Travel Consultant Tuesday: Cassandra Londono

LT Globetrotter

April 16, 2018

This week, we connected with avid traveler Cassandra Londono. Check out her full #TravelConsutlantTuesday interview to learn how she helps clients plan exotic vacations to any corner of the world using her first-hand expertise.

What inspired you to become a Synergy International Travels consultant?
I always had a passion for travel. So when I happened to stumble across a Synergy International Travels job posting a few years back, it seemed like the perfect fit. I remembered that the mother of one of my childhood friends had worked as a travel consultant and I’d always thought it was such a cool job! Little did I know at the time, she still works with the company to this day. Needless to say, once I got my application process going, following in her footsteps was a no-brainer.

After seeing her friend's mother work in the industry as a child, Cassandra knew there was potential for her to follow the same path. — After seeing her friend's mother work in the industry as a child, Cassandra knew she wanted to follow the same path.

What are the advantages to booking with you versus online?
There are tons of benefits to booking in person as opposed to booking online, but expertise ranks at the top of that list. Consulting with a travel professional who has been there and can tell you first-hand what the beach is like, how far you are from this great restaurant and what you need to see while there is invaluable. No matter how much time you spend looking at hundreds of online reviews, there's nothing like getting vetted info right from a reliable source.

On a recent trip to Valladolid (Mexico), Cassandra tried local restaurant Meson del Marques. She recommends their soupa del lima! — On a trip to Valladolid (Mexico), Cassandra tried local restaurant Meson del Marques. She recommends their soupa del lima!

What do you think people would be most surprised to learn about your role as a travel consultant?
The biggest misconception is that people think we’re a dying breed. Travel consultants are very much still "a thing" because of the value we provide our customers. For instance, if someone is too busy to do the research themselves, we can help save them time by jumping in and doing the leg work on their behalf. The internet can be very overwhelming – not to mention, time consuming – and oftentimes you get stuck in an information overload. We eliminate those obstacles for our clients.

Discover stunning island charm with Cuba tours — Cassandra helps clients cut through the noise. For example, she's been to Cuba so she knows how to help customers visit legally.

What types of travelers use your services?
We have a large array of clients, anyone from honeymooners in need of a stress-free planning process, to adventurous travelers looking for expertise in exotic destinations, to beach-goers seeking resort guidance. No matter the vacation, we can jump in with the planning process. Why not have someone handle your booking for you at no additional cost?

Cassandra has adventured through Egypt and experienced a hot air balloon ride in Luxor. So for adventurous travelers, there's nothing she can't help them plan. — Cassandra experienced a hot air balloon ride in Luxor, Egypt, so for adventurous travelers, there's nothing she can't help plan.

We see you’ve traveled to 14 countries! Where in the world do you specialize in sending customers?
My personal specialties are long-haul destinations and off-the-beaten-path Mexico. Of course, planning is the fun part, but I also love having an open dialogue with my clients during their trip. Travel can often be unpredictable, so I’m there in the case something unexpected happens. For instance, I recently had clients stuck in China during a storm on their layover to Thailand. I texted them throughout the night with updates on their changing flight status.

Cassandra specializes in sending customers to long-haul destinations like Thailand. She loves organizing their itineraries to include details like restaurant recommendations. — Cassandra specializes in sending customers to long-haul destinations like Thailand.

A lot of people are surprised about the role travel consultants play during our clients’ vacations. The misconception is that after we book the trip, that's it. But that couldn’t be further from the truth as I’m there for my customers before, during and after their trip. Actually, hearing from travelers when they return is the most rewarding aspect of this career. Nothing means more than knowing I played a part in them having an unforgeable travel experience.

Last year, Cassandra visited England and Scotland. She loves helping clients experience the local culture, just as she does while traveling. — Last year, Cassandra visited England and Scotland. She loves helping clients experience the local culture.

Where can travelers contact you to start planning their next trip?
For those in the Rockaway (NJ) area, I'd love to set up a complimentary in-person consultation. Otherwise, I'm available by phone at (973) 328-0100 or email at LondonoC@Synergy travel.com. You can also connect with me on Instagram, @cassandralondono.

LT Globetrotter, Synergy International Travels Consultant

As fellow travelers, our people are always on the move discovering new destinations. On the occasions they take a break from exploring, they love to write up a few stories about their adventures before they leave for the next one, so you can enjoy expert tips, news, and recommendations to use for your own travels.