Advisor Shoutouts February 2022

ADVISOR SHOUTOUTS

FEBRUARY 2022

Raschinna Findlay

Protravel Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills, CA

What continues to inspire or motivate you to work in the travel industry?

After 33 years as a Luxury Travel Designer, I still find the travel business exciting. Every destination brigs me joy! Every connection with clients and my travel industry network is a new adventure.

We are in this industry to serve and what a magnificent group from all walks of life that I am privileged to interact with daily. I love my clients and have some of the most fascinating clients where I assist in turning their travel dreams into memorable experiences. I love to pay attention to my clients stories and make quality time to truly listen and interpret what they truly want for their travel holiday.

Which destinations do you love selling and why?

I love becoming a Chameleon when I travel and immersing myself into the Culture, Food & Wine, Art, Adventure and all the destination has to offer. Therefore learning the destination, I can recommend from my experience, or, turn to a colleague or vendor for their expertise to enhance my clients experience. It's very hard to choose, as a Gemini, my split personalities find something magical in each destination I visit either in person or virtually.

I believe I sell experiences that captivates a person’s Heart, Mind and Emotions

Islands - The Caribbean, French Polynesia, Maldives, Thailand, Greece, Bali, Galapagos, Vietnam – Nature & Pristine Aqua marine Water
Countries - Morocco, Japan, Bhutan, Africa, Europe, Canada, UAE, Asia, Mexico, India _ Culture, Food, Art, Language, Spa
Adventure Skiing in Courchevel, Waterfall Rappelling in Costa Rica, paragliding in Oman, Diving in Belize, Surfing in South Africa, Scuba Diving in the Galapagos
Yachting and Cruising – Adventures at Sea.

What is something that your peers may not know about you?

I almost drowned in the Caribbean sea when I was 8 years old. My older sister had her friend grab my hair that was floating on the surface and pulled me to safety!!

What new skill or hobby did you pick up during the pandemic?

A commitment to living a healthy & spiritual life – Thanks to YouTube for accessible programs, and the streets of Beverly Hills / West Hollywood and Los Angeles for great space to walk 3-5 miles a day.

May we ask you to highlight a Bennett + Mercado Hospitality hotel or destination, or just a short sentence on why you enjoy working with our team?

Bennett + Mercado have an exceptional company and I am delighted that they are always available. They have a fantastic & diversified collection of hotels, resorts and on-sites.

How wonderful to connect to Marie Pilaud - Regional Manager in the USA of wondertrunk & co. Japan over dinner. It was valuable time speaking over dinner to connect and know that Marie was knowledgeable, but also Lived in Japan & knew the culture/destination intimately.

She speaks fluent English & Japanese which is necessary when I need to communicate exactly what my client needs. It is the connection and speaking to an expert that understands your needs and knows the destination that makes me so comfortable with working with her.

Where are you traveling to next?

My deepest Bucket List trip is to travel to Antarctica.

My next trip will be Maldives for the 3rd time and a visit my Aunt Mavis who lives in London.

Paulette Darensburg

Protravel Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills, CA

What continues to inspire or motivate you to work in the travel industry?

After 35 years as an independent contractor, I’m always inspired when clients send me a new referral. This motivated me to continue creating memorable travel experiences.

Which destinations do you love selling and why?

Africa, Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, and the Americas. I like selling these destinations because of the people, culture, and their food.

What is something that your peers may not know about you?

I do voice overs. My friends and family are always amazed when I call change my voice and they have no Idea who they’re talking to. It’s fun!

What new skill or hobby did you pick up during the pandemic?

My prayer life has gown and I’ve become more skillful in meditation and self-reflection.

May we ask you to highlight a Bennett + Mercado Hospitality hotel or destination, or just a short sentence on why you enjoy working with our team?

I’ve had memorable experiences with both Viceroy Los Cabos and Rancho Valencia.

Viceroy was so much fun. Their popsicle cart and the passed tastes of ceviche by the pool, to curated bike rides through the old town. The service is gracious and welcoming and room service is prompt. A delightful stay!

Rancho Valencia is beautiful - the accommodations, service, spa, restaurants and of course the wonderful staff. Mark Phillips the Director of Sales is a class act.

I enjoy the working relationships that I have with the passionate team of individuals at Bennett + Mercado. Their heavy focus on SERVICE and their commitment to helping me enhance my

clients travel experience. Thank you for always being there when I need you.

Where are you traveling to next?

To Egypt with a group for my birthday!

Brianna Glenn

Milk and Honey Travels

Orange County, CA

What continues to inspire or motivate you to work in the travel industry?

The knowledge that what we help people do becomes part of their most treasured memories.

What destinations do you love selling and why?

Lately I've been super giddy working on Africa itineraries. I think it's because the last couple of years I've had my own couple of trips to Africa that were truly life changing, and it's such a unique and special destination.

What is something that your peers may not know about you?

I fell in love with travel during my career as a professional athlete. For 10 years I competed in track and field around the world and was ranked top 10 in the world in my best event. (long jump)

What new skill or hobby did you pick up during the pandemic?

Mixologist! I started learning how to make fun cocktails at home.

May we ask you to highlight a Bennett + Mercado Hospitality hotel or destination, or just a short sentence on why you enjoy working with our team?

I honeymooned at Nayara and it is pretty much included on every Costa Rica itinerary I'll ever put together because it's that special.

I am the biggest fan of Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji. It was the first family trip we ever took after my son was born, and it holds the most special memories for us. The people there are so incredibly kind and make all the difference. And the nanny services.... LIFE CHANGING.

Where are you traveling to next?

I am hoping to go on a quick solo trip in April for my birthday and do nothing but sleep in a nice hotel and get a massage or two. (did I mention I have a new baby??)