Travel Advisor Success Story: Velia Kennedy, Modern Family Travel

Velia Kennedy (Source: Velia Kennedy)

Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Velia Kennedy, owner of Modern Family Travel.

How did you get your start as a travel advisor?

My love for travel, particularly Disney, comes from my own childhood. Growing up in a divorced family, I have fond memories of the three big vacations we took to Walt Disney World before my parents separated. Those trips were full of happiness, and I knew I wanted to create those kinds of memories for my own family one day.

I started an Instagram account dedicated to helping small shops promote Disney-inspired products and shared my own tips and tricks for navigating the parks. It wasn’t long before I was approached by a newer travel agency about becoming a travel agent.

I was initially apprehensive – I was already busy selling engineering software globally – but I decided to take the leap and book travel on the side. To my surprise, I quickly grew with the company, and my love for planning magical vacations expanded beyond just Disney.

I’m forever grateful for that opportunity, as it set me on the path to what has become my true passion – helping families and couples plan incredible journeys around the world. It still boggles my mind that a just-for-fun Instagram account has led me down such a different path than I ever saw for myself.

Velia Kennedy accepting the 2024 ASTA Travel Advisor of the Year award from ASTA President and CEO Zain Kerby. (Source: ASTA)

How did you build your business over the years?

Building Modern Family Travel has been a journey of passion, persistence and continuous learning. We just celebrated three years in business this August, and I couldn’t be more proud of how far we’ve come.

A huge part of our growth has been about getting clear on what I wanted my company to represent and being intentional about who I brought on to represent it. From the start, I’ve been mindful when hiring, ensuring that every advisor understands our values and aligns with the goals I have for the agency. It was crucial that we found people who shared our commitment to inclusivity and delivering exceptional service.

Inclusivity is at the core of our brand – whether it’s for LGBTQ families or families with special needs, we make sure everyone feels welcome. This meant that when expanding our team, I had to be sure those we brought in shared that sentiment.

Our agency would be nothing without our incredible agents. They are truly the heart and soul of Modern Family Travel, and their dedication to creating unforgettable experiences for families is what makes us successful.

Word of mouth and social media have also played pivotal roles in our growth, allowing us to connect with new clients and show how we deliver personalized, thoughtful service. From Disney vacations to all-inclusive resorts, cruises and destination weddings, we’ve expanded our offerings to meet the needs of a wide range of travelers, all while staying true to our values.

What characteristics make you a successful advisor?

Empathy, humility and being a good listener are the core characteristics that I believe make me successful as a travel advisor. Empathy allows me to truly connect with my clients, understanding their unique needs, desires and concerns when planning their vacations. I listen deeply, not just to respond, but to fully understand what they are looking for in a travel experience. By asking ‘why,’ I dig deeper into their motivations, which helps me craft trips that are not just enjoyable but meaningful and tailored to them.

Leading with kindness is also crucial. I approach every interaction – whether with clients or my team – with the mindset that kindness fosters trust and comfort, which are essential in building long-term relationships. Humility plays a big role as well; I know I don’t have all the answers, and I’m constantly learning from my clients, my team and the evolving travel industry. This openness has helped me grow as a leader and advisor while empowering my team and clients to feel heard and valued.

What have been your greatest challenges been?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is navigating a role where so many decisions fall on my shoulders. As a business owner, it can sometimes feel isolating, especially when you’re the one responsible for making the tough calls. It can be overwhelming, and I’ve definitely had moments where I felt like I was navigating this journey alone. Over time, I’ve learned just how important it is to find others in the industry who are willing to listen and share their experiences. Having a network of peers has been invaluable in helping me feel supported and strong, even in the most challenging moments.       

Another personal challenge has been managing my own mental health, specifically with anxiety and ADHD. I’m incredibly open about this because I want others to know that you can be a badass business owner and still have struggles. It’s okay to share what you’re going through and to ask for help when you need it.

Being transparent about my mental health has been hard, but it’s also opened the door to so much love and support from the travel community, friends and family. I’ve found that talking about it has encouraged others to open up about their own challenges, and I’m so grateful for the conversations it’s sparked. It’s created a sense of connection and understanding that helps us manage these struggles together.

What have your greatest accomplishments been?

One of my proudest achievements has been being named the 2024 ASTA Travel Advisor of the Year. It’s an incredible honor to be recognized in an industry I love so much. I’m also thrilled to call Modern Family Travel an award-winning agency, having been awarded the LOVE Award for Best Travel Agency by the Main Line Parent Community two years in a row, in both 2023 and 2024. But beyond the industry accolades, I find the greatest joy in seeing my agents hit their personal milestones – whether it’s booking their first big trip or reaching a new goal. We make a point to celebrate every accomplishment, big or small, because it keeps the journey fun and reminds why we do what we do!

What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?

Be patient, stay passionate, and above all, be authentic. Building a travel business takes time, and there will be challenges, but if you stay true to who you are and focus on your clients’ best interests, success will follow. It’s also important to remember that not every client will be your client and that’s okay. It’s perfectly fine not to be everyone’s cup of tea. Focus on building connections with the clients who truly align with your values and appreciate the service you provide.

Don’t be afraid to do things differently. What sets you apart is your unique perspective, and being authentic will resonate with the right clients. Network with other professionals, always be open to learning and embrace change, as the travel industry is always evolving. And most importantly, take the time to truly understand your clients’ needs. That’s the key to creating unforgettable experiences and building lasting relationships. When you keep that personal connection at the core of what you do, your business will thrive.

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