On the surface, my life is a tale of two worlds: a Bay Area Software Engineer by profession, and a passionate Cruise Advisor by calling. But the truth is, they're fueled by the same things. I'm a traveler, a photographer, a foodie, and yes, a bit of a credit card points nerd. I find the same joy in designing a clean line of code as I do in crafting a seamless, value-packed cruise itinerary—both are about creating elegant solutions to complex puzzles.
As a firm believer in lifelong learning, I'm also currently a student at Mission College, always eager to explore something new.
A little more about me:
- My favorite visited place on Earth: so far is Alaska, but Antarctica is always on top of my bucket list.
- My favorite visited place on Earth: so far is Alaska, but Antarctica is always on top of my bucket list.
- My favorite food: All kinds of meat!
- My favorite animal: Panda
- I watched more documentaries than movies
- I own more camera lenses than pairs of shoes
So, why the side hustle? And why a travel 'Advisor'? I’ve answered some of the most common questions below to share a little more of my story.
Q: You're a Software Engineer in the Bay Area. Why start a side hustle as a Cruise Advisor?
A: That's the perfect first question! This venture is driven by a blend of professional ambition and personal passion.
A: That's the perfect first question! This venture is driven by a blend of professional ambition and personal passion.
For years, I've excelled as an employee in the tech world. But I've always felt the pull to build something that is truly my own—a business. It’s a challenge to step out of the employee mindset, a skill I believe is essential for growth. As a natural introvert, this is also a personal journey to stretch my social skills and connect with fellow travel enthusiasts like you.
Finally, I'm genuinely curious. I want to get an insider's look into the travel industry, understand its complexities, and earn professional certifications like the Elite Cruise Counselor (ECC) from CLIA. The industry perks, like FAM (familiarization) trips, are a nice bonus that ultimately helps me bring better, first-hand knowledge back to my clients.
But at its heart, this all started from a deep love for planning travel—especially cruises, which are far more complex to book than simple flights and hotels. They require a specialist.
Q: Why do you call yourself a Travel Advisor, not an Agent?
A: I use the term "Advisor" very intentionally because it reflects my philosophy and the value I provide.
A: I use the term "Advisor" very intentionally because it reflects my philosophy and the value I provide.
A traditional travel agent might be focused on a transaction—booking a ticket from point A to B. They are a capable facilitator.
As a Travel Advisor, my role is strategic and holistic. I'm not just a booking tool; I'm your partner and strategist in planning. I use my analytical skills from the tech world to:
- Design an itinerary that is truly tailored to your travel style, not just the most convenient sale.
- Optimize your budget and find the best value.
- Navigate complex promotions and decode the fine print.
My goal is to advise you on the smartest way to travel, ensuring every detail is considered.
Q: This sounds great, but how do you get paid? Is your service really free?
A: Let's talk about the money, because transparency is the foundation of trust.
A: Let's talk about the money, because transparency is the foundation of trust.
Currently, my consultation and planning services are offered to you free of charge. My income as a side business comes from commissions paid by the cruise lines and suppliers after you travel.
However, I have a full-time career as a Software Engineer. This business is a passion, not a financial necessity. This means I am not dependent on making a sale. My advice is unbiased and focused on one thing only: finding the absolute best value and experience for you.
To be completely candid, the administrative part of making the final booking isn't what excites me. My true passion lies in the research, the strategy, the planning, and the optimization. I can guarantee that the value of my professional planning service will always far exceed the commission I might receive.
My goal is to build a business based on genuine expertise. In the future, I may explore offering paid, high-value services, such as in-depth workshops or premium content on this site, to share my knowledge as intellectual property.
Q: What happens if I cancel my trip before the final payment? Do you still get paid?
A: If you cancel before the final payment due date, I do not receive a commission. I completely understand that life happens and plans change. If you feel my consultation provided value even if you didn't travel, a voluntary tip is always appreciated but never expected.
A: If you cancel before the final payment due date, I do not receive a commission. I completely understand that life happens and plans change. If you feel my consultation provided value even if you didn't travel, a voluntary tip is always appreciated but never expected.
Ready to Plan Your Voyage?
Planning a cruise should be exciting, not overwhelming. If you're looking for a dedicated partner to help you navigate the options and design a truly memorable journey, you're in the right place. Let's start the conversation.
Planning a cruise should be exciting, not overwhelming. If you're looking for a dedicated partner to help you navigate the options and design a truly memorable journey, you're in the right place. Let's start the conversation.
For any direct questions, inquiries, feedbacks, or collaborations that don't fit into the consultation process, please fill in the contact form below and I will get in touch with you.
Thank you!