Today we’d like to introduce you to Allie Schaefer.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In the spring of 2019, I found a business opportunity that checked all the boxes: working with my mom, a flexible schedule, and travel! We opened Travelwise Cruise Planners in April of 2019. My parents have traveled the world for 40 years and even brought my sister and me along with them sometimes! When I studied abroad in Greece during college, I traveled every chance I got. Europe was an early go-to for our family. We have now been all over the world.
Loving travel is a prerequisite for planning travel for others. Our enthusiasm comes through and our clients appreciate our experience. Since we began, we have placed in the top 5 in sales several times in our peer groups. Even during the shut-down of Covid, we enjoyed helping plan trips for our clients for when the world opened up.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The travel industry is constantly changing, especially with the global pandemic. Travel is complicated enough without the protocols we now have to know.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Mom and I differ in our gifts and expertise. I know the big ships and all-inclusive; she knows the small ships and independent travel. We rely on each other’s experience to make the best plans for our clients. We answer the phone/e-mail/text promptly. Our clients appreciate that. And we appreciate our clients for letting us help them have a stress-free vacation. We don’t take the opportunity for granted. We are very proud of being in the top 5 among our peers.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
St. Louis is a gem- museums, the zoo, baseball! St. Charles is a historic area, full of charm. I would love for St. Louis to be the safest city in America. No matter where my clients go, I want them to be safe.
Contact Info:
- Email: allie.schaefer@cruiseplanners.com; rita.cornett@cruiseplanners.com
- Website: travelwisecruiseplanners.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/travelwisecruiseplanners
