Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Kon.
Hi Jennifer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a first generation American and started traveling abroad at 1 year old and haven’t stopped since! My passion for assisting others in their travel has also been a constant thread throughout my life.
I had previously worked in study abroad at a university and also in travel insurance. Then over twelve years ago, I began working as a travel agent, a profession that has become my true calling.
Founding Compass Travel was driven by my desire to redefine the travel agency experience. Our commitment to setting ourselves apart is reflected in the distinctive features we offer to our clients. Unlike traditional agencies, we understand that travel planning doesn’t adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule. So, we provide night and weekend hours for consultations consistently, ensuring accessibility whenever our clients need assistance.
Embracing digital convenience, we’ve eliminated the paperwork hassle. All our forms are digital, streamlining the process for a seamless and eco-friendly experience. But we didn’t stop there—keeping up with the times, we deliver travel itineraries directly to our clients’ fingertips through a user-friendly iPhone/Android app. This ensures that important travel details are conveniently accessible at any time, enhancing the overall travel experience.
At Compass Travel, we prioritize transparency and affordability. Most notably, we refrain from charging fees for the majority of our services. We believe in making travel accessible to everyone and strive to keep our fees low when circumstances necessitate them. Our focus is on providing value to our clients, ensuring that their journey is not only well-planned but also budget-friendly.
We specialize in honeymoons, family vacations, European vacations, Caribbean/Mexico vacations, Costa Rica and Belize vacations, Hawaiian vacations, All-inclusive resorts, cruises, and historical tours. My reputation is particularly noted for my expertise in crafting custom European itineraries.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Since navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have adapted my travel booking and business procedures to meet the evolving needs of my clients. While many travel agents have yet to update their practices, I have found that these shifts resonate deeply with what modern travelers are looking for, and I look forward to sharing these insights in my story.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Compass Travel specializes in customized international travel planning—done differently. Instead of relying on bulk packages or generic booking systems like many agencies, we hand-select routes, hotels, and experiences based on your personal travel style.
We don’t charge fees for most of our services, as long as we are booking your accommodations for all nights of your travel and you’re paying for your accommodations with money and not points/miles/timeshare.
We work with clients whose budgets range from mid-scale to luxury, and we generally don’t book ultra-budget accommodations such as hostels or budget hotels. We can’t book Airbnbs but can book luxury private villas.
Our historical travel and tour division has particularly seen a lot of growth and interest in the past couple of years, and we are very proud of that.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking has been essential to my career for decades, and I always recommend building these connections before you “need something” so others can get to know you first.
Pricing:
- We don’t charge fees for most of our services, as long as we are booking your accommodations for all nights of your travel and you’re paying for your accommodations with money and not points/miles/timeshare. If you need help researching or booking flights but are not reserving accommodations through us for each night of your trip (or if you’re using points, miles, or a timeshare for your stay), we charge a fee of $20 per person, per day. This is because airlines do not pay commissions to travel agents—our earnings primarily come from commissions on hotels and cruises.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.compasstravelagency.com
- Instagram: @compass.travel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rollinglobejk
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-travel-agency/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@compass.travel
