Celebrating the Small Businesses That Shape Our Community
Small Business Saturday is almost here, and like many of you, I’ve been thinking about all the ways we can support the businesses that make our community feel like… well, a community. We buy gifts from local shops, we order from small creators, we hire local pros for the projects we never want to DIY — and all of that matters.
But here’s one small business people often forget about:
your local travel advisor.
Yes, including me — Melissa, owner of Enchanted Woods Travel.
A lot of us run our agencies from home. We don’t have a storefront on Main Street (and honestly, we don’t need one), but we’re still very much part of the heartbeat of this community. We’re here working, advocating, researching, and planning incredible trips — often with a cup of coffee, a stack of itineraries, and a child or spouse walking in at the worst possible moment. Small business life, right?
So as you’re choosing which small businesses to support this season, here’s why working with a travel advisor like me makes a real difference.
1. I Work for YOU — Not the Travel Companies
One thing I always tell people: I don’t work for the cruise line, the resort, or the hotel.
I work for you.
My job is to take your budget, your wish list, your timing, your “absolutely nots,” your travel style, and narrow the universe of options into a few perfect choices. Instead of opening 47 browser tabs and hoping for divine intervention, you get expertise, clarity, and actual guidance.
I’m your advocate, your sounding board, and sometimes your reality check.
2. You Get Expertise Without the Call Center Circus
Let’s be honest — nobody enjoys being stuck on hold listening to that tinny airline jazz.
When you work with me, you get a real person who:
- Understands your needs
- Has connections with the suppliers
- Knows the destinations
- Has access to the updates, promos, and behind-the-scenes info you won’t get from Google
You get peace of mind knowing I’m in your corner from the first quote to the moment you walk back through your front door.
3. I’m With You Before, During, and After Your Trip
This is one of the biggest benefits of working with a travel advisor:
You’re not alone.
If something goes sideways — a delay, a cancellation, a resort hiccup — you don’t have to fight that battle by yourself. I have direct contacts, escalation teams, and the knowledge to fix what needs fixing.
Planning ahead? Great. I can secure your trip with a deposit and set up a payment plan so you’re not hit with a big lump sum. And booking early? That’s usually where the real value is.
This isn’t a transaction. It’s a long-term relationship built on trust, experience, and consistency.
How You Can Support Enchanted Woods Travel This Small Business Saturday
Booking your next getaway is amazing (and I’d love that!), but it’s not the only way to support my small business.
Like and share my posts
Every like and share helps my business get seen by more people — and it truly matters.
Comment and tag a friend
A simple tag can introduce me to someone who might need a travel advisor they can trust.
Leave a review
Google, Facebook, Agent Profiler — your words help future clients choose wisely.
Send referrals
Your referrals mean everything. They are the fuel of my business.
Send a quick note of thanks
You’d be surprised how far a little encouragement goes.
A Final Thought…
As a travel advisor, I only get paid after you travel — not when we start planning. Every itinerary, every quote, every email, every supplier call, every little detail you never have to think about… that’s all part of the behind-the-scenes work of a small business owner.
Thank you for supporting Enchanted Woods Travel — whether by booking, sharing, referring, reviewing, or cheering me on. It all matters. It all helps. And I am truly grateful.
This Small Business Saturday, thank you for remembering that the person helping you see the world is also a small business right here at home.