Hi again! Thanks for learning more about Gen-X Luxe Travel.
My name is Vicky DiMichele (<– LinkedIn bio if you are interested). I’ve worked in the travel industry since 2006 but, I have to tell you, it has been an incredible journey so far. I’ve seen some amazing destinations (click here to see a map) and learned about so many new cultures. This industry is ever changing and keeps me interested in my passion for travel. There are always new hotels opening and new experiences to explore. This passion is what drives me. This is what made me want to create something about Gen-X Luxe Travel.
I began my journey at a video production company that specialized in travel videos. We created online libraries for travel agents to put on their websites so I really got to know the suppliers along with our travel advisor clients. I was then lured over to the agency side and ran their marketing department for a few years. One person, a million hats. I was in charge of everything marketing, plus a few odds and ends like helping to host large groups around the world and researching fraud attempts on our online booking engines (just to name a couple). There was always so much to do and I loved it all.
After I got my footing, we were acquired by a larger organization where I worked in the leisure travel marketing department. Instead of running marketing for just a few local offices, I was now involved with offices across North America.
It was so much fun to meet all of the new travel advisors and staff. I learned what they needed in their different demographics. Some advisors focused on luxury cruises, some on destination weddings & honeymoons, while others chartered entire cruise ships to see the solar eclipse. Each person had a different niche and it was interesting to see how they worked their magic. I was also meeting more travel suppliers from across the globe and curating relationships beyond just their presentations.
I finally decided to put all my knowledge to the test and launch my own site, highlighting properties, suppliers and travel gear that makes me happy. Something that I could stand behind. Something that I was in charge of. If I like a hotel, great! Let’s talk about it. If I’m not excited about a cruise line, that’s OK too. I don’t have to post about them.
I like to research travel trends, see what is going on and then tell you all about my favorite parts. With my industry relationships, some are as simple as just Facebook messaging the sales rep to get a quick answer or sending the hotel’s general manager a text message to get a confirmation. This is just a bit about Gen-X Luxe Travel that I absolutely love.
You may be wondering about this site. Gen-X Luxe Travel is about luxury travel for early to mid-life travelers who want a new twist on their travel experience. Because I have been there or have connections there, it is easy to help mold that vision you have for your next journey.
My tips can also be a bit different than you may find with a traditional travel agency. For instance, I love to advise clients on how to use Twitter to get on “the list” at those exclusive Las Vegas clubs. Need a suggestion for a craft beer festival in Slovakia? Let me tell you my favorite! Interesting wineries in France? Um, the Wine Theme Park in Bordeaux (yes, that really is a thing!!!)
OK. Enough about me and about Gen-X Luxe Travel. I want to hear about you! What are your travel dreams? Where have you been that you can’t stop talking about? What was your worst trip and why? I want to know! Drop me a line below and let’s connect.
-Vicky DiMichele
