Today we’d like to introduce you to Yolanda Meador.
Yolanda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My career in travel began over 15 years ago. The University of North Texas graduate earned a BBA in Human Resources, and later a MBA from University of Phoenix. In 1997, I attended Brookhaven College, receiving her Travel Agent Certification. Shortly after, I completed Sabre courses and a host of other certifications that qualify me as a specialist in the world of travel.
I have a passion and drive for travel and my ultimate goal is to see the world. I started my first agency in 1997 called MY Worldwide Travel. It was a slow start as I venture into the Travel agency world. One of the most pivotal moments in my career was the all girls’ trip to Hot Springs Arkansas that I put together for a group of ladies in early October 1999. We all had to share a reason why we each was on the trip. My reason was “We deserve it.” That became the theme of the trip. I realized what was missing from my agency and that my mission should be. Upon returning home to Dallas, TX, I changed the name of my travel agency to You Deserve It Vacations, and decided, that I was going to show people, not only do they need to go on vacation – They Deserve It!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say one of my agency challenges has been educating the consumer that we are not Travel Agents, yet Travel Professionals. We are not order takers, but we are here to educate and advice and most importantly provide recommendations based on our knowledge though our own personal trips or our FAM Trips (Familiarization Trip). There are Travel Agents out there – Expedia, Travelocity, etc… You put the information (dates, destination, etc) provide payment and they are done. It is your responsibility to make sure you have the proper documents for that destination where it’s a passport, visa or even a tourist card. As travel professional, it is our responsibility to make sure you are ready and equipped to go on vacation.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about You Deserve It! Vacations – what should we know?
We are a full service travel agency. Our specialty is Destination Wedding/Honeymoons, Group Travel and Corporate Incentive travel. We are known for our Destination Weddings/Honeymoon packages, but over the years we have involved into more group travel and corporate incentive travel. I’m most proud that we have been in business for 18 years and we have sent over 800 couples to a wonderful beach destination for their wedding or honeymoon. My clients know I know the brands and I’ve build a relationship with the resorts. Example, I had a client a few years back who was going to St. Lucia for their anniversary trip. Now she has been a client with me for over 10 years and I did their destination wedding. I called few days for departure with my reminder to-do-list just to make sure everything was taken care of. She tell me that they can’t get their anniversary dinner on the night of their anniversary because the resort doesn’t have availability. I simply ask for her confirmation number, call the resort and have a nice conversation with the resort manager and they were able to have their anniversary dinner on the beach ON their anniversary night. It’s the little things that are important.
What sets us apart from other agencies is first our phones are answered by a live person 24/7. Next we provide true concierge personal service for our clients… i.e. checking you in for your flights, reminder message on day of travel. We like to remind our client, when you travel we travel. Our job doesn’t end when you make your final payment, it has just begun. Our services have not been rendered until you are back home safe.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Honesty/Trust and Directness. My clients may not always like what comes out of my mouth, but the one thing they will always say is “The Queen Doesn’t lie”. Your clients have to be able to trust that you will deliver on what was agreed upon during your conversation.
Pricing:
- Plan to go fee – $250
- Domestic Airline tickets $35
- International Airline tickets $150
- Groups 20 – 50 person $750
- Groups 51 – $150 person 15% of revenue
- Groups over 150 person 20% of revenue
- Whine session – $175 per hour
Contact Info:
- Address: 1404 W Walnut Hill Lane Ste 122
- Website: www.ydiv.com
- Phone: 9728302040
- Email: info@ydiv.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ydivacations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YDIVacations
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/YDIVacations
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ydivacations/
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
