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Life and Work with Jill Canning

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Canning.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Jill. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My vacations growing up consisted of trips to a local campground in New Jersey in the summertime, and annual road trips to Disney World as a family. We’d load up the car and camper and head out on the road. I loved every minute of it, having no idea that it was igniting my spark for travel and adventure, even way back then. I was an active kid, always playing sports, running track and even started skiing and snowboarding in high school! Weekend ski trips to New York and the Poconos kept me excited and my adrenaline pumping. After college, I worked as a travel agent in New Jersey, still craving more and feeling as if I needed to get out and explore. Nobody in my family had really left New Jersey, so I felt a bit unusual for having the desire and interest in moving. Once I finally mustered up the courage to leave, I followed my heart to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and never looked back. My career in travel gave me opportunities to meet fabulous people in hotels and resorts around the world. Throughout my career, my roles have always been in Sales, as I loved being social, connecting with people and helping others learn about the beautiful destinations in Colorado and the mountains. My passion drove my career decisions and I lead my life with my heart. Eventually, I met an amazing man in the same industry with a similar love for travel and an equally curious mind. We eloped and now call the Aspen area home! My experience, relationships, and desire to be my own boss aimed me in the direction of starting my own travel agency. As the internet has become noisy with travel advice and options, the opportunity to be a trusted advisor and truly help people make the right decisions with their precious time and money became more and more important. I launched Jill Beth Travel and haven’t looked back! It’s been challenging, and hard work to get things off the ground but I wouldn’t change a thing. Travel is an amazing opportunity to learn, grow, renew, and connect with the world… and I want to help as many people as I can get out there and do it themselves.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was not a smooth road, and I’ve learned over the years that the more often I follow my heart and my gut the more things work out for the best. Sometimes, the most practical decision isn’t the right decision. My advice would be to trust yourself and really listen to yourself. Be your own best friend when it comes to making big (and little) decisions. If you find yourself stuck, try to step outside of the situation and look in. Look in as a caring, nurturing friend and provide the best advice you can. When I moved out of my home state, my family thought I was crazy. When I wanted to work in the tourism industry, I received some looks of disapproval because it wasn’t the most lucrative way to go or the most practical. When I wanted to sign up for a marathon or triathlon, I saw some raised eyebrows, and heard questions like “why would you want to put your body through that”? And, in the last couple of years, when I chose to go on a vegan diet, I most certainly felt and heard judgment. But, remaining true to your beliefs and your passion always wins. When I lay my head on my pillow each night, I’m pleased that I have trusted my gut and followed my heart every day. I owe all of my relationships and experiences to that act of kindness towards myself.

Please tell us about Jill Beth Travel.
My company, Jill Beth Travel specialized in curating travel experiences based on my clients’ desires and travel dreams. I have strong, close relationships with wonderful, vetted hotel brands, cruise lines, tour companies, and adventure travel companies. These relationships provide me with the opportunity to elevate my clients’ vacation by confirming additional personalization when they book with me. For example, confirmed room category upgrades, spa credits, VIP access to museums,cultural experiences and more. Jill Beth Travel is an affiliate of Brownell Travel, which is a Virtuoso member. I also provide expert advice on travel itineraries and destinations based on my own experience and my network of specialists in a specific country or region. My specialties are ski and mountain travel, wellness and spa, and active adventure vacations. I am passionate about the power of travel to rejuvenate, renew, and restore our bodies and spirit. Learning new culinary skills, meeting people and experiencing a new culture, or riding a bike through the hills of France; whatever it takes. Sometimes, my clients desire a week on a beautiful beach with a list of books and beach drinks, and I’m very happy to arrange that as well! We start our first conversation discussing the goals of the trip, what would make it a “wow” experience, and what the stories are you’d like to tell upon your return. We’ll discuss the budget, service level expectations and timeframe. I get to work putting together some proposed itineraries and we take it from there to design a perfect, unforgettable getaway!

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 are the future! Right now, especially, I have been seeing more and more women move into leadership roles and industries that have been predominately men. Technology, aviation, finance, and entrepreneurship to name a few. Since I’ve launched my business, I have been welcomed by so many supportive women in networking groups that have been very encouraging. Now is the time to really move forward with your dreams!

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Image Credit:
John Lilley

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