Travel Consultant Tuesday Cindy Cafaro

In this week's edition of #TravelConsultantTuesday, we chatted with Cindy. From her recent Antarctic adventure to the trends she's seen over her eight-year career with Synergy International Travels .

What inspired you to become a travel consultant?
As a teenager, my passion for travel really took off. My first international exchange experience was at the age of 14 when I lived in Australia with a host family for the summer, and I haven’t stopped chasing new passport stamps since. Igniting that sense of adventure at such a young age definitely cemented a curiosity for how people live in different parts of the world.

I pursued my International Business degree at Arcadia University which enabled me to study abroad my first semester of college. Living in London at age 18 was truly a thrill! Before I graduated, I did another stint in Australia, too, which made for a very diverse college experience. Applying to work as a travel consultant felt like the natural fit after being so immersed in the tourism industry.

We see that you’ve traveled to 38 countries, that’s very impressive! Where do you specialize in sending customers?
My specialty is organizing long-haul [exotic] itineraries. Personally, I’ve traveled extensively through Europe, but I also love helping clients plan Australia, Asia, and Antarctica trips, too. Having been able to see so many of these spots first-hand, I love being able to put together vacations that include personalized recommendations.

You mentioned Antarctica, can you tell us more about that?
Sure thing! My husband and I went on a huge bucketlist trip this past December to check off our seventh and final continent, Antarctica. We traveled with Hurtigruten, a Norwegian cruise company with expedition ships built for the Polar region, and it was an absolute dream. We flew down to Buenos Aires and then traveled to the tip of South America – a city called Ushuaia – before setting out through the Beagle Channel into the Atlantic. From the Falkland Islands to South Georgia (my favorite spot in the itinerary!) to the South Shetland Islands and then finally, the Antarctic Peninsula, every moment was incredible. For anyone who is interested in exploring this part of the world, I’d love to connect to share my expertise.

Can you share your favorite travel tip?
I encourage my clients to take their time when traveling. For instance, trying to pack too many European destinations into one itinerary will leave you exhausted and make it difficult to truly experience the places you’re visiting. So, I always suggest tacking on an additional day beyond what people think they may need to see something; this way, they have time to explore at a leisurely pace.

What do you think people would be most surprised to learn about your role as a travel consultant?
Oftentimes, it seems customers are surprised to learn about the level of customization involved when planning their vacation. People are quick to come in and ask what “packages” we have, but in all honesty, we start with a completely blank slate. I get to know travelers so that we can build the perfect vacation package for them. Because even if it’s a destination like Cancun, there are a thousand ways we can put it together.

When you work with a travel consultant, we pair you with the flights, resort, and activities that best suit you. And beyond the inclusions that may be top of mind, Synergy International Travels ’s exclusive EURObreaks and Journey packages come with our Travel Butler. This expert takes it a step further to book high touch experiences like a private wine tasting in Greece or a honeymoon photoshoot.

Are there any travel trends you’re seeing right now?
Small group tours have become especially popular these days. A lot of my clients are asking for a group experience that feels more intimate with a strong connection to the local culture. Intrepid Travel and Peregrine Adventures have been a great fit for people looking for this type of experience. Or, if they just want a taste of the group experience during an independent itinerary, we can set them up with a day tour with our partner, Urban Adventures, in over 150 cities across the world.

Why should someone book with you versus online?
When you work with me on your vacation, I’m there beyond just the booking process. Whether it is during an in-person consultation, over the phone, or via email, we talk through any questions you may have. By having an ally who’s there for you throughout the entire process, you’re able to relax and get excited for your trip! Leave the stress of planning behind and trust an expert with the details.

How can travelers contact you to chat about their next trip?
For the past eight years, I've been based in our King of Prussia (PA) location. I'd love to schedule an in-person consultation for those in the area. Otherwise, I'm reachable by phone at 610.337.8311 or email at CafaroC@Synergy travel.com. I can't wait to chat about your next adventure!