Today we’d like to introduce you to Analicia Gomez.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m your typical Type A personality. I have to plan EVERYTHING. Outfits, parties, travel… you name it, and I’m really good at it. My husband jokes with me all the time when I go into details about something and how we are going to do it and all the options, he just tells me, “just tell me how much it is,” because he knows I have every single detail taken care of.
I got to thinking one day, I do very well at this, why not make a business of it. That’s how Stars, Stripes and Travel came about. A lot of people HATE planning. Most need structure and for you just to tell them “here’s all the information.” I can do that for people now that want to plan a trip. Some people just don’t have the time to do the research and planning details of their trip and others just don’t want to be bothered with it, and THAT’S OKAY. That’s what I’m here for, to take the stress out of the research and planning for your upcoming trip. I take can care of it all. Why stress about a trip you haven’t even taken yet? By the time comes around you’re so aggravated you don’t get to enjoy.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve only been in business a year, and it’s been a rough start. People have a lot of questions, they’re skeptical. A lot of them think, “Why go through you when I can book on Expedia on my own?” To this day, it’s hard not to let it hurt my heart when I see a friend take a trip that I didn’t have a hand in planning. It’s a challenge to get people to step out of their comfort zone. However, I always tell people it’s worth their while. I come at practically NO cost to you. Yes, I get paid, but that comes from the supplier not the customer. It’s essentially a service. Research takes time in finding the best option for you. I do all that legwork for you. If an issue arises on your trip 9 out of 10 times, I can get this issue corrected faster than you would be able to. Most times, you would have to wait until your return to voice your issue. When I take care of an issue you can go on about your business enjoying your vacation. It’s hard to get some people to see all the benefits, and there are several, in using a travel agent.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Stars, Stripes, and Travel – what should we know?
I am a full-service travel agent from flights, hotels, transfers to and from the airports, rental cars, excursion booking and so much more.
It makes me proud and gives me the drive to keep working when clients return from their trips and have nothing but good things to say, including how they never used a travel agent but don’t see how they went without one this whole time. That makes everything worth it.
I’m a personalized service. HUMAN INTERACTION which is hard to come by these days since everything is so technology-based now. You have my personal number. You call, I answer. You text, I respond. I know how frustrating it can be to need to get in contact with someone and all you get are machines and operators.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
You have to have drive to keep going. It isn’t for everyone. It’s taking me time and a lot of work to get this off the ground. But, you can’t lose hope. It’s very important to also be a people person, that’s what my whole business model is centered around. Personalized customer service is the driving force behind my business. If I can’t offer my customers a personalized experience, then I am no different than using any booking engine online.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 281-704-8588
- Email: starsstripesandtravel@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starsstripesandtravel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starsstripesandtravel/
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