7 Questions with Anne Bluntzer - Brownell Hosting

Brownell Hosting

The Leading Host for Successful Travel Advisors

7 Questions with Anne Bluntzer

Meet Anne Bluntzer. After years working for congress, governmental affairs, and in the financial industry, Anne followed her heart and turned her passion for travel into her full time job. Anne was hardly a new kid on the block in the travel industry before founding Bluntzer Travel joining Brownell’s Hosting Program. After working for over ten years as a luxury tour advisor specializing in safaris, Anne made the smooth transition into her career as an Independent Travel Advisor. Anne leverages her years of experience in curating exceptional travel experiences and her deep rooted love for helping others to see the world and create once in a lifetime journeys for her clients.

How did you find Brownell?

I was traveling on an educational trip and met a Brownell advisor. We immediately hit it off, so naturally I Googled Brownell as soon as I returned home.

Why did you choose Brownell as your host agency?

After reading through the website, I really identified with Brownell’s values. I also loved their reputation in the travel industry and among their hotel partners.

What aspect of Brownell is most exciting?

That we are all on the same team. Everyone at Brownell is so willing to share their ideas and experiences. I always know that if there is ever an area in which I’m not an expert, I can count on my Brownell colleagues to catch me up to speed.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to join the travel industry?

I would really encourage them to talk to someone in the business and ask what it’s really like. Many have the misconception that the travel industry is all glitz and glamour. Without a doubt, I’ve seen some amazing places throughout my career, but it is so much more than jet-setting from one place to the next. Life as a travel advisor has been one of the most exciting, but also challenging, experiences of my career.

Why is working in the travel industry a rewarding & enjoyable career?

It gives me the opportunity to see amazing places and meet incredible people, whether they are clients, colleagues or friends in the industry. When you reach out to someone in another country on behalf of your client, it starts as a business relationship, but after a while it truly grows to become a great friendship. With this, we as advisors are able to plan truly unforgettable experiences for our clients. The reward is in knowing that those memories made through their travels will stay with them forever.

How do you think Brownell as a host agency has helped grow your business?

Brownell’s Leadership Team creates a culture of respect that trickles down through every department. When you work in a respectful environment, it creates a culture and community of graciousness. This benefits how Brownell’s team works with one another, how we interact with our industry partners, and in turn how our partners treat our clients. Travel is extremely emotional so having that relationship of trust with our colleagues, our suppliers, and our clients is a recipe for success.

Which aspect of Brownell hosting do you find most valuable in growing your business?

This is hard because there are so many components and tools that Brownell offers to help advisors nurture their businesses.The business reviews help keep me on track, the marketing team helps me stay relevant, and hosting support guarantees it all goes smoothly.  I also can’t live without the air desk and insurance desk!

7 Questions with Anne

What popular destination lives up to the hype?

Cape Town. As a safari specialist, I sell a lot of South Africa.  Some clients think of skipping Cape Town because they don’t think about spending their time in Africa in the city. However, everyone I send comes back so glad they went.

What is the up and coming destination right now?

I am getting new requests for Malta. It’s not just a one day cruise destination any more and we have great partners on the ground who can create incredible experiences.

What is your favorite destination?

I’m a sucker for any country in Africa! Before becoming a travel advisor, I sold luxury safaris for 9 years. I love planning trips all over the world, but Africa will always be my favorite.

What is the best travel advice you’ve ever received?

Make sure you book a fabulous hotel where you can feel guilt free when taking a mid-day nap! The most common mistake we all make is overscheduling. Enjoy that room! Enjoy that spa! The hotel is just as much a part of your travel experience as any tour.

What is your travel motto?

Travel as much as you can, as far as you can, as long as you can. Life’s not meant to be lived in one place.

What is your dream trip?

A Private Jet Trip around the world

What travel trend do you love?

I love that travelers are leaning on travel advisors again! Clients are realizing how valuable having a trusted advisor is no matter where they are traveling. I’ve had many clients say they haven’t used an advisor before, but now that they have they can never go back.

 

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Kelly Millington, Fairfield, CT

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Irene Quisenberry, Tampa, FL

My clients are spoiled because I am part of Brownell

“I found my family when I found Brownell. Just having their name behind me brings enthusiastic greetings (and sometimes hugs) from hoteliers, and suppliers when I first meet a new partner. The support and values are truly outstanding and I couldn’t imagine being with another host agency. My clients are spoiled because I am part of Brownell.”

 

Catherine Parkin, Denver, CO

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Martha King, Richmond, VA

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Jennifer Royster, Clemmons, NC

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Kristen Meckem, Bend, OR

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Stephanie Miller Murphy, Mandeville, LA

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Courtney Regan, San Francisco, CA

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Louisa Gehring, Cincinnati, OH

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Martha King, Signal Mountain,TN

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Kristen Nix, Whitefish, MT

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Kristen Nix, Whitefish, MO

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Suzette Mack, San Jose, CA

The mentoring program was critical

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Katherine Gould, Richmond, VA

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David Ourisman, Berkeley, CA

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Linda Terrill, Atlanta, GA

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Marion Harbison, Chattanooga, TN

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Caroline Wallace, Richmond, VA

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Catherine Whitworth, Athens, GA