Welcome to our Travel Advisor Spotlight series, where we shine a light on the incredible professionals who we have worked with through the years across the TravelSMG events! Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to Talitha Park of Anew Travel.
What got you into the Travel Industry and how long have you been an Advisor?
I didn’t set out thinking, this is what I’ll do forever—but travel found me in the most meaningful way.
As a hairstylist, I’ve always connected with people through conversation, and one topic that never failed to light someone up was travel. Whether it was reminiscing about past vacations or dreaming about future ones, you could see an instant spark. You can never go wrong when talking about wonderful travel adventures—and I loved being part of those moments.
That naturally led me to start helping friends and clients plan their trips. I found so much joy in watching their excitement grow—from choosing a destination to hearing their stories when they returned home. I realized it wasn’t just about booking a vacation… it was about creating memories, easing stress, and making the entire experience feel effortless and special.
The more I helped others, the more I knew this was something bigger. Travel has a way of connecting people, celebrating milestones, and giving us moments we carry for a lifetime—and I wanted to be a part of that for as many people as possible. That passion turned into a career, and now, 9 years later, I’m still just as inspired. Every itinerary, every trip, every client story reminds me exactly why I chose this path.
What made you first realize the value that a Travel Advisor brings to a consumer’s travel experience?
I first realized the true value of a Travel Advisor when I saw the difference between simply booking a trip and truly experiencing one.
Early on, I had clients who came to me after trying to plan things on their own—overwhelmed by options, unsure of what was actually worth it, and stressed about making the wrong choices. Once I stepped in, I was able to simplify everything, guide them toward the right fit for their travel style, and handle all the moving pieces they didn’t even realize mattered.
But the real moment it clicked for me was when things didn’t go as planned—flight changes, unexpected hiccups, or last-minute adjustments. Instead of my clients feeling stuck or frustrated, they had someone in their corner handling it for them. They could still focus on enjoying their trip, and that peace of mind is something you just can’t put a price on.
That’s when I realized—this isn’t just about booking travel. It’s about advocacy, expertise, and creating a seamless experience from start to finish.
What does being a Travel Advisor mean to you?
Being a Travel Advisor means being more than someone who books trips—it’s about being a trusted guide and advocate for my clients. I take the time to understand how they like to travel and create experiences that are seamless, personalized, and truly memorable. I’m there every step of the way, from start to finish, so they never have to navigate it alone. At the end of the day, it’s about creating moments that matter—and being a small part of something really special.
What’s your favorite type of trip to plan for a client?
My favorite trips to plan are the ones that are truly meaningful—celebrations, bucket-list journeys, and those “we’ve been dreaming about this forever” vacations. But honestly, what makes any trip my favorite is the excitement behind it. When my clients are excited, dreaming big, and trusting me to bring it all together—that’s the best part.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
That’s always such a hard one—but if I had to choose, I’d say the Caribbean has my heart. There’s just something about the water, the warmth, and the laid-back energy that instantly puts you at ease. I especially love places like Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, and Aruba—beautiful beaches, incredible resorts, and that perfect mix of relaxation and fun. But I also have a deep love for Europe—there’s nothing like the charm, history, and culture you experience there. So if I can balance both beach escapes and European adventures, that’s my perfect travel mix.
Where do you go to keep up-to-date on all the industry news and information?
I stay up-to-date through a mix of daily industry resources, supplier trainings, and hands-on experience. And honestly, one of the best ways I stay current is by traveling myself and doing site visits—there’s nothing like firsthand experience to truly understand what I’m recommending to my clients.
What’s some advice that you would give to your fellow Advisors to keep them motivated when they get frustrated by their day-to-day?
My biggest piece of advice is simple—keep giving 110%, even on the hard days. This industry can be challenging at times, but it’s important to remember why you started. Every itinerary you build and every client you help is creating memories that will last a lifetime. When the day-to-day gets frustrating, take a step back and focus on the bigger picture. Stay passionate, keep showing up for your clients, and trust that your effort and dedication will always come back to you.
What TravelSMG Events have you attended?
I have attended the Romance Forum and the Las Vegas Forum, and both have been incredible experiences. If I had to choose a favorite, I would say the Romance Forum. I love the focused atmosphere, the opportunity to connect with suppliers who specialize in destination weddings and honeymoons, and the valuable insights I can bring back to better serve my clients as a build my destination wedding portfolio.
How has participating in TravelSMG events helped you as an Advisor?
Participating in TravelSMG events has been incredibly valuable to me as an Advisor. They’ve given me the opportunity to build strong relationships with suppliers, gain firsthand knowledge of destinations and products, and stay current on industry trends. The connections I’ve made and the insights I’ve gained allow me to better serve my clients with confidence and expertise. It’s also been a great source of motivation—being surrounded by other passionate Advisors always re-energizes me and reminds me why I love what I do.