifically chose Wander Beyond because it’s set apart from many other industry events. Unlike most conferences, this retreat was free from supplier sponsorships (like resorts or cruise lines), allowing the focus to stay entirely on the needs of travel advisors. Cyndi Williams designed this event with the goal of giving advisors specific training and resources that can help us better serve our clients without being influenced by supplier sales agendas.

The topics covered ranged from business finance and client care to mindset work and social media, all of which gave me a clearer direction for growing my business. The retreat even offered unique field trip opportunities, where we explored destinations with expert guidance on what details and considerations matter most for clients. This hands-on approach helped me see through the eyes of my clients and gather valuable insights to bring home.

Onboard the Utopia of the Seas: Exploring New Horizons

One of the highlights of this year’s Wander Beyond was experiencing Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas. This stunning new Oasis-class ship had only been sailing for a few months when we boarded, and it was a water-lover’s dream! With 18 slides, 10 pools, seven beaches, and two aqua parks for kids, it was a paradise for anyone who enjoys the water. But what really caught my attention was the food! Utopia offered incredible dining options, from fan favorites like Izumi Hibachi and Sushi to new, exciting spots like Royal Railway–Utopia Station and the Southern-inspired Mason Jar.

For me, the entertainment was also a huge highlight. As a Broadway enthusiast, I loved watching All In!, Royal’s latest high-tech production at the water theater, and I had so much fun at events like Friendly Feud and Battle of the Sexes. By experiencing these offerings firsthand, I can now make personal recommendations to clients looking for both adventure and relaxation on the high seas.

How Continuing Education Helps Me—and YOU, My Clients

Investing in my own learning has consistently helped me find better ways to serve my clients. While online training options are often convenient, attending in-person events like Wander Beyond brings a level of energy, motivation, and inspiration that online classes can’t always match. In the past, I’ve met colleagues at events like these who’ve helped me make critical business decisions and explore new ways to enhance my services. These events give me the time, space, and focus to prioritize growth and fully immerse myself in learning.

How My Development Benefits You as a Traveler

Continuing education doesn’t just benefit me—it directly impacts the quality of service I can offer my clients. Events like Wander Beyond equip me with new tips, strategies, and insights that I can pass along to clients. I learn about the latest destination trends, new add-on services, and insider travel tips that elevate my offerings. Plus, seeing destinations and experiences firsthand helps me identify which clients might fall in love with each location or ship, making my recommendations more personalized and genuine.

I left Wander Beyond with a renewed excitement to serve my clients better, new skills to put into practice, and a deeper appreciation for this supportive, growth-minded community of travel advisors. I can’t wait to implement everything I learned to continue providing exceptional service to my clients.

Want to follow along with future adventures and updates? Be sure to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram as I continue to learn, explore, and Wander Beyond!