Today we’d like to introduce you to Arrin Wanerus.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Arrin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I was 12, my dad and I started an annual road trip tradition. This was to keep us close during the teenage years. Being only 12 driving wasn’t in the cards for me, so I pulled my weight as co-pilot. If I couldn’t drive then my job was to plan. This was back when you had to use fold-up maps, a highlighter, and ruler to plan our route. I would pick our hotels out of the CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) book. It was then that I learned that I loved planning trips just as much as going on them. From choosing the best route to scouring dinner menus– I was hooked.
Ten years into the future, I found myself in the hospitality industry working for both Marriott and Hilton. I was a concierge and front desk manager. After my time in hotels, I decided it was time for a change. I found my way into office management and event planning with a local Master Planned community. Here, I got to do my two favorite things helping people and planning.
It was my eldest daughter’s preschool teacher who discovered I had a savvy for planning trips after assisting her with a few getaways. (I was also helping other family and friends to plan their trips.) She encouraged me to branch out on my own and to start my own business. For not all people have the time, want, and savvy to manage researching and logistics for their vacations.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My path hasn’t always been an easy one. Out of high school, I decided I wanted to be a travel agent. I went to Colorado State University and got my certificate has a travel agent. Unfortunately, I graduated about two weeks after Priceline, Travelocity and Expedia launched. This drastically changed the need for travel agents for people could now book on their own. Also, it was extremely difficult to find a position as a Travel Agent. Employers wanted to experience, but no one was willing to give it to you.
My other struggle has been how do I get my business name out there. What I do is a very specific niche. It can be hard to market it myself. For it is difficult to convey what I do over social media. I find it can be challenging to relay the passion and excitement that I have for what I do, without being annoying and over the top.
My advice would be to be persistent. Make friends and mentors who are willing to help you out. Find people who believe in collaboration versus competition.
Please tell us about Your Travel Scout.
I take the stress out of planning trips. I curate personalized travel itineraries or “Scouting Reports.” I do all of the research for planning the trip and present it to my clients in one neat and tidy PDF formatted package. In these itineraries the client will be provided with custom guidance in their lodging, dining and activities suited to their travel budget, wants and needs.
What sets me apart from other travel designers/planners is my past concierge and hospitality experience. I really enjoy and get excited doing the planning and research. Sifting through all of the resources is daunting. I’ve found some innovative ways to get information from local sources so that my clients can enjoy some of the hidden gems along the way. I want my clients to have the best getaway possible.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
We need more women in software. Women have a lot of purchasing power and financial decision making responsibility, especially in the home. Software made by women, with women in mind will potentially do a better job of meeting their needs, and finding success in the marketplace.
Pricing:
- Scouting Reports start at $30.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yourtravelscout.com
- Phone: 720-772-6887
- Email: arrin@yourtravelscout.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourtravelscout/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourtravelscout/
Image Credit:
Zach Wanerus, Arrin Wanerus
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