I had the pleasure to chat with Alena Pottorf - owner of the boutique travel agency A Destination Anywhere and I just love when women have this opportunity to talk about their passions that they've turned into businesses! Please see our interview below and reach out to Alena personally for all of your travel needs!!
I am the passionate owner of A Destination Anywhere, a premier travel planning service insured and bonded by Archer Travel Group. My journey into the world of travel stems from a successful career as an event planner, executive assistant, and business owner. I have been privileged to excelled in creating unforgettable experiences, from intimate celebrations to large-scale events, where my attention to detail and organizational expertise sets me apart.
With a love for travel and a talent for turning dreams into reality, I combine my background in event planning with my deep commitment to personalized service. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventurous solo trip, I take pride in curating journeys that leave lasting memories.
My mission is simple: make every trip as extraordinary as the destination itself. A Destination Anywhere is your trusted partner for seamless, one-of-a-kind travel experiences!
Did you always want to be in or see yourself as a business owner & being your own boss?
Yes! I never wanted to work for the same person/company my whole life and knew that owning my own business “someday” was a way to achieve this. I grew up very “blue collar” and started working when I was 13 years old. My first job was in an ice cream and candy store. I loved it. I not only had the opportunity to understand what it takes to own and run a small business (as much as my 13-15 year old person could absorb) but I also learned a great work ethic. I went from there to retail and worked in that until I was almost 19 and then moved into the hospitality and tourism industry for several years. I worked in administration, banking and more administration until I realized my dream at 26 and purchased a coffee shop/café. I was able to do event planning, catering and so much more. Life took me in a different direction for quite a few years and now I am realizing another dream of owning my own Travel Agency.
What is it about A Destination Anywhere that stands out in the travel industry?
Because I am a small business and have access to hundreds of vendors, I am not pigeonholed into selling only one type of vacation package or business travel package. I have the privilege of being able to do completely bespoke itineraries that match the client’s needs to their budget. I work with a wonderful group of travel agents in my consortium so if I have not been to, or don’t know much about, a particular location – there is someone in my group who does!
How do you balance being an entrepreneur and having a personal/family/social life? What does that look like for you and any tips for our readers?
My eldest brother, a very wise man, once told me that the concept of "work-life balance" is a myth. His words stuck with me. The idea of balance implies a 50/50 split, suggesting we should devote equal time and energy to work and personal life. In reality, life doesn’t work that way. Instead of striving for equality between work and life, I began to see it as a matter of prioritization. When I’m at work, I’m fully focused on work. I have a dedicated space in my home devoted to my “office”. I utilize alarms, schedules, and lists to stay organized based on the week ahead. When I’m home, I’m fully present. I’ve created boundaries that allow me to focus on the people and moments that matter most. By setting clear limits and being intentional with my time, I can truly enjoy and invest in my home life without the constant pressure to "balance" everything perfectly or work 24/7.
For me - it’s all about being intentional with my time and energy, prioritizing what matters most in the moment and scheduling things as needed with flexibility for LIFE!
What is the part about your business that lights you up the most?
Booking that trip that someone never thought they would be able to afford. I love being able to talk with people and see the look on their faces when I tell them that “YES – I can get you to Greece for your honeymoon AND stay within your budget!” I love getting to know my clients so that I am not only fulfilling dreams but making the journey (process) beautiful as well.
Do you have any advice/tips for women wanting to start their own business & go after their dreams?
BE FEARLESS but not ignorant. Do your homework and don’t settle for “less than” just
because you don’t think you deserve better! You want to open a coffee house – do the work! You want to be a travel agent – do the work! You want to own a café or cleaning business or transportation company or construction firm or architectural firm – DO THE WORK and KEEP YOUR EYES & MIND OPEN WIDE. It may take a while to get there and the dream may change, but if you keep your eyes open the journey will be worth it in the long run!
What made you take the leap into entrepreneurship and start "A Destination Anywhere"?
Long story short - I retired from the insurance industry (career number I don’t even know..) and my husband and I love to travel. I love booking our travel and doing research into different locations. I was in the hospitality industry for years and after talking with several people – got on several Zoom calls with several different groups, I thought – I could not only do this – but do it better than some of the other agents I have dealt with! It was not my first passion but it marries with my passions very well and so with an open mind I did my research and thought….I can totally do this!
How has your journey been so far with your business and what services/products do you offer? What makes your business special and/or unique?
It’s been a LOT of learning. The systems (programs) are fairly straightforward – but there are MANY! There is a lot to being a travel advisor and it truly has been enlightening to learn the ins and outs of the business. Travel Advisors/Agents are unique in and of themselves! We walk to the beat of a different drummer and we love the melody that is being played. I specialize in couples travel (Honeymoons, Babymoons and Autumn-moons) but have booked huge family vacations and group trips as well.
What makes me unique is that I understand that people often overlook the phases of a travel plan, but once we break them down, much of the stress and pressure disappears. Travel planning can be simplified into four steps and this is where I come in.: Budget, Timeline, Journey (how you’ll get there), and Destination. Sometimes, you may need to revisit and adjust these steps, but that’s all part of the process—and part of the adventure – and part of why I love what I do!
Do you have a favorite part about your business whether it be expanding, learning about clients, creating new offers, etc & why?
I absolutely love getting to know my clients and creating unique, curated adventures just for them! Crafting one-of-a-kind trips that speak to their soul (and fit their budget) is incredibly rewarding. The journey into travel doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be fun, exciting, and something to look forward to.
Contact Info:
Website: http://adestinationanywhere.com/
Phone: 859.982.5499
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