Mandee Migliaccio. (Source: Mandee Migliaccio)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Mandee Migliaccio, CEO of Stepping Out Travel Services.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I like to say that travel is in my DNA. I grew up in the industry. My mom has been a travel advisor for almost 40 years, so the world of travel was always part of our family conversations and daily life. As a kid, I spent countless afternoons listening to her share stories about faraway destinations, help clients plan their dream vacations and celebrate their incredible adventures once they returned.
When my mom decided to open her own agency in 2005, I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of it. Watching her build a business from the ground up taught me invaluable lessons about passion, perseverance and the personal connections that make this industry so special.
At first, I helped with behind-the-scenes work and soaked up everything I could. But before long, I realized that what I loved most was working directly with clients and helping them create their own unforgettable journeys. It felt only natural to officially step into the advisor role, and I have loved every moment since.
In 2007, I stepped into the role of CEO of Stepping Out Travel. Since then, I have had the privilege of guiding our team with a strong focus on education, mentorship and collaboration. My leadership philosophy is rooted in leading with heart. I strive to support our advisors in their growth, encourage creativity and create an environment where our team can thrive both professionally and personally.
Every journey I help design reminds me why I love this industry. Our clients’ stories, passions and dreams inspire me every day to keep raising the bar. What started as a family legacy has grown into a lifelong calling. Now I enjoy sharing the magic of travel with my own children and passing on that same spark my mom gave me. Travel is not just my career. It is a part of who I am.
How did you build your business over the years?
Building my business has been a true labor of love. I focused on creating strong, meaningful relationships, not just with clients, but with suppliers, tourist boards and fellow advisors. I invested in education, attended industry events and stayed ahead of trends. But most importantly, I built a brand rooted in trust, creativity and consistently exceeding expectations. Word-of-mouth referrals have been the heartbeat of my growth and I take immense pride in that.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
Adaptability and a genuine love for people. Travel is always changing, with new destinations and new challenges, and being able to pivot while staying excited about what’s next has been crucial. I’m also deeply committed to listening. Every client has a story, and taking the time to truly understand their ‘why’ allows me to craft trips that are personal and unforgettable.
What have greatest challenges been?
The ever-changing travel landscape has definitely kept me on my toes. From economic shifts to global events like the pandemic, there have been moments that tested my creativity and resilience. Learning to navigate uncertainty while staying positive and solution-focused has been one of my biggest challenges – and growth opportunities.
What are your greatest accomplishments?
Growing a thriving business that helps people experience the world in ways they never imagined is my proudest accomplishment. I’m honored to have built long-term relationships with clients who trust me with some of their most meaningful moments, including weddings, honeymoons, family reunions and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Seeing my clients return year after year, often referring me to their friends and family, means everything.
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
This business is all about relationships and real-world experience. If you want to succeed, you need to prioritize both! Build strong connections with your business development managers, your consortium, tourist boards, and, just as importantly, your fellow travel advisors. Surround yourself with people who are rooting for your success, and be that support system for others as well. Collaboration always beats competition.
And here’s something non-negotiable: Get out there and travel. You can’t sell what you don’t know. Seeing a resort, experiencing a destination, meeting the teams on-site, changes everything. It gives you authenticity, confidence and the kind of insider knowledge that no brochure or webinar can teach you.
Every trip you take is an investment in your business. So never stop learning, never stop growing and never forget why you fell in love with travel in the first place. Your passion is your superpower – so use it!
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
