Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Judd.
Hi Lori, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My passion for travel began at a young age through a love of reading and studying world history. Growing up in the Tampa Bay area, I was surrounded by the tourism industry, which naturally sparked my curiosity about the industry. Shortly after high school, I joined a local travel agency, where I assisted with filing brochures and making client calls. That early experience introduced me to the excitement and possibilities of the travel industry, and I quickly began learning the profession from the ground up.
My career advanced significantly when I helped open the Tampa Disney Reservation Center, where I earned my Certified Travel Advisor (CTA) designation. After ten years with the company, I recognized that achieving my long-term goal of owning a travel business would require broader experience. I began working part-time with several travel companies while building my own business, during which I also earned my Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) certification.
A few years ago, I made the decision to pursue my business full-time. Today, I’m proud to serve as a Luxury Travel Advisor and business owner, leading a growing team of dedicated sub-agents. Together, we continue to build a company defined by passion, professionalism, and personalized service.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Throughout my career, I’ve faced the challenges that come with growing a business in a constantly evolving industry. Early on, balancing multiple roles while managing part-time work and developing my own client base required resilience and time management. Later, navigating industry shifts—such as the rise of online booking platforms and AI as well as the impact of global travel disruptions—has tested my adaptability and problem-solving skills. Each obstacle however, has helped me to refine my expertise and build a stronger, more client-focused business.
As you know, we’re big fans of Prestige Travel Vacations LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Prestige Travel Vacations LLC, “We make dream vacations come true.”
In today’s world of endless online deals, countless self-proclaimed “travel experts,” and overwhelming information, having a Certified Travel Advisor (CTA) by your side truly makes a difference. A Certified Travel Advisor is a highly trained and experienced professional who has completed rigorous industry education, invested in ongoing professional development, and upholds a strict code of ethics to ensure clients receive the highest standard of service and expertise.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my career was leaving the stability of a paid position to pursue my dream of running my own travel business full-time. Transitioning from a structured environment with a steady paycheck to full entrepreneurship required confidence, resilience, and faith in my abilities. Fortunately, the encouragement and insight I gained from the many business owners I had worked with over the years helped me make that leap.
The COVID-19 shutdown presented one of the greatest challenges of my career. With travel halted and commissions suspended, many advisors chose to leave the industry. However, having already weathered major disruptions such as 9/11 and the recession, I was determined to stay the course. With perseverance—and the continued support of my loyal clients—I was able to rebuild and emerge even stronger.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.PrestigeTravelVacations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prestigetravelvacations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrestigeTravelVacation
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/29018644/admin/dashboard/
