Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Wilson.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My path to Travel Advisor began as kid in a military family where I was fortunate enough to live in and visit many places, both nationally and internationally, while growing up. My best memories are of living in Japan and experiencing not only the Japanese islands, but also many countries in Southeast Asia with my family – listening to the Michael Jackson “Bad” cassette tape while driving through Thailand, eating peanuts at the Raffles Hotel lounge in Singapore, having breakfast with an orangutan in Indonesia…
I also learned some hard, but important lessons, chief among which is that not everyone is as fortunate as many of us are in the United States. Walking through a dirty, windowless one-room schoolhouse in Malaysia while shoeless children tried to sell us coconuts and seeing their furniture-bare houses perched on stilts above a trash-filled river is something I will never forget. To this day I value travel not just for its fun moments, but just as importantly, for the perspective it gives you on the larger world.
I continued to move and travel as a young adult for school, ultimately obtaining a Masters of Science in Earth Sciences at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. During my 10 years as a Geologist at ExxonMobil, I experienced wonderful opportunities for international travel in support of global drilling operations which took me to everything from offshore oil rigs in the Black Sea to contractor’s offices in Moscow.
After leaving the energy industry to stay home after the birth of my second son, I adjusted my method of travel to experiencing the world’s cultures through recipes as a culinary school student. I have always loved cooking and exploring global flavors, so culinary school had long been a dream of mine. I didn’t know it then, but the seeds for my love of the Alps were first planted during my lessons on German-Italian culinary fusion in my World Cuisines class.
Shifting from science to stay at home mom to the culinary arts was also my first experience with pivoting careers and was an invaluable lesson to me that your worth is more than your job title. There are so many exciting new ways to use many of the skills you already have if you are brave enough to surrender to being “new” at something again. After graduating, I spent two years working as a personal chef where I continued to learn about everything from cooking for specialty diets to how to quickly and efficiently prep healthy, flavorful meals.
During this time, I was also traveling as much as possible and posting about it on social media. When the offer came to join Fora Travel, Inc. as a Travel Advisor, I knew deep down that it was the right next step in my journey, as well as a great opportunity to expand my family’s travel opportunities to allow my sons to experience the world just as I did when I was their age.
I’m passionate about learning and being open to new experiences. In the last 20+ years I have also come to deeply believe that if you are open to following God’s calling for you (no matter how unclear it may sometimes seem!), He will always lead you in the path of abundant growth, invaluable experiences and truly great people.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Getting to know anyone – including yourself – takes time and effort and is not a one-time activity. Once you start identifying things you enjoy and are interested in, then the question becomes, “Should I pursue that further as potential work or is that more of a hobby?” You often don’t know until you put in some time and effort and try it. That can be simultaneously exciting and scary. Exciting because you are starting to put in the work to really get to know yourself and hone in on what you need in each sphere of your life in order to make you feel whole. Scary because taking action on anything, even just to gather this great data about yourself and where you might want to go next, means experimenting – often out in the open for others to see. But if you can stay true to yourself and remember that there is no failure only learning, you can keep growing as a person.
I credit motherhood with molding me by fire. What started out as a period of identity loss and confusion turned out to be the building of a new stronger inner awareness that has given me the strength and bravery to try new things over the subsequent years. You don’t have to have it all figured out and you can’t rush the process. You just need to feel grounded in yourself and know what your guiding north stars are and let them guide your next steps. For me, that’s my kids, my integrity and an insatiable love of learning. I’m only occasionally pulled off course by a delicious pizza place…
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What I Do:
I help busy women plan unforgettable vacations through personalized travel planning services.
With years of personal travel experience, complemented by professional travel training & extensive travel resources, I offer personalized vacation planning services so you can get your next exciting vacation booked — without the stress.
As Your Travel Advisor I Can Help You:
– Reduce vacation planning stress and FOMO (fear of missing out)
– Feel more confident that your vacation money is being well spent
– Streamline your travel planning time & process
– Enjoy amazing trips, personalized to your unique wants, needs and budget
….. And Most Importantly:
– Get out there and explore the world and have fun doing it!
I Specialize In:
– United States
– Europe
– Disney Cruises
For Enriching Family Trips & Revitalizing Girls’ Getaways
Services Offered:
– Vacation Inspiration & Itinerary Suggestions
– Personalized Travel Planning
– Dedicated 1:1 Support
Why Choose Me:
– I’m an Advanced Travel Advisor working in association with Fora Travel Inc. & Authorized Disney Travel Agent
– In order to bring you the best travel options and most up to date travel industry information, I undergo continuous travel training both with my host travel company Fora Travel, as well as with specific travel partners such as cruise lines, hotel chains, destination management companies, tour operators, etc.
– My culinary background gives me a unique perspective on food & travel. I’m always searching for the best local foods & restaurants when traveling.
– My background in Geology means that I appreciate the beauty of our natural world. I’m always searching for spectacular natural landscapes and hiking opportunities when traveling.
– I’ve been traveling the U.S. & The World since I was a kid in a military family & continue to with my own family today.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
In the last 20+ years I have also come to deeply believe that if you are open to following God’s calling for you (no matter how unclear it may sometimes seem!), He will always lead you in the path of abundant growth, invaluable experiences and truly great people.
Pricing:
- Research & Planning Fees are at the discretion of Jess Wilson Travels and vary based on the complexity of and planning time for your vacation.
- Quick, straightforward bookings are free of charge! (ex. booking a hotel)
- More complex custom itineraries & service from Jess Wilson Travels vary depending on trip length and type, with fees starting at $100 for couple, $150 per family and $300 for groups.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jesswilsontravels.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesswilsontravels/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelmadeeasyforbusywomen
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-wilson-45a40a126/
Image Credits
All images were taken by me and I own the rights
