I have no problem making specific travel plans, but one of my friends struggles with the process. He needs a travel specialist to assist him in organizing his big trips.

Michele Lindsay is one such travel advisor. The founder of Blue Pointe Travel, Lindsay specializes in cruises but organizes any luxury trip.

In our Talking Travel interview, Lindsay started by explaining her steps to becoming a travel specialist. After doing research, taking classes and getting accreditation, Lindsay was on her way, but she still had to establish herself. With her teaching background, she already had great organizational and leadership abilities.  Starting by helping friends on smaller trips, Lindsay not only built her business but also added to her résumé.

I had to put Lindsay to the test by asking several questions about changes in cruising, the current state of cruises and future trends. With no hesitation, Lindsay delivered a lot of info, easily passing my pop quiz.

Although fully established, Lindsay’s work might be harder and more important now than ever. With the ever-changing world, Lindsay must work diligently to stay updated.

While her career is helping others to their ideal vacation, Lindsay described her ideal trip. When prodded, she did admit a very slight frustration in organizing a trip on her bucket list for someone else, but her satisfaction far outweighs any envy.

Talking Travel is an interview series on Global Traveler. Subscribe to the GT YouTube channel to be notified of all future interviews and other travel-related videos.

— John Wroblewski, podcaster