Rebecca Smiley, a 28-year-old travel advisor, is redefining the travel industry with her innovative approach. After switching careers to become a travel advisor, Smiley is on track to book over $1 million in trips for her clients this year. Her expertise ranges from organizing $1,000 Las Vegas getaways to luxurious $21,000 weekend cruise packages. This surge in demand highlights a growing trend among young travelers who are eager to have unique experiences that set them apart.
Smiley has observed that many of her clients, particularly those planning European honeymoons, seek destinations off the beaten path. She suggests that travelers consider boutique hotels as an alternative to traditional five-star accommodations for a more personalized stay. Young travelers in their 20s and 30s are increasingly prioritizing bucket-list adventures, driven by their feeling of being shut out of achieving traditional financial milestones such as buying a home.
"They're much more willing to spend their money, their hard-earned money on an experience like a vacation than the nicest new car, or maybe [because] they can't get a house," Smiley notes.
This willingness to invest in experiences is evident in the trend of younger clients opting for unique trips such as African safaris, which were once reserved for retirement.
"They're going to put in the money to go on this really cool African safari that maybe other people don't do until they have retirement money."
Smiley's success demonstrates that travel advisors are experiencing a revival, driven largely by the demands of young people seeking expert guidance in creating unforgettable experiences. Her bookings have increased from $800,000 in 2024 to an anticipated $1 million in 2025, underscoring the growing reliance on travel advisors.
To maximize travel budgets, Smiley recommends utilizing credit card points or airline loyalty programs to reduce flight costs. However, she emphasizes the importance of investing in quality accommodations.
"When you look back, although you might remember the excursions or adventures you had, you will remember a bad stay more than that," she advises.
"If you're going to spend more in one travel category, make it your accommodations."