Travel Consultant Tuesday: Ashley George

Meet Ashley, whose role as a Synergy International Travels consultant has allowed her to channel her inner lifestyle expert to provide high-touch recommendations for clients, like the best place to enjoy a mojito in downtown San Juan.

What inspired you to become a Synergy International Travels consultant?
I spent my college years frequently traveling and taking road trips with my friends. After graduating, I knew I wanted to pursue a career path that would align with my adventurous spirit. So I immediately looked into working at Synergy International Travels , an organization where I saw an opportunity for my skillset and passions to come together.

What are the advantages to booking with you versus online?
I consider myself a lifestyle expert! Wherever your destination of interest may be, I can paint a picture of what you would experience while there. I will pair you with the best itinerary according to your preference and personality, rather than offering standard packages an online algorithm would put together. Plus, my complimentary services go beyond booking your hotel and airfare. I can provide recommendations for where to eat based on your preferences and teach you some local lingo to help you fit right in. Essentially, you can feel confident bypassing Google and turning directly to me for answers to your travel questions!

What is your destination specialty?
I specialize in helping travelers who want to visit North America, Europe and the Caribbean. I’m passionate about assisting clients who are looking for fully-customized travel. No matter where my customers want to travel, my goal is to help them have an experience that inspires them to keep exploring new places (or even just return to one of their favorites!).

What do you think people would be most surprised to learn about your role as a travel consultant?
Since Synergy International Travels is a part of global organization (Flight Centre Travel Group), I have access to knowledge from thousands of my well-traveled colleagues. As travel consultants, we get to meet and form relationships with people from all over the world. Our shared expertise does not come from a book or a classroom, it comes from first-hand experience. What is your go-to travel tip? My favorite travel tip is to just go for it. We look at vacation pricing all day, so we’re honest in telling you when a flight or hotel offers a good value. If there’s a great rate, my recommendation is to let your travel consultant help you lock it in before it’s gone!

Tell us your most interesting travel story.
I spent two weeks in Europe with one of my best friends last fall and we created so many lifelong memories together. We visited four cities and each one of them was absolutely incredible! When I think back on the trip, Paris in particular sticks out. Both my friend and I had taken French in high school, so we knew enough to get around. But of course, some things do get a little lost in translation. My friend ordered a dish recommended to her by the waiter who tried to describe it to her as butter and bread. But when it arrived, it was not butter or bread...it was bone marrow! We laughed for days about it. This is just one example of the unforgettable memories you make when you travel and experience new cultures. Stepping out of your comfort zone and experiencing new things is what makes the best memories.

How can travelers connect with you to begin planning their next vacation?
For those in the Pittsburgh-area, I'd love to schedule a complimentary in-person consultation in our office. Otherwise, you can reach me via email at GeorgeA@Synergy travel.com or on Instagram @ashleygeorge_.