Today we’d like to introduce you to Addie Bell.
Addie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Jetset & Travel was inspired by my passion for travel, love of the finer things in life, and an unrelenting commitment to delighting my clients. I’m from the East Coast and grew up on a tiny island 1 mile by 9 miles in Jamestown, Rhode Island (right across the bridge from Newport). I ventured off to UNLV for college since I wanted something completely out of my comfort zone. I had been sheltered my whole life and why not explore Fabulous Las Vegas. It’s also one of the top Hospitality schools and thats exactly what I studied. My first look into the world of luxury travel was at the Bellagio starting at the front desk in the Spa. I also had multiple jobs some included interning for events, manager at a tanning salon and even worked at Abercrombie in retail! Once I graduated, I knew my mind was set on California! I went straight to Newport Beach and worked an entry-level job at the front desk of the Montage Laguna Beach. This was also the first ultra-luxury resort I had stepped foot in. Since that moment, I never looked back when it came to luxury hotels. I knew I wanted to be apart of this world.
At the time Montage was still pretty new and didn’t have the other locations it does today. I was lucky enough to join their opening team in management at Montage Deer Valley that they opened in Utah. I stayed here for a few years before I decided it was time to head back to California. At that time, I wanted to get back into events (I had done event planning before and worked with wedding planners) I moved for a start up company in Costa Mesa putting on events around the country for the Spa industry. Still surrounding myself with working with hotels and hospitality. After many years at this job, I knew it was time to go off on my own and start something myself but was clueless on what to do. I had ALWAYS wanted to own my own business and knew I had what I took but the idea of what, was always the struggle. After I had already put my notice into this last job (6 month notice – I’m very loyal) It seemed to just fall on my lap… I had put it out in the universe and this new adventure was ready for me. I never in a million years thought I would be doing what I am doing today but here I am and I’m obsessed with what I do!
I am a luxury Travel Advisor which I like to tell people is a modern day travel agent. I plan both leisure and corporate client’s travels. My niche is luxury and plan anything from weekend getaways, honeymoons, babymoons or large corporate incentive trips for companies. I’ve been making my client’s travel dreams come true for three years now. I founded Jetset & Travel in 2016 when I saw an opportunity to share my knowledge and expertise with people, giving them peace of mind and unforgettable excursions. I am affiliated with a host agency called Smartflyer a member of Virtuoso a luxury consortia of the top 1% of the world. I am a Jetsetter myself and pretty much always on the go traveling and learning about the next best Resort.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing is ever easy but I believe if you put hard work into anything and really believe in yourself and what you’re doing it will all fall into place. I always tell people looking to start their own business that you need to have a game plan before you begin and build the foundation just like a house. I knew going into it that I wasn’t going to make much money for a good year and I really didn’t know when I would start making good money. I had to rely on savings and be smart about my money. Within three months of starting, I decided to move to Las Vegas from Newport Beach to save money because it was a smart business decision. I also worked LONG hours when I was starting up and had side projects and other companies I was working for to get some kind of income coming in. I absolutely put in the hard work in the beginning and three years later I’m still working very hard but I’m seeing the results.
Jetset & Travel – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I work with a lot of millennials and majority of them had never used a travel advisor before and booked travel on their own. I’m really big on educating people on what luxury travel advisors do and how we can benefit them which ultimately means saving them money, time and giving them a better travel experience. I think also what sets me apart from other travel advisors is that I’m very active on social media and I act like a friend to my clients. I’m constantly at hotels giving room tours on Insta stories as if you were right there with me. I also really want to give my clients the best deals as if I was going on the trip with them or helping as a friend.
I have put together a little Q&A to give others a better idea of what I do.
Do travel agents even exist anymore!?
This is a question that I get a lot. The answer is we do! There’s a new generation of travel agents out there changing the travel industry and making it easier and more convenient to book travel than ever. I like to consider myself one of these new generation types. You won’t see me bringing out brochures and telling you the new deals on cruise ships just because I was told to sell it. I actually travel to these places, build relationships with hotels and pick out the best luxury spots for my clients.
Why should I book via you, and what’s the advantage for me?
Time and Money. I handle the logistics of the trip, whether it’s for business, leisure or group. This allows you to focus on more important things in your life. I also save you money due to the value of added amenities that come along with hotel reservations that have my agency’s name attached to them, myself and my agency have built relationships with luxury hotels around the world just to get our clients that VIP treatment for their stay. Think breakfast included, resort and spa credits, upgrades, early check in’s, welcome amenities and more! I’m also constantly traveling and even if I haven’t been to the place, I have resources everywhere to make the perfect trip for you.
How are you able to offer preferred status and amenities?
My agency is affiliated with Virtuoso, a global consortia of the top hotel brands (think Ritz Carlton, St. Regis, Four Seasons, Montage, Rosewood, Mandarin Oriental, ect) plus other privately owned hotels and resorts, tour operators, and cruise lines around the world. My affiliation allows me to pass along exclusive deals to my clients such as unpublished rates and property- specific complimentary amenities like daily breakfast, Wi-Fi, spa & dining credits, airport transfers and much more!
Do I pay you a fee to get all of this?
No! I don’t have fees for booking hotels, houses, or cruises like some other travel advisors do. Most people are shocked to hear this and don’t understand how I get paid (see next question) I’m here to help you get the best value for your trip and save you time doing it! I’m on your side to make your life easier!
How do you get paid then?
I’m completely transparent about how I get paid. I’m compensated by hotels and suppliers on the back-end of trips. I’m basically an extension of the hotel’s sales team – think of me as a global concierge.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as delivering my service to clients and having them repeat trips over and over again. Also, when clients spread my name around to friends and family. I absolutely love referrals and find them to be the best compliment. When I gain client’s trust it’s a success for me! Success to me is also being able to live the life you want with the balance and lifestyle you want.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jetsetandtravel.com
- Email: abell@smartflyer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetsetandtravel/
- Blog: https://www.jetsetandtravel.com/jetset-highlights
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
