Have you ever wondered about the Travel Counselor on the other side of the line when you call Odysseys Unlimited? These people – like supervisor Katie F., pictured above – are the ones who help make your travel experience a truly exceptional one; they answer all your travel-related questions, provide resources for your tour, customize your reservation, and help out in any other way they can.

We’re excited to spotlight several members of our Guest Services team to give a behind-the-scenes look at the people who help make the Odysseys Advantage possible. Below, hear from Travel Counselors Cassandra D., Jennifer R., Hannah H., Quinn S., and Isabel C. as they answer questions about working at Odysseys, their passion for travel, their favorite experiences with guests, and more.

What is your favorite part of working at Odysseys Unlimited as a Travel Counselor?

Cassandra: My favorite part of working at Odysseys Unlimited is making what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming process enjoyable and seamless for our guests. I really enjoy building relationships with our travelers, getting to know their individual needs, and being someone they can rely on for guidance and support. It’s rewarding to know that the assistance I provide helps create a positive experience and allows them to look forward to their travels with confidence.

Jennifer: I joined Odysseys as a Travel Counselor in August 2026, and so far my favorite part of working here is my wonderful coworkers. Everyone has been so supportive and welcoming. I also really enjoy hearing about our guests’ recent travel experiences.

Hannah: I love working with returning guests and hearing about their travels and their experiences with Odysseys. I think travel experiences are a way to connect us all, and I love being able to bond with guests over our love of travel.

Quinn: My favorite part is engaging daily with people who share my passion for travel. I learn something from our guests every week, and I also get the opportunity to share my own experiences with guests to assist and guide them in making their travel plans.

Isabel: My favorite part of working at Odysseys Unlimited as a Travel Counselor is hearing our travelers’ stories. Many of them have traveled extensively and it’s fascinating to hear what they have experienced. Especially when they tell stories about how they found new lifelong travel friends on an Odysseys tour!

Jennifer R.

What’s the most important skill to have as a Travel Counselor?

Cassandra: The most important qualities are empathy, approachability, and attention to detail. As Travel Counselors, we are in a customer-facing role where building relationships and creating a positive experience for our guests are essential. It is equally important to provide accurate information, communicate clearly, and set realistic expectations so our guests feel informed and confident throughout their journey. Ultimately, I want our guests to view Odysseys Unlimited as a trusted resource they can return to and depend on for their international travel needs and experiences.

Jennifer: It's very important to have good listening skills, patience, and empathy.

Hannah: As a Travel Counselor, it is important to think about how you are setting up the guest’s experience. We are always here to help and make our guests feel heard!

Quinn: It's important to be thoughtful and understanding of our guests' needs in order to make their travel experience as seamless and stress-free as possible, and share in the excitement as they prepare to go on their next great adventure!

Isabel: I would say the most important skill to have as a Travel Counselor is the ability to listen. We get so many different kinds of calls each day and the one thing you truly need to be able to navigate the different kinds of situations is the ability to hear someone’s needs. By doing so, you know exactly how you can respond or take action and it can change everything about a person’s experience. I also think it is what makes OUI stand out from our competitors.

Hannah H.

Describe the most rewarding recent interaction you’ve had with a guest.

Cassandra: One that stands out was connecting with guests while traveling on our Across Spain and Portugal tour. They all shared a genuine passion for travel, learning, and trying new things. I enjoyed their enthusiasm, hearing about their past travels, and learning from their experiences. Conversations with them were especially rewarding because they reminded me how much I enjoy connecting with people through a shared love of travel.

Jennifer: It’s always wonderful to hear, “You’ve been so helpful!”

Hannah: A few months ago, some guests sent us an entire book they made of their Costa Rica travels and we were able to pass it along to their tour director and everyone at Odysseys. It was such an amazing gift and an incredible way to see the impact our tours have on our guests.

Quinn: I spoke with a wonderful guest whose husband recently passed. They used to travel together frequently. She called to book two Odysseys tours as she decided it was time to get out and enjoy life again. She knew her husband would want her to travel, so she decided she was going to complete the rest of their travel wish list.

Isabel: The most rewarding recent interaction I had with a guest was being able to help guide them through logging in to our online guest portal. I always find joy in watching someone go from “I am not tech savvy enough,” or “I can’t do it,” to being overcome with excitement when they are able to log in with a little guidance. Patience and understanding can go a long way!

Cassandra D.

When and how did your passion for travel begin?

Cassandra: My passion for travel began during a study abroad program in Southeast Asia. My classmates and I had the opportunity to explore Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Japan while learning about international business. This experience opened my eyes to the value of exploring different cultures, meeting people from around the world, and experiencing destinations beyond what you can learn in a classroom. It sparked my desire to continue exploring the world.

Jennifer: I love to read historical fiction. I think my love for travel was ignited when I traveled to Venice the summer after my high school graduation and was able to see the setting of a novel I had just finished.

Hannah: My first international trip was to Costa Rica in February 2020. I learned so much and pushed myself to have new experiences. When the pandemic hit, it made me appreciate travel even more; I was able to share my experiences with others to help cope with such a difficult time. Travel can truly instill perspective and empathy in others.

Quinn: I grew up in Tasmania and my sister and I would travel together to the United States to visit our family over the summer holidays. This is when I fell in love with the excitement of traveling. The ability to experience different cultures and ways of life is always exhilarating to me.

Isabel: My passion for travel started when I was a little kid. My mother is from Mexico and we often traveled to her hometown to visit family. I feel grateful that I got to experience travel from a young age because it unlocked a desire to continue learning more about the world around me.

Isabel C.

Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled with Odysseys, or what’s your dream destination and why?

Cassandra: My favorite tour with Odysseys Unlimited was Africa’s Wildlife. Going on an African safari had always been a dream of mine, and Odysseys made that dream a reality. From start to finish, every detail of the trip was taken care of, allowing me to fully enjoy the experience. Our tour director, Mandla, was incredible. He was personable, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the region. One of the highlights was visiting and spending the night in South Luangwa National Park, a destination other tour operators often do not include.

I also appreciated the unique cultural experiences, particularly hearing Antoinette Sithole, a Soweto resident, share her personal stories of the Soweto Uprising at the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum. Experiences like these offer a deeper understanding of a destination that goes beyond traditional sightseeing. Of course, seeing the wildlife up close and witnessing the animals in their natural habitats was unforgettable. Getting to see all of the Big Five was truly a dream come true! Overall, it was an incredible trip that showcased what makes traveling with Odysseys Unlimited so special. It is the combination of exceptional service, authentic cultural experiences, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Jennifer: I’d love to go to Africa on one of our safari tours! I’m hoping to take my mom in 2028.

Hannah: I am incredibly excited to be taking my first tour with Odysseys next fall to France! I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience the French countryside with our lovely guests. India or an African safari is next on my list!

Quinn: My dream destination is Vanuatu. I love the joyous people, the laid-back ambiance, the appreciation of the “simple” life, and the love and happiness shared amongst the community of the South Pacific. Plus, of course, the stunning beaches, topography, and outdoor lifestyle!

Isabel: I have traveled on Norwegian Splendor with Odysseys, and it was truly an exceptional trip. I am someone who loves to see nature and experiencing the fjords in person was something I will never forget. I would say my dream tour right now is Insider’s Japan because I find Japanese culture captivating!

We hope you enjoyed learning more about the individuals that help make your travel experience an exceptional one. If you have any questions or are ready to make a reservation, Cassandra, Jennifer, Hannah, Quinn, Isabel, and the rest of our Travel Counselors are always ready to help! Just give us a call.