Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Hope.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For most of my adult life, I worked in healthcare, and about five years ago, I made the decision to care for people in a different way—by helping them create meaningful, joyful travel experiences. Growing up in South Louisiana, I developed a deep appreciation for vibrant cultures, great food, and genuine human connection, which naturally shaped both my love of travel and the way I serve my clients today.
My passion for travel began with an 8th-grade school trip to Washington, DC, and over the years it evolved into a lifelong pursuit. Since then, I’ve explored destinations across the globe—from the natural beauty of Hawaii and Alaska to the crystal-clear waters of Bonaire and Cayman Brac. My travels have taken me throughout Europe and the Caribbean, and I’ve experienced everything from ocean cruises and European river cruises to luxury all-inclusive resorts. These firsthand experiences give me valuable insight and allow me to thoughtfully design trips that match each client’s travel style and goals.
When I decided to turn my passion into a profession, I chose to purchase a Dream Vacations franchise because of the company’s strong values and supportive culture. What truly sets Dream Vacations apart is the family atmosphere and the integrity that runs throughout the organization. They have an unspoken motto, “Always do the right thing,” which is reflected in everything they do—from the owners at World Travel Holdings and the executive leadership to the newest franchise owners. It’s a collaborative environment where we genuinely support one another, and together we bring a wealth of shared knowledge and experience to our clients. Being part of this community allows me to offer not just travel planning, but trusted guidance and personalized care for every journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest struggles I faced after transitioning from healthcare into the travel industry was the sheer learning curve. After spending so many years in one profession, many of my daily responsibilities had become second nature. There’s a certain comfort that comes with “mental muscle memory,” and when you leave that behind, you suddenly find yourself feeling like a beginner again.
Starting a travel business required learning an entirely new skill set all at once—everything from becoming a small business owner to understanding destinations across the globe, different regions and hemispheres, the nuances of qualifying clients so I could truly understand what kind of experiences they were looking for and then learning which suppliers to partner with that I knew would give my clients the best value no matter their budget. The initial training is often described as “drinking from a firehose,” and that description felt very accurate in the early days.
There were definitely moments of self-doubt, but I once heard that growth isn’t about managing your fears—it’s about expanding your comfort zone. That perspective shifted everything for me. Instead of waiting to feel fully confident, I learned to take action while learning, to lean into the discomfort, and to trust that experience would build over time. Looking back, those early challenges were essential in shaping the advisor I am today and in giving me a deeper appreciation for how far I’ve come.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I don’t currently specialize in one specific destination or type of trip. I genuinely enjoy learning about new areas of the world and new ways to experience them, so I welcome a wide range of trip requests. That curiosity allows me to stay fresh, adaptable, and creative when designing experiences for my clients.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I would say one of the most important lessons I have learned along the way is to rely on my resources. Many of my fellow Dream Vacation Agents have either researched, planned, or experienced the type of trip or the destination that I am researching.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://JenHopeTravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenhopetravel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenhopetravel
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-h-00062a31/
