Why It Matters That Your Travel Advisor is Certified

Last week, I received my Certified Leisure Travel Specialist certification from Travel Leaders Network during the annual Travel Leaders EDGE Conference in San Diego.🎉

It was a proud moment — and a reminder of how important it is to invest in the skills and knowledge needed to better serve my clients.

But this recognition is more than just a title.

It represents what sets a professional travel advisor apart from someone who books as a hobby, or worse — someone in a multi-level marketing scheme more focused on recruiting than travel.

✨ Why Certification Should Matter to You

The Certified Leisure Travel Specialist designation means I’ve completed rigorous training, met high standards for performance, and demonstrated the ability to deliver elevated travel experiences — from cruises and group trips to custom-crafted fantasy vacations.

As part of Travel Leaders Network and WorldVia, I also have access to exclusive resources, direct connections with top global suppliers, and insider perks I pass on to you.

When you work with someone certified, you’re not just getting “booking help” — you’re getting someone who brings strategy, creativity, and deep industry insight to the table.

⚠️ Beware of the MLM Travel Trap

There’s a growing number of “travel advisors” who are actually representatives of multi-level marketing companies (MLMs) — people with little to no training, whose main priority is recruitment. While they can still help you book, and not all MLM's are bad, you just need to be weary of them.

They often make big promises with little follow-through.

💬 “Travel for free!”
💬 “Be your own boss from anywhere!”
💬 “No experience required!”

What they often don’t have?
➡️ Firsthand travel experience
➡️ Supplier relationships
➡️ Professional certifications
➡️ Accountability

I am not part of an MLM.
I am a full-time, independent, certified travel advisor running my own agency — Flights and Fables — built on integrity, training, and years of global experience.

🛡️ Backed by Professional Organizations

I’m proud to be a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) — a national organization that upholds ethical standards and best practices in the travel industry.

Locally, I’m also an active member of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, committed to supporting our community and growing a reputable small business right here in North Carolina.

These affiliations show that I’m serious about what I do — not just for me, but for you.

🧠 What You Get When You Work With a Certified Travel Advisor

If you’re considering whether to book online, work with a hobbyist, or partner with a pro — here’s what you get with me:

✅ Expert planning tailored to you
✅ Exclusive perks, upgrades, and insider access
✅ Problem-solving support when things go wrong
✅ Specialization in unique destinations like New Zealand, Italy, fantasy locations, and river cruises
✅ A human being who actually cares about your trip

And because I travel extensively myself (63 countries and counting), you’re getting real-world experience — not just a brochure.

🧙‍♀️ Let’s Make Travel Magical Again

If you’re dreaming of Middle Earth, sipping wine in Sicily, or finally taking that once-in-a-lifetime river cruise — let’s talk.

📅 Book a consult here
📧 Reach out: rocky@flightsandfables.com

Don’t trust your precious vacation time to chance, algorithms, or amateurs. Work with someone certified, committed, and connected.