Interview with Tracy Mason, co-owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: My partner, Joyce Smith, and I worked together at the same travel agency as frontline agents for a combined 30-plus years. When the opportunity arose to purchase the agency from the previous owner who retired, we were thrilled at the prospect of making it our own. When you truly love what you do, it is much easier to do it well and make it fun at the same time. We believe our enthusiasm for this business shows in the relationships we have with our clients and our business associates.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We take pride in the way we treat our clients and, often, our clients become our friends. Coming to our office to book your travel or to attend a destination event is always informative. We host multiple complimentary destination events throughout the year featuring regional food and beverages and hosted by speakers that actually come from the destination we are featuring. Our guest speakers have come from as far as Australia, Europe and the Caribbean to provide our clients with personal, firsthand knowledge that you won’t get from an online booking engine. We also provide personal service before, during and after travel which is something else you won’t get from an online travel agency.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Living and working in our community while having the ability to travel throughout the world researching new destinations for our clients. Our storefront location allows us to have face-to-face contact with our clients, and we love bringing back information from destinations around the world to share with our community. In the past year alone our agents have traveled to Australia, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Canada and Alaska.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Many people don’t know how a travel agency operates. Most of our planning and booking services come at no charge to our clients, and our experience and knowledge can help to ensure that your vacation experience is everything you want it to be. We consistently travel throughout the world in order to provide the most accurate and current information for vacation destinations.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Good travel agencies are not extinct. Travel agencies are the best value out there. Very few businesses still offer their knowledge and expertise at little to no charge to the client. Although we are a small, locally owned business, the agents in our office assist travelers from all over the country.
Profile
Business: Time of Your Life Travel
Address: 9142 W. Ken Caryl Ave., Suite D3, Littleton
Hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Founded: 2012
Contact: 303-933-0707;
Employees: 4
