One Year of Transforming Family Travel Dreams into Reality
Rebecca Saint Martin
Industrial Engineer and Travel Business Owner | MBA, USC Marshall School of Business | Master in Hospitality Management, FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
This month we celebrate our first anniversary at EZFamily Trips, and what a journey it has been. Building a travel agency from the ground up while navigating the dynamic travel industry has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Through every obstacle and triumph, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to making family travel planning seamless and enjoyable.
Here I am in this picture with my little ones in one of the many first-time’s I experienced this year. First time I set up a booth at an event, supporting our community during Montverde Day.
Shout out to all immigrant moms entrepreneurs that refuse to hide behind those labels and get up every day to challenge the status quo!
Why Family Travel Matters to Me
As a mom of two little girls, I know firsthand the magic that happens when families explore the world together. I also understand the overwhelming stress that comes with planning a family vacation - from finding kid-friendly accommodations to planning activities that everyone will enjoy (and yes, that includes teenagers!).
That's exactly why I started this agency. I wanted to transform the way families experience travel planning, making it as enjoyable as the vacation itself.
Our First Year in Numbers (kind of…)
Our Zero Service Fee Policy
In 2024, I adopted a zero service fee policy to test a theory. If EZFamily Trips was created to be a better and easier way to plan a family vacation, then, clients should not be charged upfront before we are even able to build trust between us.
So, it is common after a few messages or an initial conversation for the question to arise: “How do I pay you?”. To me, that is proof that my first-time clients see the value in the level of service and knowledge I provide. But, answering this question in case it is in your mind too: you don’t. The suppliers do. Same commissions suppliers would have kept for themselves or transferred to a third-party online travel agency (Expedia, Booking, Kayak, etc) if you had booked it yourself. So, essentially, the service is free for you, but I did not work for free, I earned the supplier’s commissions.
In 2025, we will re-evaluate the need to start charging service fees depending on how the industry keeps changing (a.k.a, new government, possible new laws that increase our liability as travel advisors).
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What Sets Us Apart
You might wonder what makes us different in the vast world of travel planning. It's simple - we put families first in everything we do. Our approach is built on three core values:
Integrity: Every recommendation we make is based on what's truly best for your family. No hidden agendas, just genuine care for your travel experience. If you are my client already, you will know I go against the “sales laws” because I am doing this for the individuals and families traveling, the numbers will be a consequence of the good work and trust we build.
Excellence: I continuously invest in industry certifications and training to stay ahead of travel trends and opportunities. Our strong relationships with trusted travel suppliers and service providers ensure you get the best possible experience. This should be standard for all travel agents, because we deal with such a dynamic industry, an incredible amount of suppliers and diverse clients. So, if you are working with a travel agency for some time or just recently found yours, just make sure that they are committed to continuously improving and updating their industry knowledge.
Transparency: From day one until you return home, you'll always know exactly what's happening with your travel plans. Clear communication is our promise to you. From our itinerary tools always keeping you in charge of your travel plans to our many ways to communicate, we are flexible and willing to adapt to our clients needs. Because, again, planning your travel should be easy with us.
Looking Forward
As we step into our second year, my commitment to helping families create unforgettable memories only grows stronger. Whether it's finding that perfect family resort in the Caribbean, planning a multi-generational European adventure, or organizing a simple weekend getaway, we're here to make it happen - stress-free.
To all our clients who trusted us with their precious family time this past year: Thank you. Your stories, photos, and smiles fuel our passion every day.
Here's to many more years of turning family travel dreams into reality! ????
Let's travel!
Head of Small and Medium Sellers - Amazon Marketplace
3 个月Que orgulho! Parabéns para essa empreendedora que eu admiro muito! ??
Senior Instructional Designer, creating engaging, memorable, and interactive 508 compliant learning for all. People learn best when they find the content funny and engaging.
3 个月Brava! I agree, traveling as a family is an incredible bonding experience. When my kids were small, we took multiple trips every year and even in their 20s, they'll bring up some of the wonderful times we had when they were pre-schoolers! Keep making those memories with your girls and helping your clients to do the same.