For the past four years, Libby Garcia has been an important part of the 407&Beyond team, growing as a travel agent, supporting clients, and helping lead our community as an advisor who onboards and mentors new agents. Libby is someone who brings both experience and heart to what she does, whether she is helping a family plan their first Disney vacation, sharing firsthand insight from the parks and cruises, or encouraging a new agent as they begin their journey.
Her love of travel runs deep. From taking her daughter to meet Anna and Elsa for the first time, to exploring Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland, to recommending unforgettable destinations like Alaskan cruises, Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, and Butchart Gardens in British Columbia, Libby brings a true spirit of adventure to her work.
We asked Libby 10 questions about why she chose 407&Beyond, what makes our agency community different, how she has grown over the years, and what advice she would give to someone considering becoming a travel agent.
1. What first attracted you to 407&Beyond, and what made you feel like it was the right agency for you?
I had looked around at a few different agencies before interviewing with 407&Beyond and the first thing that attracted me to this agency was the overall feel and vibes of it. It felt like an established agency already when it was a newer agency at the time. It had legitimacy to it. This made me confident that it was not only a good agency but a reputable one. Once I chatted with Bruce, I knew it was the right agency for me!
2. What do you think makes 407&Beyond different from other agencies or travel agency teams?
407&Beyond provides a supportive and collaborative community. When I first joined, I truly felt a connection with other agents, including my advisor! Now that I am an advisor I get to share that community feel and support. This helps fellow 407&Beyond agents feel confident and set up for success as they grow their travel agent careers. We support each other and help each other be our best so we can do our best for our clients.
3. You help onboard new agents. What do new agents usually appreciate most once they join 407&Beyond?
I see two things that new agents appreciate: 1. a fully developed onboarding process that includes guides, supplier trainings, agent chats, and, 2. an advisor to help support them as they begin their travel agent journey.
4. How does collaboration show up in the day-to-day life of a 407&Beyond agent?
Collaboration shows up in our daily chats in our agency workspaces, from brainstorming together to asking and answering questions. I also see it on social media with agents engaging with each other!
5. What kind of person do you think thrives as a travel agent with 407&Beyond?
Someone that has a can-do attitude will thrive as a travel agent. It is important that an agent do their best to ensure their clients needs are met. Those agents who continue to thrive at 407&Beyond are those who enjoy working with other people – who are treat people kindly and like to see individual and team success.
6. How has being part of 407&Beyond helped you grow as a travel advisor? What changes in your four years have you seen?
The biggest thing that has helped me grow has been in-person travel with our suppliers (i.e. a Royal Caribbean Cruise, experiencing the theme parks and their hotels etc.). Another helpful piece I attribute to my growth as a travel agent are the personal relationships I’ve developed with fellow 407&Beyond agents. Those relationships I’ve created challenge me to be better every day because we can talk about all things travel, answer each other’s questions and cheer each other on.
In my four years as a travel agent, the travel industry has changed quite a bit! Even before I was an agent, I’ve seen lots of changes. I’ve noticed a big growth in travel over the years, especially cruises, since the pandemic. Almost as if it’s a “lets travel now rather than later” sort of thing!
7. What is your favorite thing about being a travel agent?
There’s so many things, but my favorite thing about being a travel agent is providing my personal recommendations for clients and the destinations they travel to! It’s so fun to be able to share places I visited in Paris or my favorite restaurant in Walt Disney World or my favorite snack at Universal Orlando and then hearing how much the client enjoyed their vacation!
8. What would you say to someone who is nervous about starting as a travel agent or joining a new agency?
It can seem nervewrecking, but if your dreams aren’t scary, they aren’t big enough! Another thing I would say is that it’s okay to look around at several agencies, even interview at a couple. Every travel agency is different, has a different way of doing things and some may not be the right fit, so finding that right fit is important for one’s success as an agent.
9. What is one thing you wish every applicant understood about being a travel agent / working at 407&Beyond before they apply?
It takes time to grow your clientele, it is not an overnight process. And never compare yourself to others. Travel Agents & agencies are all different, but we are not a competition.
10. What is your favorite vacation destination right now and why?
Currently, I have two! Universal Orlando because of Epic Universe and Butterbeer. Disney Cruise Line because of the amazing ships, experiences and the two Disney ports!
